Pediatric Dentistry in Lancaster, PA

A healthy smile is vital from the earliest stages of life. At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates, we understand that children's dental needs are unique and require a tailored approach. Our practice is dedicated to enhancing and maintaining the oral health of infants, children, and adolescents through a full spectrum of pediatric dental services. Our board-certified dental specialists collaborate closely with each family, ensuring that every young patient receives the personalized care necessary to develop and maintain a vibrant, healthy smile. From preventive care and cavity prevention to restorative procedures, sedation dentistry, and emergency care, we equip children with the tools they need for a lifetime of dental health. By instilling good oral hygiene habits early, we aim to reduce future dental treatments and help children build positive associations with dental visits. Contact our practice in Lancaster, PA today to schedule an appointment and make us your child's dental home.

Pediatric dentistry at Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates offers many advantages that cater to the concerns of children and teens, maintaining their oral health and establishing habits for years of beautiful smiles. Dentistry for children boasts several advantages, such as:

• Detection and prevention of oral issues
• Establishing ideal dental health routines from childhood
• Positive, comfortable dental visits for children
• Ability to record the growth and progression of the patient's jaw and teeth
• Better likelihood of practicing excellent oral health throughout a person's life
• Instructional resources and suggestions for parents pertaining to healthy dental habits for their kids
• Early opportunity to deal with concerns, including tooth decay and misalignment, avoiding more elaborate conditions later in life
• Supporting overall health and wellness of kids by safeguarding dental wellness

Infants, children, and teens should all receive routine care from a qualified dental professional. We recommend that children visit a pediatric dentist for their initial visit before the first tooth erupts, which is generally around the age of 8 – 10 months. After this initial visit, our team will guide you on scheduling regular checkups, with cleanings usually recommended twice a year. We offer comprehensive dental care for children, including emergency services, cavity treatments, extractions, and custom oral appliances. Our dentists are trained to work with children and teens with special needs, medical complexities, and dental anxiety. Each child’s care is personalized to ensure a comfortable and effective experience for a healthy smile.

Every visit to Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates is designed to be a welcoming and calming experience for your family. We strive to foster positive associations with dental care by making appointments enjoyable and free from stress. Our compassionate team takes the time to explain each procedure in detail, ensuring that children are actively involved and comfortable during their visits. We conduct thorough dental assessments, track the development of teeth and jaws, and offer guidance on home care routines. Using X-rays, we can identify any underlying issues that may not be visible during a standard examination. To prevent cavities, we administer fluoride treatments and apply dental sealants. Should any dental concerns arise, our experienced dentists will present the best treatment options, prioritizing your child's comfort and well-being throughout their dental journey.

Our goal is to help reduce your child’s risk of tooth decay and support healthy, confident smiles. Our team provides guidance on preventive care, discussing topics like nutrition, oral hygiene, pacifier use, and potential orthodontic needs. We recommend a personalized plan with cleanings and exams twice a year, along with any additional procedures as needed. Our practice is family-friendly and can schedule multiple preventive visits at once to accommodate busy families. No matter your child’s dental needs, our compassionate team is dedicated to supporting a healthy smile for life.

Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates proudly accepts a variety of PPO dental plans and offers the convenience of filing your insurance claims on your behalf. Before beginning any procedures, our team will thoroughly review your insurance coverage and provide you with an estimate of potential out-of-pocket expenses. Understanding the importance of affordability in pediatric dental care, we provide multiple payment options, including flexible financing plans through CareCredit® services, to ensure that dental care is accessible for your family.

How is a pediatric dentist different from other dentists?
A pediatric dentist specifically focuses on dentistry for children and their unique needs. Our pediatric dentists have a passion for working with children and want to create a positive atmosphere during each visit so that your child feels comfortable and safe when visiting our office.

What happens during my child’s first visit to the dentist?
In most cases, a child's first visit to the dentist will be quick and easy. We will begin with getting to know your child and providing you with basic information on proper dental care for children. Our team will check the placement of your child's teeth for any potential issues and clean their teeth if necessary. If you are seeking a pediatric dentist for your child in Lancaster, PA, call our office to schedule an appointment!

How can I prepare my child for their first dental appointment?
Children often recognize the feelings of adults, including the negative ones. Keeping a positive attitude about your child's first visit to the dentist is one of the best and easiest ways to help your child have a great first experience. We recommend showing your child pictures of the dentist they'll be seeing and of our office so they can start to familiarize themselves with their surroundings. Our team of pediatric dentists is specially trained to work with children and handle any of their dental fears and anxieties to help make this a positive experience.

Are baby teeth really that important?
Absolutely, baby teeth are very important as they aid in proper chewing and eating, provide space for the permanent teeth and guide them into the correct position, and support the development of clear speech in children.

Is thumbsucking bad for my child?
Thumbsucking is a natural reflex for children, but if it persists beyond the ages of 3 – 4, it may lead to dental problems such as misaligned teeth or an improper bite, necessitating a discussion with your pediatric dentist.

When should my child stop seeing a pediatric dentist?
While there is no set age, your child should typically transition from a pediatric dentist to a general dentist during their late teens, around the ages of 18 – 21. This transition period is ideal because, by this time, most of their permanent teeth have erupted, and their dental needs may start to align more closely with adult dentistry. Additionally, this age range often coincides with significant life changes, such as going off to college or entering the workforce, making it a natural time to make the switch.

Help your child enjoy the benefits of a healthy smile early in life and minimize future treatment needs. Our Lancaster, PA pediatric practice has been serving the smiles of children since 1985 with outstanding personalized dental care. Each of our board-certified pediatric dentists understands the unique needs of young patients and is passionate about helping children of all ages enjoy strong, healthy teeth. To reserve an appointment at Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates, contact our friendly team today.