Start your child’s dental experience off right!
The purpose of the first visit is to build a trusting relationship with your child while laying the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy habits, teeth, and gums.
Along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend that your child’s first dental visit take place by their first birthday. Don’t worry, we don’t expect your child to cooperate at this time! This visit is more for the parents to make sure we get the kids on the right track moving forward. We discuss brushing techniques, habits such as pacifiers and fingers, breastfeeding/bottles, and discuss anticipatory guidance (what to expect in the months/years to come), tailored to your child’s specific needs.
As children get older, you can help make your child’s first visit positive and enjoyable. Be sure to explain how we will “count their teeth” or “check for sparkles…or dinosaurs!” They will be able to pick a favorite movie or TV show (Netflix or Disney Plus) and a toothpaste flavor. We show children what we do before we do it—and most of the time, the children do great! Dr. Marcie and her staff are specially trained to handle fears and anxiety and explain information in a non-threatening way based on a patient’s age. We love putting children (and parents) at ease and will always do our best to keep your child calm and comfortable.
You are welcome and encouraged to accompany your child to their appointments. This gives us the opportunity to communicate directly with you about your child’s dental health. Please let us know if we can do anything to make your child more comfortable…we want them to have the best experience possible!
We look forward to meeting you!
We know you may have lots of questions about your child’s first visit (and that is normal). Below are some of our more commonly asked questions. Be sure to check out our FAQ page if you don’t see what you are looking for below, or feel free to give us a call.
Dr. Marcie will do a visual examination of your child’s teeth and mouth, followed by polishing and scaling to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and under the gum line.
Kids get to choose a fun toothpaste flavor and then sit back to enjoy a kid-friendly movie on the ceiling above them while their teeth are cleaned.
Absolutely! We believe that you are a huge part of the “team” when it comes to your child’s toothcare; and as such, we are 100% on board with you being a part of the visit whenever you like.
Dental X-rays will be taken—only as needed—during routine cleaning appointments to check for cavities in between teeth, survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone disease, evaluate the results of an injury, or plan orthodontic treatment. We will always minimize your child’s radiation exposure by providing 100% digital equipment that uses 90% less radiation than traditional dental X-rays and by prescribing X-rays on an individual basis.
Yes! We work with a variety of children with special needs. We are happy to discuss your situation with you and work with you to determine a plan that works best for your child.
At young dentistry, we believe in putting the right plans in place to avoid future problems. If Dr. Marcie sees any possible challenges ahead for your child, she will discuss options with you to change your course, ensuring problems that can be avoided are. Sounds like a plan right?
Click to the right to explore some more common preventative care options.
Young Dentistry provides BPA-free sealants that safely and effectively protect the biting surfaces of your child’s teeth, where decay is most likely to form. Posterior teeth (the premolars and molars) have pits and fissures that are difficult to clean. Sealants provide a smooth surface so bacteria will not stay in those hard-to-reach grooves. The care of sealants is very important to ensure their efficacy. Frequently chewing gum or hard ice will risk pulling off or fracturing sealants. Additionally, nighttime grinding may also prematurely wear down sealants. We evaluate your child’s sealants at every 6 month recall visit and repair or replace those that are damaged.
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Once your child starts playing competitive sports (such as lacrosse, field hockey, basketball, football, and others etc.) we strongly recommend that they wear a sports mouth guard to protect their adult teeth from fracturing due to trauma. Over-the-counter sports guards are readily available; however, but if you need a more comfortable alternative we are happy to help.
Fluoride… the big debate! We look at every child individually to figure out the and see where they are getting different sources from which they are getting their of fluoride are coming from. Depending on your personal preference and your child’s risk of getting cavities, we will come up with a preventive plan that you are comfortable with. A little bit of fluoride goes will go a long way, and the safety of your child our children is our top priority.
Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that, in the right amount, may help reduce the type of bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities. We will discuss xylitol as an option for your child.
If your child loses a baby tooth early, through decay or injury, their other teeth could shift and begin to fill the vacant space. When your child’s permanent teeth erupt, they may be blocked out. The result is crooked or crowded teeth, difficulties with chewing or speaking, and orthodontic treatment.
To prevent space loss, which is important for proper growth and development, Dr. Marcie will insert a space maintainer to hold the space left by the lost tooth until the permanent tooth emerges. Later, as the permanent tooth emerges, the space maintainer is easily removed.
If you child has a non-nutritive sucking habit such as thumb, fingers, pacifier, lip or tongue sucking that is causing damage to the oral structure (i.e., abnormal shape of mouth, protruding teeth, or bite opening or shifting). If traditional counseling and positive reinforcement strategies are not successful, we can offer many types of custom-made oral appliances to help your child stop these harmful habits. We never make your child feel bad or embarrassed, but instead offer positive encouragement that leaves them feeling empowered and in control, thereby motivating them to want to stop the harmful habit.
Let’s get back to the basics.
It’s important for kids to learn the best way to brush their teeth! Sometimes it’s hard to see where plaque and food build up, so we like to show children how they can see the before-and-after difference in a mirror by having them close closing their teeth after they brush and floss. Now that they can see these areas, we hope that between visits, they will “slow down” and take the time to brush these spots extra good.
At each visit we will also spend time reviewing your child’s dietary intake and daily dental hygiene routines, and encourage healthy eating habits and instruct on proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Don’t worry, we have several options to make this as simple and pain free as possible. To be honest, your child may not even need a filling to repair their cavity. Each scenario is unique, and Dr. Marcie will work with you to determine a solution that is best for your child.
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a non-invasive treatment option for cavities, using topical medicine that is painted on the tooth instead of a more invasive surgical (drill and fill) approach.
We care about the safety of dental materials and do not place mercury containing silver (amalgam) fillings. Instead we place BPA-free white (composite fillings), which are safe and aesthetic.
They look so great that no one will know your child had a cavity!
Young Dentistry uses the latest technology in anesthesia for routine dental fillings – the Single Tooth Anesthesia (STA) System, a computer-controlled injection technology that deposits anesthetic precisely to the tooth through the periodontal ligament. Analgesia can now be gained without having to inject into the gums.
This means kids will hardly feel a thing!
Children have a tendency to bite their lips and even the inside of their cheeks when they are numb from anesthesia. Children also become embarrassed being numb because they can’t speak clearly or smile or drink properly, which may make them feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. Additionally, drooling can become an issue.
We can reverse the “numb feeling” so children can go back to school without feeling funny or injuring themselves.
At young dentistry, we believe in exploring all the possibilities to determine what works best for you and your child. Together we will determine a solution that keeps your child on the path to a healthy happy future.
Click to the right to explore some more common preventative care options.
Dental extraction is a common procedure. Dr. Marcie often “wiggles teeth out” when a child has extensive dental cavities causing pain or infection, dental trauma or for orthodontic reasons.
Most extractions are easy and routine and can be performed within the comfort and familiarity of our office.
If a cavity reaches the nerve in a baby tooth, a procedure called a “pulpotomy” is done to restore the tooth back to health.
The procedure starts by removing the infected pulp tissue within the tooth. A medication is then placed to calm the nerve and prevent bacterial growth, followed by then placement of a filling or crown to seal the tooth.
We offer both stainless steel and white zirconia ceramic crowns.
A crown will cover your child’s tooth and restore it to its natural form, function, and strength. In addition to helping to protect teeth, dental crowns preserve the esthetics of your child’s smile.
We care about the safety of dental materials and do not place mercury containing silver (amalgam) fillings. Instead we place BPA-free white (composite fillings) which are safe and aesthetic. They look so great that no one will know your child has a filling.
We know this can be a concerning topic and we want you to know our team is here to walk you through the process, regardless of the need. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call to discuss any concerns you may have.
Our decision to sedate or not sedate your child would be made solely with the best interest of your child in mind. If sedation is recommended it is because Dr Marcie feels strongly that the risks of performing dentistry while your child is awake would outweigh the inherent risks of sedation.
We partner with Dr. Gershon Fink, a pediatric anesthesiologist, and his team to ensure your child has the best care possible.
Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, reduces pain and, for many procedures, makes local anesthesia unnecessary. and It is often recommended for children that need to undergo a dental procedure that may be uncomfortable or cause fear or anxiety.
Patients with complex medical issues that cannot be safely completed in the dental office setting can be treated at St. Mary’s Hospital. Dr. Marcie has been on staff at St. Mary’s Hospital since 2008.
Since Covid, St Mary’s is not seeing pediatric dental patients at this time. Please call us for more information.
Don’t worry, we are here to help. Emergencies happen and we are here to help you determine the best path for you. Please give us a call, we are available 24/7.
Click to the right to explore some more common preventative care options.
Clean the area around the tooth. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water and use dental floss to remove any trapped food between the teeth. DO NOT place aspirin on the gums or tooth; this will cause a burn to the gum tissues. If there is swelling, apply cold to the outside of the face. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain, and schedule a dental appointment right away.
Some children will get these periodically. Placing vitamin E oil over the area, switching toothpastes, and/or incorporating kefir (a fermented food or drink product that contains probiotics) into your child’s diet can provide relief. If the sores persist or are extreme, see the dentist.
Fold a gauze pad or clean washcloth over the bleeding area. Keep it in place for 15 minutes, then repeat as necessary.
Try to remove the object with dental floss. If you cannot remove it, please come into the office.
Do not move the jaw. Stabilize the jaw by tying a towel, necktie, etc., over the top of the head. Apply cold compresses. Go to an oral surgeon or hospital emergency room immediately.
If there is bleeding apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. Apply an ice compress to the injured area. If bleeding does not stop, go to a hospital emergency room.
If your child’s permanent or primary tooth becomes loose as a result of trauma first check to see if there is any bleeding. Stop the bleeding by applying pressure using a gauze pad or clean washcloth. Dental trauma resulting in loose teeth requires immediate attention by the dentist. Call your child’s dentist for an emergency appointment.
Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown (NOT by the root). If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it in cold water, but DO NOT scrub or handle the root unnecessarily. Try to place the tooth back into the socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting down on a gauze pad or washcloth. If it is not possible to replace the tooth, place the tooth in a cup of milk, or if milk is not available, cool water. Go to the dentist immediately. Time is of the utmost importance for saving the tooth; less than 30 minutes is ideal.
Baby teeth should not be re-implanted, or damage to the permanent tooth follicle could occur. Control any bleeding by applying pressure with a gauze pad or clean wash cloth. Call your child’s dentist and schedule an exam as soon as possible. It is important to evaluate the health of the surrounding teeth and gums.
Gently clean or rinse dirt from the area around the break. Place a cold compress on the face in the area of the broken took to minimize lip or facial swelling. If the fracture is more than one-half of the tooth, see the dentist immediately.
There are a lot of treatment options out there for a lot of different dental needs. We have compiled some of the more relevant treatments and services here to make answers easy to find and help you avoid those (sometimes dangerous) google searches.
Young Dentistry provides BPA-free sealants that safely and effectively protect the biting surfaces of your child’s teeth, where decay is most likely to form. Posterior teeth (the premolars and molars) have pits and fissures that are difficult to clean. Sealants provide a smooth surface so bacteria will not stay in those hard-to-reach grooves. The care of sealants is very important to ensure their efficacy. Frequently chewing gum or hard ice will risk pulling off or fracturing sealants. Additionally, nighttime grinding may also prematurely wear down sealants. We evaluate your child’s sealants at every 6 month recall visit and repair or replace those that are damaged.
Once your child starts playing competitive sports (such as lacrosse, field hockey, basketball, football, and others) we strongly recommend that they wear a sports mouth guard to protect their adult teeth from fracturing due to trauma. Over-the-counter sports guards are readily available; however, if you need a more comfortable alternative we are happy to help.
Fluoride… the big debate! We look at every child individually to figure out thedifferent sources from which they are getting their fluoride. Depending on your personal preference and your child’s risk of getting cavities, we will come up with a preventive plan that you are comfortable with. A little bit of fluoride goes a long way, and the safety of your child is our top priority.
Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that, in the right amount, may help reduce the type of bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities. We will discuss xylitol as an option for your child.
If your child loses a baby tooth early, through decay or injury, their other teeth could shift and begin to fill the vacant space. When your child’s permanent teeth erupt, they may be blocked out. The result is crooked or crowded teeth, difficulties with chewing or speaking, and orthodontic treatment.
To prevent space loss, which is important for proper growth and development, Dr. Marcie will insert a space maintainer to hold the space left by the lost tooth until the permanent tooth emerges. Later, as the permanent tooth emerges, the space maintainer is easily removed.
If you child has a non-nutritive sucking habit such as thumb, fingers, pacifier, lip or tongue sucking that is causing damage to the oral structure (i.e., abnormal shape of mouth, protruding teeth, or bite opening or shifting). If traditional counseling and positive reinforcement strategies are not successful, we can offer many types of custom-made oral appliances to help your child stop these harmful habits. We never make your child feel bad or embarrassed, but instead offer positive encouragement that leaves them feeling empowered and in control, thereby motivating them to want to stop the harmful habit.
Let’s get back to the basics.
It’s important for kids to learn the best way to brush their teeth! Sometimes it’s hard to see where plaque and food build up, so we like to show children how they can see the before-and-after difference in a mirror by having them close closing their teeth after they brush and floss. Now that they can see these areas, we hope that between visits, they will “slow down” and take the time to brush these spots extra good.
At each visit we will also spend time reviewing your child’s dietary intake and daily dental hygiene routines, and encourage healthy eating habits and instruct on proper brushing and flossing techniques.
We care about the safety of dental materials and do not place mercury containing silver (amalgam) fillings. Instead we place BPA-free white (composite fillings), which are safe and aesthetic.
They look so great that no one will know your child had a cavity!
Children have a tendency to bite their lips and even the inside of their cheeks when they are numb from anesthesia. Children also become embarrassed being numb because they can’t speak clearly or smile or drink properly, which may make them feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. Additionally, drooling can become an issue.
We can reverse the “numb feeling” so children can go back to school without feeling funny or injuring themselves.
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a non-invasive treatment option for cavities, using topical medicine that is painted on the tooth instead of a more invasive surgical (drill and fill) approach.
Clean the area around the tooth. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water and use dental floss to remove any trapped food between the teeth. DO NOT place aspirin on the gums or tooth; this will cause a burn to the gum tissues. If there is swelling, apply cold to the outside of the face. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain, and schedule a dental appointment right away.
Some children will get these periodically. Placing vitamin E oil over the area, switching toothpastes, and/or incorporating kefir (a fermented food or drink product that contains probiotics) into your child’s diet can provide relief. If the sores persist or are extreme, see the dentist.
Fold a gauze pad or clean washcloth over the bleeding area. Keep it in place for 15 minutes, then repeat as necessary.
Try to remove the object with dental floss. If you cannot remove it, please come into the office.
Do not move the jaw. Stabilize the jaw by tying a towel, necktie, etc., over the top of the head. Apply cold compresses. Go to an oral surgeon or hospital emergency room immediately.
If there is bleeding apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. Apply an ice compress to the injured area. If bleeding does not stop, go to a hospital emergency room.
If your child’s permanent or primary tooth becomes loose as a result of trauma first check to see if there is any bleeding. Stop the bleeding by applying pressure using a gauze pad or clean washcloth. Dental trauma resulting in loose teeth requires immediate attention by the dentist. Call your child’s dentist for an emergency appointment.
Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown (NOT by the root). If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it in cold water, but DO NOT scrub or handle the root unnecessarily. Try to place the tooth back into the socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting down on a gauze pad or washcloth. If it is not possible to replace the tooth, place the tooth in a cup of milk, or if milk is not available, cool water. Go to the dentist immediately. Time is of the utmost importance for saving the tooth; less than 30 minutes is ideal.
Baby teeth should not be re-implanted, or damage to the permanent tooth follicle could occur. Control any bleeding by applying pressure with a gauze pad or clean wash cloth. Call your child’s dentist and schedule an exam as soon as possible. It is important to evaluate the health of the surrounding teeth and gums.
Gently clean or rinse dirt from the area around the break. Place a cold compress on the face in the area of the broken took to minimize lip or facial swelling. If the fracture is more than one-half of the tooth, see the dentist immediately.
Patients with complex medical issues that cannot be safely completed in the dental office setting can be treated at St. Mary’s Hospital. Dr. Marcie has been on staff at St. Mary’s Hospital since 2008.
Our decision to sedate or not sedate your child would be made solely with the best interest of your child in mind. If sedation is recommended it is because Dr Marcie feels strongly that the risks of performing dentistry while your child is awake would outweigh the inherent risks of sedation.
We partner with Dr. Gershon Fink, a pediatric anesthesiologist, and his team to ensure your child has the best care possible.
Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, reduces pain and, for many procedures, makes local anesthesia unnecessary. and It is often recommended for children that need to undergo a dental procedure that may be uncomfortable or cause fear or anxiety.
Dental extraction is a common procedure. Dr. Marcie often “wiggles teeth out” when a child has extensive dental cavities causing pain or infection, dental trauma or for orthodontic reasons.
Most extractions are easy and routine and can be performed within the comfort and familiarity of our office.
If a cavity reaches the nerve in a baby tooth, a procedure called a “pulpotomy” is done to restore the tooth back to health.
The procedure starts by removing the infected pulp tissue within the tooth. A medication is then placed to calm the nerve and prevent bacterial growth, followed by placement of a filling or crown to seal the tooth.
We offer both stainless steel and white zirconia ceramic crowns.
A crown will cover your child’s tooth and restore it to its natural form, function, and strength. In addition to helping to protect teeth, dental crowns preserve the esthetics of your child’s smile.
We care about the safety of dental materials and do not place mercury containing silver (amalgam) fillings. Instead we place BPA-free white (composite fillings) which are safe and aesthetic. They look so great that no one will know your child has a filling.
Young Dentistry uses the latest technology in anesthesia for routine dental fillings – the Single Tooth Anesthesia (STA) System, a computer-controlled injection technology that deposits anesthetic precisely to the tooth through the periodontal ligament. Analgesia can now be gained without having to inject into the gums.
This means kids will hardly feel a thing!
