Dr. Thomas knows that it can sometimes be hard to get your kids excited about their dental health – especially when there are so many things that can distract them from taking the time to brush and floss regularly. It’s important to instill healthy dental habits at a young age – and a big part of that is Dr. Thomas developing trusting relationships with pediatric patients. By doing so, it eases or even eliminates the fear and anxiety that often goes along with kids and the dental chair.
A pediatric dentist is a specialist with extra post-graduate training. Dr. Thomas isn’t a pediatric specialist, but he is a general dentist who enjoys treating children and making visits fun for them. He has had training in pediatric dentistry and is able to provide all the basic services your child will likely need. If he encounters any special or complex problems that would require referral to a specialist, he will be sure to tell you. And many of his patients appreciate the convenience and familiarity of having one dentist who will treat the entire family.
Giving Pediatric Patients a Reason to Smile
By getting your kids comfortable, pain-free treatment early on, you’re showing them that the dentist’s office doesn’t have to be a scary place. As parents, you must set an example by making your dental health a priority, too. Do your best to help them prevent cavities, so that they don’t have to experience shots and fillings until they’re older.
We suggest that you bring your child in for their first appointment when they are two to three years of age. At their first visit, we’ll examine their teeth and mouth to look for any signs of decay and to see if things are developing normally. We may do a cleaning if they are willing. For older children we will complete an examination, take x-rays if indicated and clean their teeth. If your child does have a cavity, we remove the decay with air abrasion rather then a drill. Air abrasion is more comfortable and is not as noisy as a traditional drill.
If you are interested in learning more information about Dr. Thomas’ work with pediatric patients, call or request an appointment online. If you would like to know more about developing healthy dental habits with your child, visit our Dental Tips for Parents page. There is some helpful information there and some videos about brushing and flossing, fluoride varnish, and other topics.