Welcome To Our Office
We are pleased that you have chosen to visit our website and hope you will allow us to take care of the oral health needs of your child. As the only pediatric dental specialists in the Illinois Valley, we are committed to providing children with the highest quality dental care in a gentle, efficient and pleasant manner. You will find that we emphasize preventive dental care since it is the key to good health. Prevention of dental disease is far more enjoyable, less costly and more comfortable for all concerned.
Initial Examinations
At the initial visit we will examine the teeth, gums and other tissues in the mouth and around the face and neck. Radiographs (x-rays) will be taken if indicated, instructions in oral hygiene, geared to the age of the child, will be given and the teeth will be cleaned and receive a fluoride treatment.
We will evaluate the manner in which your child's teeth come together to determine if there is enough room for the permanent teeth and see if any childhood habits, like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting, have caused any harm to the teeth or jaws. During the first visit we will also be able to evaluate the amount of cooperation that we can expect from your child should other treatment be necessary. Your child's doctor will sit down with you at the conclusion of this visit to review the exam findings and answer any questions you might have.
Please note that if your child's first visit to our office is for a specific emergency problem only, we will do whatever we can to relieve his or her pain. A complete examination, as described above, can be scheduled when your child is comfortable.
To Our Moms and Dads
The manner in which parents introduce their child to the dental office is extremely important. Parents who themselves are apprehensive about dental treatment should try not to pass these feelings on to their child. The main point is to let the child know that the pediatric dentists and their staff are health care "helpers" who are interested in, and care about the child's good dental health.
Please do not be upset if your child cries on the first visit. Children are often afraid of anything new or strange and crying is a normal reaction to fear and anxiety. We use a special format and terminology in preparing children for dental treatment and we take pride in the success we have achieved with timid or apprehensive children.
It has been our experience that children respond better in the dental environment when parents are not present. Dental researchers support this view and for this reason we expect parents to remain in the reception room while their children are being treated.
We are looking forward to meeting you and establishing a lasting, positive dental relationship with you and your child.