Our office, as well as the The American Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) all
recommend establishing a "Dental Home" for your child by
one year of age. Children who have a dental home are more
likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral
health care. We do a caries risk assessment and determine a preventative dental plan.
What to Expect
A first visit is a time to get to know one another. You and your child will be introduced to Dr. Lopez and his staff and be led through our cutting edge pediatric dental and orthodontic clinic. We will take extra time with your children to ensure they will be relaxed on this and future visits. We will discuss your immediate needs. All fees and will be discussed in advance. For our patients with insurance, we will let you know ahead of time your estimated payment portion.
Usually, a first visit for a dental patient will include a cleaning followed by x-rays. Dr. Lopez will examine the x-rays of your child’s teeth then discuss with you anything that may need attention.
A first visit for an orthodontic patient will include discussing your child’s unique smile and ways to improve it. Dr. Lopez will discuss cost, treatment time and cases that are similar to yours so that you will have an idea of what is achievable.
It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as "needle","shot", "pull", "drill" or "hurt". The office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.
We invite you to stay with your child during the initial examination. During future appointments, we suggest you allow your child to accompany our staff through the dental experience. We can usually establish a closer rapport with your child when you are not present. Our purpose is to gain your child's confidence and overcome apprehension. However, if you choose, you are more than welcome to accompany your child to the treatment room. For the safety and privacy of all patients, other children who are not being treated should remain in the reception room with a supervising adult.