Roseville Pediatric Dentists 

Dr. Richard B Knight

The purpose of the first visit is to establish a positive relationship with your child, to evaluate your child’s dental health as a guide to future treatment, and to answer your questions. Our entire staff is dedicated to providing your child with an enjoyable dental experience. You, as parents, play a very important role in preparing your child for the initial visit. First, be completely natural and easy-going when you tell your child about the appointment. Present the visit as an opportunity to meet some new people who are interested in him or her and want to help him or her stay healthy. Second, tell your child that we will "count" the teeth and that we may "brush" or "take pictures" of the teeth. We try to use child-friendly terms and simple explanations to describe dental instruments and procedures. Our intention is to create an atmosphere that is friendly and non-threatening for your child.

If your child’s mouth is to develop and grow properly, the first (primary) teeth must be healthy. Parents are encouraged to be with their child during this and all subsequent visits. Usually during this first visit we:

1.) Examine the erupted teeth for cavities, the gums for infection, and the other mouth tissues for abnormalities ("count the teeth").

2.) Evaluate occlusion (the way teeth come together) and the jaw joint.

3.) Check for sufficient room for the permanent teeth.

4.) Determine the effects of childhood habits (e.g. thumb sucking, pacifiers, bottles, etc.)

5.) May take selected x-rays ("pictures") of the mouth to locate decay, infections in the bone, and position and location of unerupted teeth. To assure that every precaution is taken for the safety of your child during x-ray procedures, we use a digital x-ray system, which supplies less radiation than conventional x-rays. All children wear a lead apron with thyroid collar during x-rays.

6.) Will review preventive measures, such as proper tooth brushing, flossing, fluoride, and diet.

7.) May clean your child’s teeth and apply a topical fluoride treatment, if your child is cooperative.

8.) If your child is suffering from dental pain (toothache, etc.) emergency treatment will be given.

9.) We strive to make this first visit as easy as possible. If your child is not old enough to climb up onto our "bench" seats, we will do a "lap to lap" exam with your  child on your lap.

We follow the guidelines of both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association and recommend that your child come in for the first dental visit around 12 months of age. At the one-year visit, we will do an oral examination with your child on your lap. We will discuss normal growth and development, proper oral hygiene for infants, fluoride supplements, teething, bottle use, pacifier or other finger habits, what to do in case of trauma, and answer any other questions you may have. Children who have their first dental experience when they are very young are likely to have a favorable outlook toward dental care throughout their lives.

We welcome children with special needs to our office.

At the first visit, after the x-rays are interpreted and the examination is completed, your child’s oral health, proposed treatment, number of appointments needed, and your role as a parent in your child’s dental care will be discussed. We will inform you of the estimated treatment fee and the financial plans available.