Answers to common questions from parents about pediatric dental care.
Along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend scheduling your child's first dental visit by their first birthday. Early visits help establish a rapport and set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chances of preventing problems.
We give you and your child a guided tour of our office. We review medical history and discuss any concerns. Our team demonstrates dental instruments in a gentle, fun way — then a comprehensive exam, cleaning, fluoride, and possibly x-rays. Your child goes home with a goody bag including a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, sticker, and a special reward!
Pediatric dentists have 2-3 additional years of training at university pediatric facilities beyond dental school. They learn behavioral aspects of children, how to make them comfortable, and to make the experience pleasant. They are also trained to treat special needs patients. Some (including Dr. Sharma) also practiced general dentistry, giving them a unique perspective.
Primary teeth help with proper chewing, speech development, and appearance. They allow normal development of jaw bones and muscles, save space for permanent teeth, and guide them into place. If lost too early, permanent teeth may come in crooked. Decayed baby teeth can cause pain, abscesses, and infections. Some primary molars aren't replaced until age 10-14!
Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by staying on the bottle too long. About 40% of children ages 2-3 have at least mild gum inflammation. Oral habits like thumb-sucking should be checked early. Strong, healthy teeth help your child chew easily, speak clearly, and feel confident about their smile.
Prepare them like for a first haircut — keep it positive and simple. If you're nervous, the less you say the better — children sense anxiety! Avoid words like "needle," "shot," "drill," or "hurt." Our team explains everything positively. We send an activity/coloring book before the appointment.
Yes! We accept most dental plans, Medicaid, and PeachCare. We also offer CareCredit financing with no-interest plans for 3, 6, 12, and 18 months, plus extended options for 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. Don't let cost keep your child from great care.
We use state-of-the-art sterilization. After each patient, treatment areas are thoroughly disinfected. All non-disposable instruments are ultrasonically cleaned and heat sterilized. Our staff wears gloves, masks, and full PPE. Feel free to tour our sterilization area!
Schedule a visit today and see why families across North Georgia trust us with their children's dental care.