We pride ourselves on being a family-friendly practice. Establishing good dental treatment experiences early on in a child’s life is crucial in building their lifelong trust in dentists. Dr. Tonkin will ensure that your child’s appointments are quick, easy and pleasant visits!
Here are some things to know as you plan for your child(s) dental care:
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association (ADA) and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend a dental visit for children before their first birthday. Baby teeth usually appear between 6-12 months. They can rapidly decay if not cared for adequately due to their thin enamel. While being often neglected due to their “temporary” nature, they are extremely important. Caries (tooth decay) can be painful and cause difficulty eating, it can cause an abscess which may lead to emergency visits and extensive restorations. In some cases, need for extractions are required and could create future tooth alignment (orthodontic) issues and difficulties with speech. Premature tooth loss can affect the child’s overall health and development.
Dr. Tonkin loves treating children and the whole family. Most children do not need the specialized care of a pediatric dentist and will do extremely well in the same office where their parents are treated! Another nice aspect for children is that Dr. Tonkin can continue their care even after their 18th birthday.