First Dental Visit

Dental care for children in loma linda, ca

Your child's first dental visit!

Our belief is first tooth, first visit! Your child’s first dental visit will be what we call a “Meet and Greet”. At your child’s first dental visit you can expect to be given a lot of information about:

preparations for the first dental visit

Before the first dental visit

our knee to knee examination

Your child's comfort is our priority

We expect a certain amount of anxiety and fear at the first visit and a soothing calm approach helps your child relax. We never push the boundaries of comfort for your child and encourage active participation in the exam by sharing with the child what we are doing and what we will be doing next.

With younger (babies and toddlers) children we will do a “knee to knee” examination which means you will hold your child in your lap and lay them back onto the lap of the dentist. With cooperation we will use a toothbrush to remove surface plaque and do a “toothbrush prophy” and use a brush to apply fluoride. Fluoride helps by replenishing the calcium and phosphate ions that make your child’s teeth harder and more protected from dental decay. For older children we will use a rotary tool that uses a fine fluoridated paste to remove stains.

If a restorative procedure is needed, a future appointment will be made so that we may prepare your child for any needed procedures. This way we can alleviate any stress which can lead to fear and anxiety over time. Since we want to have a long and enduring relationship with you and your child(ren) we hope to inspire confidence and trust in our office!

safety and materials

Dental Materials Fact Sheet

Patient health and the safety of dental treatments are primary goal of Loma Linda Children’s Dental Group. Find out everything about the materials we use by clicking the button below.

download brochure

the best payment option for your child

Financial Options

Financial arrangements are discussed during the initial visit. Dr. Wacker and his team are committed to guiding parents in choosing the best payment option for their child’s needs. We accept cash, personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover as well as Care Credit Financing.

We accept all PPO dental plans in which you can choose your dentist. While we are considered an “out of network” provider, our office will do everything possible to help you maximize your dental insurance benefits. As a courtesy, our office will provide you with an estimate of your insurance plan coverage with our office, as well as complete and submit your insurance forms on your behalf. Please note, ultimately you are responsible for all expenses incurred. We urge you to read your insurance plan’s policy so that you are fully aware of coverage and any limitations of the benefits provided.

first visit online patient forms

Save time and fill our patient forms online!

ONLINE FORMS

Your questions, our answers

Frequently Asked Questions about first visits

What is a pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist has an extra two years of specialized training after dental school and is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. The very young, pre-teens and teenagers all need different approaches in dealing with behavior, guiding their growth and development, and helping them avoid future dental problems. With the additional education, pediatric dentists have the training which allows them to offer the most up-to-date and thorough treatment for a wide variety of pediatric dental procedures.

Why are baby teeth important?

It is very important to maintain the health of primary teeth (baby teeth). Neglected cavities can cause pain and infection and it also can lead to problems which affect the developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth are important for (1) proper chewing and eating (2) providing space for permanent teeth and guiding them into position and (3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles.

What can be done about a cut or bitten tongue, lip, or cheek?

Apply ice to the bruised area. If there is bleeding, apply firm pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If we are in the office, you can email or text us a picture of the area so that we may evaluate the severity of the cut. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to the emergency room.

What do I do if my child has a toothache?

Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris. Call our office and make an appointment. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or the aching tooth. If the face is swollen, or if the pain persists contact our office as soon as possible.

trusted and experienced pediatric dentists