What is pediatric dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry is the practice of helping children, teens, and those with special needs achieve the best oral health they can.
Why choose a pediatric dentist?
When choosing a pediatric dentist, look for an experienced, compassionate provider who continues learning and improving throughout their career.
During their training in the field of pediatric dentistry, Dr. Hardin and Dr. Sohn gained extensive knowledge and experience in treating infants, children, and adolescents. As your trusted Chapel Hill pediatric dentists, they enjoy working with children, and bringing to each patient their expertise in childhood development and behavior.
Because Franklin Street Pediatric Dentistry is geared toward young visitors, you'll find that our staff, as well as our office design, decorations, and activities all work together to provide an especially friendly and comfortable environment for children.
We strive to maintain a positive, caring, and nurturing environment for our patients and are confident in our dental knowledge and skills. We are committed to continual learning by attending many continuing educations courses. Our entire team works hard to practice with high clinical and ethical standards.
Why is visiting the dentist so important for children?
Visiting the dentist is an integral part having a healthy body. Your teeth and mouth are a very important part of your overall health. Being able to smile, eat, and speak with confidence is a wonderful thing!
Although they don’t last as long as permanent teeth, your child’s first teeth play an important role in development. While they’re in place, these primary teeth help your little one speak, smile, and chew properly. They also hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth.
What’s involved in the first visit?
The first visit to Franklin Street Pediatric Dentistry is important to establish a healthy and trusting relationship between patient, dentist, and parent. This is the first step and creating a dental home. Once established, your child’s dental home is available for all dental needs, especially emergency needs.
Your child’s first appointment is usually short and simple. In most cases, we focus on getting to know your child and giving you some basic information about dental care. Dr. Hardin, Dr. Sohn and your hygienist will check your child’s teeth for placement and health, and will look for any potential problems with the gums and jaw. If necessary, we may do a bit of cleaning. We will also answer any questions you have about how to care for your child’s teeth as they develop, and provide you with materials containing helpful tips that you can refer to at home.
How can I maintain my child’s oral health between visits?
The best things you as a patient can do to maintain your child’s oral health between visits are to continue good oral hygiene habits and pay attention to their diet. At this stage of development, it is essential to make food and beverage choices that are good for their teeth and over wellness.
What services do you offer?
We specialize in treating children from infants to age 18. We treat all manner of dental issues in children and work with a group of excellent specialists in cases that require a different specialty. Our most common procedures include:
- Prevention with cleanings, sealants, and fluoride
- Laser treatment of cavities (does not typically require local anesthesia)
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Tooth-colored and stainless steel crowns
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation
- Deep sedation with a dental anesthesiologist