Safe, Comfortable, and Easy Pediatric Dental Care in Connecticut

We provide dental care for all children, including those who need a little extra time and attention, in a professional, comfortabe atmosphere.
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Safe, Comfortable, and Easy Pediatric Dental Care in Connecticut
Pediatric Dentistry

Why Pediatric Dentistry?

Regular dental care ensures that your child’s smile stays healthy through the years. Establishing a dental home for your child allows you to teach preventive dental health habits that protect your child from a dental/oral disease. Here are some important things to know about pediatric dentistry:

  • New research suggests a link between dental health and overall health, making it even more critical to develop good habits at a young age.
  • Pediatric dentistry is comprehensive dental care that focuses on the prevention, early detection, and treatment of dental diseases.
  • Pediatric dentists (pedodontists) must complete an additional two years of specialty training in child psychology after completing the required four years of dental school. This specialized program of study and hands-on experience prepares pediatric dentists to meet the unique needs to infants, children, and adolescents, including people with special health care needs.

What to Expect

BeforeTreatment

Our goal is to provide a positive experience through comprehensive dental care for infants, children, and adolescents in a friendly and safe environment, focusing on prevention and education. We will always do our best to make sure that your child is comfortable in a dental setting, working to ensure that the common fear of the dentist isn't something you'll have to worry about. Talking with your child about going to the dentist is always a great idea before their first dental treatment.

DuringTreatment

With the latest equipment and materials, including digital x-rays, which minimize radiation exposure, to our warm, welcoming environment, our pediatric dental services ensure that your child has the best dental and oral care experience possible. Some of our pediatric dentistry services include:

  • Oral health
  • Cleanings
  • Fluoride treatments
  • Dental sealants
  • Digital x-rays
  • Tooth-colored fillings
  • Anticipatory guidance
  • Nutrition and diet counseling
  • Crowns
  • Orthodontics
  • Emergency care, including tooth pain relief and trauma management

AfterTreatment

After dental treatment, it is normal for your child to feel anxious or experience minor pain or discomfort. Feeding them soft foods, encouraging them to drink plenty of liquids and get adequate rest is crucial to ensuring that they feel better – even if they just went in for a cleaning.

Your First Visit

During the first visit and every dental visit, your child is treated with kindness and patience. We build a personal relationship with your child to lay a foundation for good oral hygiene habits. We believe that trust and a positive attitude towards dental health begin on the first visit while we learn about your child’s needs and previous dental experience. Our dental team understands that every child is different, and we tailor our approach accordingly. 
Modern Dentistry

Modern Dentistry

All the latest technology can be found at both our Groton and Willimantic dental offices.
Judgment-Free Office

Judgment-Free Office

We're here to help you feel confident in your smile. We provide a safe, judge-free zone for any dental issue or concern you have.
On Your Schedule

On Your Schedule

Taking care of your dental health should fit within your schedule. We are open late and on weekends so you can get the care you need.

Insurance
and Financing

Are you worried about the cost of a visit to get partial or full dentures? Don't panic. We work with over 200 dental insurance plans and offer flexible payment plans for your convenience.

No Insurance?
No Problem.

Making An Appointment Is Easy

Don't have insurance? That's not a problem with us. We offer payment plans and accept most major credit cards, personal checks, and more.
Ask Us
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fluoride treatment, and does my child need one?

Treatment with fluoride is an effective way to strengthen your tooth's enamel. It takes a few minutes to apply a fluoridated varnish or gel that has a higher concentration of fluoride than over-the-counter products. Your hygienist can apply the product with a soft brush. After application, you should not brush or floss for 4 to 6 hours afterward, and not eat for a few hours. Drinking can resume immediately. The American Dental Association recommends fluoride treatments for adults as well as children. Speak to your dentist about how fluoride can help you achieve optimal dental health.

Fluoride varnish is applied with a soft brush and you will not be able to eat or drink for a few hours afterward. A fluoride gel takes 4 minutes to be applied, and you should avoid eating and drinking for 30 minutes after treatment.

When Should My Child Have Their First Dental Appointment?

The timing for baby teeth differs for each individual but all 20 baby teeth are usually in by 3 years of age. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child goes to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts. Primary teeth typically begin growing at around six months of age. Baby teeth are just as susceptible to cavities as adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost early, the permanent teeth can drift into the empty space and make it difficult for other adult teeth to find room. Proper oral hygiene is essential as soon as your baby is born and it is critical to establish good oral health habits early.

When should my child have dental x-rays taken?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association has guidelines to determine when and how often children should have x-rays. The dentist will use his or her clinical judgment, using these guidelines, after a thorough review of your child's health history and a clinical exam. Your child's first dental appointment can be by age 1 or 6 months from the first tooth eruption.