When working with children who are anxious or fearful of the dentist, Dr. Ross and Dr. Blaskovich start by establishing a relationship with the child. By getting to know your kid’s interests and personality, we hope to make them feel at home in our office. We’ll always check in with parents to ask about anything we should know before starting an appointment.
We welcome parents to join their children in our pediatric dental clinic, but we also encourage kids to come back for their appointment on their own while mom or dad wait in the waiting room. At Pueblo West, we think that one-on-one appointments are a great way to build confidence and trust between doctor and patient. If your son or daughter is ready to become more independent, the dentist’s office is a great place to start.
Some of the most common procedures that we perform for children are cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Regular cleanings are a great way to get your child into the routine of visiting the dentist. These relatively comfortable appointments are also a good way to warm kids up to the idea of the dentist’s office and erode any fear or discomfort.
During cleanings, we’ll talk to your child about how they can protect their teeth at home. Education is a vital component of pediatric dental care. Teaching them how to brush and floss sets them up for success and great oral health down the road.
Fillings and extractions are also common, especially for children who have cavities or crowded teeth. In terms of cosmetic dentistry, we fit many kids and teens for clear aligners.
Wondering how to make dental appointments less intimidating for your child? Our biggest piece of advice to parents and guardians is to start bringing your child in at an early age. If they become familiar with the dentist’s office at a young age, they’re less likely to experience fear or anxiety when their next appointment rolls around.
General guidelines suggest that you should start bringing your child to the dentist about six months after their first tooth erupts. This usually brings children into our office for their first appointment at around twelve months old.
With children this young, we typically perform just a simple exam. Depending on how many teeth your child has, we might also perform a light cleaning. These low-stakes, pain-free appointments are a wonderful way to introduce young children to the dentist.
At Pueblo West Neighborhood Dental and Implants, our entire team is dedicated to creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere. We understand that young patients have different needs than adult patients. We work with your child to create a positive pediatric dental care experience.
Oral hygiene is one of the most important habits to maintain throughout your life. Help your child build a strong foundation by scheduling an appointment at our pediatric dental clinic today. With over 20 years of experience in family dentistry, we’re confident that we can deliver the care that you need.
