Children’s Dentistry in Sandpoint, Idaho
We see children and adults in the same practice, which for most families is the practical answer.
One office, one set of appointments, and the same people looking after everyone.
When to bring your child in
About age three is a good time for a first visit. Often it is not a cleaning at all. We see whether your child will sit in the chair, show them some of the tools that we use, and see whether they will let the dentist take a look. We call this a happy visit.
Younger children are welcome to come along to a parent’s appointment. Watching while nothing happens to them is often the easiest introduction there is.
Children who are with a pediatric office usually come to us around twelve or thirteen, when braces come into the picture and there is more buildup on the teeth, so their cleanings are done by a hygienist.
If there are any concerns, a chip, a spot on a tooth, a knock to the mouth, Dr. House or Dr. Prins are happy to see your child at any time. We would rather look early than wait for the next checkup.
Do you need a pediatric dentist?
Sometimes, and it is a fair question to ask.
A pediatric dentist is a specialist who has completed additional residency training after dental school, focused entirely on treating children. We are a general and family dental practice. We see children alongside their parents and grandparents.
For most children, routine care such as checkups, cleanings and fillings is exactly what a general dentist does. Where a child has complex needs, a medical condition affecting their dental care, or anxiety that needs specialist handling, a pediatric dentist is the better place to be, and we will say so and help you find the right person.
We would rather tell you that up front than have you find out later.
What we do for children
Checkups and digital X-rays. Our exams go beyond a look around. When X-rays are needed, we use digital imaging to see what a visual exam cannot, and catch problems while they are still small.
Cleanings. Gentle cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, followed by a polish. A fluoride varnish treatment is available as part of this, which is one of the more effective ways of protecting young teeth against decay.
Dental sealants. A thin protective coating painted into the grooves of the back teeth, where a toothbrush struggles to reach and most childhood cavities start. Placing one is quick and painless, with no drilling and no numbing. Usually the first molars between ages six and eight, and the second molars after age twelve.
Tooth-colored fillings. If a cavity does need filling, we place composite resin fillings, which are matched to the color of the tooth and bonded in place.
We do not place dental amalgam, the silver-colored material used in older fillings. For a lot of parents that is the first question they ask, so it is worth saying plainly.
A first visit
An early visit is meant to be an easy one. Counting teeth, a gentle look, a ride in the chair.
If your child is nervous, it helps to let us know when you book. Bring a favorite toy or a blanket, anything from home that makes the chair feel easier. There is a toy box in the office too, so there may be a little surprise waiting after the appointment.
Whether a parent comes back to the room depends on the child. Some children do better on their own, and if yours is willing to come back with us, that is usually what we suggest. If having you in the room is what settles them, come with us.
Next step
If you are looking for a dentist for your children in Sandpoint, or you would like the whole family in one place, we are happy to see you.
Call (208) 263-6806 to book, or use our contact page.
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