New experiences can be nerve-racking, so we focus the first visit on getting to know your child, their medical and dental history, and their likes/dislikes. Our team will walk and talk through each step of the visit to gain their trust and confidence. To help alleviate any stress, parents and guardians are always invited to sit in on appointments. Your child’s comfort is our utmost concern, so we welcome all children, including those who may require special attention and specialized care. At the time you schedule your child’s first visit, please let us know of any special circumstances so we can be attentive to your child’s unique needs.
Viera Pediatric Dentistry is proud to serve families with disabilities and special needs. We believe in a family-oriented approach to dental care. No one understands your child’s needs more than you, and we will work with you to determine the best approach at our office. Our goal is to prioritize a good experience for all children at their dental visit. We work with children with a variety of special needs, which include: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Sensory Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, developmental delays, learning disabilities, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, rare genetic disorders and auditory/visual impairments. Please call us ahead of time to help us accommodate your child. We want to hear how we can best serve them and alter the environment of our practice to ensure a successful visit.
We welcome parents to accompany their children while touring the office, and during their visits. Should your child need your comfort, we will gladly invite you into the treatment room where your presence can be reassuring. We kindly request that parents act as a silent support system, this again allows for the patient to interact with Dr. Patel and her team in a trusting manner with clear instructions and encouragement. Parents are not allowed in the room during IV sedation visits (using a pediatric anesthesiologist) to ensure all of our attention is focused on your child’s health and safety.
Be enthusiastic about the appointment to prime your child for a positive experience and if you have any dental anxiety, please do not share that with your child. Allow our staff to talk through any procedures during the appointment instead of trying to explain it to them yourself – we use kid friendly terminology that helps them understand. Brief us on any of your child’s specific fears or concerns so we can be prepared. Tour our office to familiarize yourself and your child with the space before their appointment. As always, call us if you have any particular concerns or requests for your child’s visit!
The AAPD recommeds establishing a dental home for your child once the first tooth appears or no later his/her first birthday in order to prevent dental problems.
Our staff will greet you and get to know you and your child so we know how to approach their individualized care. Usually the first visit will involve getting your child acquainted with the office, take any necessary x-rays, complete a cleaning and do a full head and neck examination. If any treatment is needed we will then give you an estimate of insurance coverage and discuss options for treatment. You will definitely have the opportunity to ask any questions so please bring in a list so we can be sure to address all of them! Please understand that an infant or toddler first dental visit is very different than what an adult is accustomed to at the dentist. Much of the appointment is a comfortable conversation between the dentist and child’s parent or guardian discussing the oral hygiene routine at home and patient’s diet.
For routine appointments, we kindly request you arrive 10 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment time. There is plenty of room for your child to play and enjoy the reception area and for you to take a break from your busy day! We understand traffic and life can cause unexpected delays; please notify our office if you are running late for your appointment. We reserve the right to reschedule if the patient arrives 15 minutes or more beyond their scheduled appointment time.
Primary, or “baby”, teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.
Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft, infant toothbrush or cloth and water. Parents should use a tiny smear/grain of rice sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt with a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush.