Pediatric Dentistry

Home 9 Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry Overview

At Elite Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we offer a seamless blend of exceptional dental care and orthodontic solutions at our conveniently located Northern Virginia offices in Fairfax and Falls Church, VA. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive services for children of all ages and abilities, including preventive, restorative and emergency dentistry, pediatric orthodontics, and dental care for patients with special needs. Our highly skilled team creates a warm, child-friendly environment coupled with state-of-the-art technology to ensure a comfortable and effective dental experience. We pride ourselves on our synchronized appointments, allowing busy families to schedule visits to both a pediatric dentist and an orthodontist at the same time and place. With our commitment to quality, convenience, and affordability, we strive to make every child’s journey towards optimal oral health a pleasant experience.

Why Visit a Pediatric Dentist?

A visit to a pediatric dentist (like ours at Elite Pediatric Dentistry) is an essential part of ensuring your child’s overall health and well-being. Pediatric dentists specialize in providing comprehensive oral health care for infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special needs. Their expertise in child behavior and developmental milestones allows them to guide children and their parents through each stage of dental development, from the first tooth to the transition to adult dentistry. Pediatric dentists are trained to identify, prevent and treat dental issues early, reducing the risk of severe dental complications in the future. Regular visits to a pediatric dentist also help acclimatize children to the dental environment, making them less likely to develop dental anxiety. Furthermore, pediatric dentists educate children and their parents about the importance of good oral hygiene habits, including tooth brushing, flossing, and dietary practices, ensuring the longevity of your child’s dental health. Schedule an appointment with  Elite Pediatric Dentistry today.  We look forward to meeting you and your child!

Pediatric Dentistry Services Summary

Your Child’s First Dental Visit

The first dental visit sets the stage for a lifetime of oral health. This initial appointment, typically recommended within six months of the emergence of your child’s first tooth or by their first birthday, allows the pediatric dentist to examine your child’s dental progression and spot any early signs of dental issues. It’s also during this visit that your dentist will provide a comprehensive guide to oral health care at home, including the proper way to clean your child’s teeth and the right time to begin brushing and flossing.

The first dental visit is instrumental in establishing a positive dentist-child relationship. By ensuring this experience is friendly and stress-free, we can alleviate any potential fear or anxiety your child might associate with dental visits. At Elite Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, our team goes the extra mile to create a non-threatening and playful atmosphere, making dental care an enjoyable experience for your child.

Finally, the importance of the first dental visit extends beyond immediate dental care. It is an opportunity for parents to understand the significance of their role in instilling good dental habits in their children. Our team will provide advice and resources to help you encourage a positive attitude towards oral hygiene in your child, setting the foundation for a lifetime of oral health.

State of the Art Technology

Elite Pediatric Dentistry is committed to providing top-tier dental care through the use of state-of-the-art technology. We incorporates a range of state-of-the-art technology tools that contribute to efficient and effective treatments.

Dental Laser

Solea® All-Tissue Dental Laser

The Solea® Dental Laser is a cutting-edge tool that provides nearly painless procedures, reducing the need for anesthesia and making the dental experience more comfortable for children. This technology allows for precision in treating both hard and soft tissues in the mouth.

Canis 014D07 Portable X-ray Source

The Canis Portable X-ray source provides safe and efficient imaging, enabling the dental team to diagnose and plan treatments with greater accuracy. Its portability ensures flexibility and convenience during procedures.

iTero Scanners

The iTero scanners are used for creating highly accurate digital impressions, eliminating the need for traditional molds. These scanners improve the precision of treatments like orthodontics or restorative dentistry and allow for better patient-dentist communication by providing a clear visual of the treatment plan.

Carestream CS 9300 Select Panorex + Cone Beam

Carestream Cs 9300 Select Panorex + Cone Beam

The Carestream CS 9300 Select digital panorex and cone beam system provides detailed 3D images of the teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone in a single scan, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.

Special Needs Dental Care

At Elite Pediatric Dentistry, we offer special needs dental care tailored to children with special needs. Our experienced team provides kind, comfortable, and effective treatments, including dental exams, dental cleanings, and other specialized preventative, restorative, and emergency dental care.

Special Needs Dentistry

Have Questions About Pediatric Dental Care?

How do I get started with pediatric dental care for my child?

Elite Pediatric Dentistry’s treatment coordinators are top notch communicators who love to make the process as simple and easy as possible.  Book online anytime or just give us a call during our daily business hours.

When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?

Not at all. Just give us a call or Book Online. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends: “In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.”

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.
What should I use to clean my baby's teeth?

A toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime.

What should I do if my child has a toothache?

First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen (e.g., Children’s Tylenol) for any pain, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums. Finally, see a dentist as soon as possible.

How can I prevent tooth decay caused by nursing?

Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child’s teeth. Take your child to a pediatric dentist regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The first dental visit should be scheduled by your child’s first birthday.

How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?

A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your pediatric dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health.

Toothpaste: when should we begin using it and how much should we use?

The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. Parents should use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Once children are 3 to 6 years old, then the amount should be increased to a pea-size dollop and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively.  Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.

How do I make my child's diet safe for their teeth?

Make sure your child has a balanced diet, including one serving each of: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat fish and eggs. Limiting the servings of sugars and starches will also aid in protecting your child’s teeth from decay. You can also ask your pediatric dentist to help you select foods that protect your children’s teeth.

How do dental sealants work?

Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.