At our office, we dedicate ourselves to providing you with exceptional pediatric dental care. We make every effort to ensure that you and your child experience exceptional quality care. We want to help your child obtain optimum dental health that will last a lifetime.
FIRST VISIT
Before bringing your child to Dr. Sethi's office for the first time, please prepare him or her for this new and exciting experience. For young children, there are several excellent children's stories about visiting the dentist. One of our personal favorites is "Barney Goes To The Dentist." Please discuss the positive aspects of dentistry with your child. Convey good feelings about going to the dentist and that dental visits are a normal part of growing up. Please do not say, "Dr. Sethi will not hurt you." Instead you can state, "Dr. Sethi is going to show you lots of new and fun things to make your teeth sparkle."
When you schedule your child's first appointment, you will complete patient registration and health history forms. Many first visits are nothing more than introductory ice-breakers to acquaint your child with Dr. Sethi and our staff. If your child is frightened, uncomfortable or non-cooperative a rescheduling may be necessary. Patience and calm on the part of the parent and reassuring communication with your child are very important in these instances. Short, successive visits are meant to build your child's trust in Dr. Sethi and our pediatric dental office, and can prove invaluable if your child needs to be treated later for any dental problem.
Appointments for younger children should always be scheduled earlier in the day, when your child is alert and fresh. For children under 2 years of age you may have to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination. Also, parents may be asked to wait in the reception area so that we can be built a rapport with your child.
If your child is compliant, the first visit may include the following, depending on age and indication:
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A gentle but thorough examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues to monitor growth and development and observe any problem areas
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If indicated, a gently cleaning which includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar build-up and stains; X-rays; a demonstration of proper home cleaning; assessment of the need for fluoride
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After Dr. Sethi has thoroughly assessed your child's findings, she will prepare a personalized treatment plan for your child's dental needs. Although no restorative work is performed at this fist visit, emergency treatment may be rendered as indicated. Dr. Sethi will be able to answer any questions you have and try to make you and your child feel comfortable throughout the visit. The goal of our entire dental team is to provide a relaxed, non-threatening, welcoming environment for your child.
Please do not be upset if your child cries. Children are often afraid of anything new and crying is a normal reaction. Please permit our pediatric dental team the time to develop a trusting relationship with your child. After the first visit, encourage your child to be more independent and allow us the privilege of bringing him or her into the treatment area on their own.
If a child's mouth is to develop and grow properly, the primary (baby) teeth must be healthy. Please realize that radiographs (x-rays) are essential for Dr. Sethi to thoroughly examine the dental health of your child as well as properly diagnose any abnormalities. In addition, a special panoramic x-ray may be taken at various stages of your child's development to determine the position and growth of your child's teeth and bones. Radiographs are always kept to a minimum, taken with several precautions and performed only when necessary.
PREVENTION VISITS
We hope you share in our belief that regular preventive dental health care is a sound investment. Dr. Sethi recommends that your child be seen approximately every 6 months for a prevention visit or check up. At these visits, you will be asked to update your child's medical and dental history, medications, etc. that have changed since your child's last visit. Ask Dr. Sethi how she can help you keep your child cavity-free.
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