Kid-Friendly Dentistry at LAA

We are so excited to announce that Dr. Victoria Gill, aka “Dr. Tori”, is joining Lane & Associates as our in-house Pediatric Dentist! Dr. Tori will begin seeing patients in our sister company NCOSO (NC Oral Surgery + Orthodontics) at the Cary St Charles and Durham Miami offices starting August 16th. She will also be accepting Medicaid patients at these locations. 

Pediatric Services Offered 

  • Dental Cleanings, X-rays, and Comprehensive Exams
  • Home Care Guidance
  • Fluoride Treatment
  • Sealants
  • Mouthguards
  • Education and Nutritional Guidance
  • Tooth-colored Crowns
  • Nitrous and Sedation Options
  • Space Maintenance and Appliances
  • Special Health Care Needs

Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment

To learn more about Dr. Tori and schedule an appointment, please visit our Lane Kids Dentistry page or request an appointment through our NCOSO website now!

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

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BABY TEETH MAY BE TEMPORARY, but they’re certainly not “practice teeth.” Your child’s early dental care is so incredibly important! Did you know that your child could be seen at a dentist as early as 12-18 months? That’s why at Lane & Associates we will soon start offering Baby’s First Dental Visits! 

Baby Teeth Are Essential To Future Development

Baby teeth perform many functions, including:

  • Ensuring proper nutrition through chewing and eating
  • Aiding in speech development
  • Holding suitable space for permanent teeth to come in even and healthy
  • Creating the groundwork for good dental habits

 

We’re Experienced Working With Children

Since our launch of our Child’s First Dental Visit program in 2017, there has been an even greater desire from parents to have a ‘Baby’s First Visit’ option. You asked and we listened! Our Baby First Visit Kits will come with a special baby “toothbrush” that they can hold themselves, a cuddly teddy bear, and a free “First Dental Visit” zipper bag!

Our dentists who specialize in Baby Oral Exams are experts when it comes to your child’s dental health. Utilizing training from programs such as BOHP (Baby Oral Health Program) allows our offices to answer any questions you may have about your child’s oral health.

Let Us Know If You Ever Have Questions

We want to be your go-to resource whenever you have questions about your family’s dental care. We look forward to seeing you and your child soon!

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AT WHAT AGE SHOULD YOUR CHILD FIRST VISIT THE DENTIST?

Many parents have asked us “When should I bring my child to see the dentist for the first time?” and we thought it was time to explain.

 

In this article we will review:

  • The best age to bring in your child to the dentist.
  • Some common misconceptions about baby teeth.
  • How to prepare for your first visit.

 

THE BEST AGE FOR FIRST DENTAL APPOINTMENTS

Generally, all children should start seeing the dentist by the age their teeth start coming in. However, most dental and medical professionals recommend seeing the dentist well before. A visit by age 1 may seem young, but it helps set a precedent for your child’s oral health and gets them comfortable around their future dentist. These baby oral exams also give your child the opportunity to explore the surroundings of a dental office and avoids any future development of anxiety. Most children that have not been acclimated to a dental office until they are older have a higher degree of caution and nervousness at the dentist office.

Also, bringing in your child ahead of time allows dental professionals to ensure that your child’s development of baby teeth is coming along as expected. Dentists will examine their mouth, head, and neck so the sooner the child is brought in for an appointment the better.

 

MISCONCEPTIONS

The best course of action in oral health for your child is prevention. Many cases we see of children who present with decay are due to misconceptions about baby teeth. Did you know that baby’s teeth can decay soon after they first appear? This problem is frequently referred to as “Baby Bottle Tooth Decay” which is caused by long time exposure of a child’s teeth to liquids containing sugars and acids. These liquids, such as milk or juice, should be diluted to help with weening the child off of sugary liquids. You can also take a clean wash cloth with water and wipe the gums to prevent any sugars from remaining on the gum surface.

Dentists can also address other issues that present during the development of baby teeth and can recommend special preventative care for: teething irritations, gum disease, or even prolonged thumb-sucking.

 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DENTAL VISIT

First, we suggest checking your child’s dental coverage with your dentist. Signing up for dental benefits at birth will ensure they are covered in time for early screenings.

The first dental visit will consist of a general overview of your child’s oral health. Be sure to bring your insurance card, photo ID, and filled-out paperwork. An examination will include: reviewing your child’s health history, an examination for normal growth and development, checking for cavities, and educating parents on good oral healthcare. This can range from brushing and flossing techniques to fluoride instructions and beyond. At Lane & Associates, we specialize in Baby Oral exams and Child’s First Dental Visits, read more about our specialized care and what our programs have to offer here.

With good oral healthcare you can be certain your child will have a beautiful and healthy smile for life!

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