FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Why choose a pediatric dentist over a “regular” dentist?
Following dental school, the Lasky Pediatric Dental Group dentists have undergone an additional two years of training that focused on the specific issues involved with younger patients. We believe that we are uniquely qualified in the areas of the growth and development of their teeth and jaws, orthodontics, sedation dentistry, and how to treat the anxious patient or one with special health needs.
2. When’s the best time to bring my child in for their first dental exam with a pediatric dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends that your child sees a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts. These early visits are used to look at the child’s mouth and discuss any concerns you as the parent may have. We will discuss the best ways to brush your child’s teeth, which areas you might be missing, create a personalized hygiene program, review your child’s individual, diet, habits (thumb, finger or pacifier), decay potential, and how often your child should see the dentist.
3. What to expect at your child’s first visit to our office?
Depending on the age of your child, you can expect an examination, cleaning, and, if necessary, fluoride treatment. These procedures can be done many different ways, depending on the cooperation level of the child. In fact, we will even examine a child’s mouth in our waiting room sitting on his or her parent’s lap.
At each subsequent visit, your pediatric dentist will assess the child’s needs and anxiety level and alter the treatment accordingly to make the visit a pleasant one and allay any fears.
4. If my child hurts his mouth outside of regular business hours what should we do?
The Lasky Pediatric Dental Group is here for you 24 hours a day – 7 days a week and we have a special after hours emergency number 818-213-1087 to be used in case of a dental emergency.
It is important that you call us as soon as you can – again, at any time day or night – if you are unsure how to care for your child’s injury. And while many pediatric dental situations can be assessed and handled over the phone, we will determine at that time if your child needs to be seen immediately or if you can wait to see us the next business day.