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Pediatric Dentistry
We Care about Your Child's Oral Health

Your child's long-term oral health is important to us and to you. Let's work together.

Pediatric Dentistry | Dentist
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Pediatric Dentistry

We believe in dentistry for the whole family, and that includes your youngest family members.

Our office begins seeing children at a young age to promote a healthy foundation for excellent dental health right from the start, and we also work with parents on techniques and education so that they have the tools to succeed when it comes to oral care for their kids.

Your Child’s First Visit

At your child’s first visit, we will help familiarize them with our dental office so they feel comfortable. We will show them their teeth in the mirror, take them for a ride in the chair, and brush their teeth. That way, when it is time for their dental cleanings and other regular care to start, everything is familiar.

Preventive Care

We believe all great dental health begins with an excellent preventive routine. That is why we work with parents to create a successful home care regimen including brushing and flossing, avoiding sugary treats, and eating a good diet to promote healthy teeth and gums.

We complement excellent home care with routine examinations and cleaning appointments. If necessary, we can also offer additional preventive treatments such as fluoride and sealants to keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a plastic coating that we apply to your child’s teeth to prevent decay. If your child is at high risk for decay or has particularly deep grooves in their teeth, we can apply dental sealants to keep food and bacteria from settling in those grooves where brushing and flossing cannot reach.

Dental sealants are less expensive and less invasive than fillings. They can last for up to five years and can be replaced once they wear off.

Gentle Treatments

For most kids, some dental treatment eventually becomes necessary. We are both compassionate and gentle in our approach to treating children.

We know how important it is to make sure they are comfortable and do not experience dental anxiety. That is why when we treat children, we speak to them in terms they will understand and let them know what we will be doing. That way, their treatment is more effective and less scary.

If you would like to schedule an appointment for your child, give us a call. We are pleased to serve your entire family and to provide you with excellent, personalized dental care.

Dr. Shelby and her staff are amazing!

“We brought our 5 year old daughter in for fillings, and I was so impressed! They are warm and welcoming, and Dr. Shelby is incredible with the kids. Everyone I see there leaves with smiles on their faces, and my kids absolutely love going to see her!"

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. A child who has a tough time sitting still will need additional support in getting used to the dental office. We can help them become familiar with the surroundings so that when it is time for their dental cleaning, they will be used to our office and the environment.

Both your pediatric specialist and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) state that your child's dental visit should be at one year of age, or at least six months after the first tooth comes in. There are many reasons to start dental care early on such as:

  • It allows your pediatric dentist to begin monitoring your son or daughter's oral health and development so they can detect any concerns at an early stage.
  • It helps your child acclimate to visiting the dentist and to understand that it's a safe and welcoming place.
  • This is an excellent time to ask questions about your son or daughter's oral development so you can make the most of your routine at home.

You can prepare your child for his or her dental visits by talking about it beforehand in a positive way. Reading books or stories to them about visiting the dentist can also be helpful in preparing them for what's going to happen during their appointment. You might also consider bringing your child along with you to your cleaning and checkup so they can see what visiting the dentist is like. 

We are happy to help! Contact our office for more information on preparing your son or daughter for their first dental visit.

Many people feel fearful about visiting the dentist, and your child is not alone. Many adults who suffer from dental anxiety report that it's from a bad experience they had at the dentist as a child.

There are a few things you can do to help prepare your child for their dental visits:

  • Talk about the dentist in a positive way. Even if you have dental anxiety, be careful not to project your fear onto your child.
  • Read stories or color pictures about the dentist, and even role-play visiting the dentist with their stuffed animals or toys.
  • Consider bringing your son or daughter with you to the dentist when you have your next appointment. This allows them to see what it's like at the dental office.

You can also speak with your pediatric dentist about solutions they offer for relieving dental anxiety at their practice. There are options for sedation dentistry such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) that can help your child feel at ease during most types of procedures. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your pediatric dentist before your child arrives for their appointment so you can have an effective plan in place to create a positive experience.

Meet Our Doctor:

Shelby Smith DDS, MS
Pediatric Dentist and Orthodontist

To Educate, Empower, and Inspire.

Dr. Shelby Smith received her DDS degree at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 1990. Having found her joy in working with children, she went on to UCLA, where she earned her Masters in Oral Biology and took specialty training in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry. While there, she also completed a fellowship in treating children with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.

Moving back to her hometown after college, she began practicing in Antioch in 1993, specializing in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics for the past 29 years. Wanting ...

Pediatric Dentistry Technology

Dental Anesthesia Reversal

One of our favorite new products is a numbing reversal compound called OraVerse.  This is a local anesthesia reversal agent that accelerates the return to normal sensation and function for patients after routine dental procedures.  A formulation of phentolamine mesylate, it is recommended for children age 3 and older, and weighing 33 pounds or more.  OraVerse is administered the same way as local anesthetic but the thing to remember is that your child won’t feel the injection because they are already numb.

The patients in our practice who have opted for the product after their treatment have responded well.  100% of the trials in our practice have indicated a far faster recovery from numbness.  Most indicated numbness completely relieved in less than 1 hour and sometimes as fast as 30 minutes. Cost in our office is only $25, although many patients expressed that they would pay triple that amount because they loved the quick results. At your next dental appointment, ask if OraVerse will be a good option for your child.

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