Answers to the questions parents ask us most.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting. Early visits establish a dental home and let us catch potential issues before they become problems.
We recommend visits every six months for most children. Some children with higher risk for cavities may benefit from more frequent visits.
Pediatric dentists complete 2 to 3 years of additional training beyond dental school, focused exclusively on treating children from infancy through the teen years. Our office, tools, and communication style are all designed specifically for kids.
Keep the conversation positive and simple. Avoid using words like "pain" or "shot." Read books about dental visits. And most importantly, start early. Children who begin dental visits young tend to be much more comfortable.
Call us right away at (540) 699-2441. We offer same-day emergency appointments for toothaches, knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, and other urgent dental issues.
Yes. We use digital X-rays that produce up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays. We also use lead aprons and only take X-rays when clinically necessary.
Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They block food and bacteria from getting into the deep grooves where cavities often start. The CDC reports that sealants prevent 80% of cavities in back teeth.
Yes. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and general anesthesia depending on your child's needs and the procedure being performed. Safety is always our top priority.
Baby teeth matter. They hold space for adult teeth, help with speech and chewing, and affect your child's confidence. We treat cavities in baby teeth with gentle fillings to prevent infection and further decay.
We accept most major dental insurance plans including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, United Concordia, Guardian, and many others. Contact our office to verify your specific plan.
We believe every child deserves great dental care. We offer affordable self-pay rates and can discuss payment options with you. We also accept Medicaid and CHIP.
Yes. We proudly accept Virginia Medicaid and CHIP for pediatric dental care.
We are happy to provide cost estimates before any treatment. Just call our office or ask at your visit, and we will walk you through expected costs and insurance coverage.