Pediatric dental care focuses on treating kids from birth to age 18.  

Pediatric dentists have at least 2 years of special training after dental school. This extra training in children's oral health matters because kids have different needs than adults. Their teeth and jaws are still developing. 

At our pediatric dentistry practice, we focus on: 

• Prevention: We want to prevent cavities and oral health problems before they happen.
• Education: We show kids how to brush and flush. We help educate parents, too.
• Treating problems: We can fill cavities and fix knocked-out teeth.
• Monitoring growth: We make sure your child's teeth and jaw are growing as they should. 

If your kids are nervous about their dental visit or procedure, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help them be more comfortable.  

Some of the procedures we do in the office include: 

• Teeth cleaning
• Sealants
• Fluoride treatments, including varnish and silver diamine fluoride
• Fillings
• Tooth extractions
• Root canals on both baby teeth and permanent teeth
• Crowns
• Tooth replacements
• Space maintenance, which holds room for adult teeth to erupt if baby teeth are missing or fall out 

We also provide dental care for kids with special medical needs or disabilities that make dental visits complex. 

When should kids go to the dentist?

Your child should visit the dentist by their first birthday. As soon as your baby has teeth, cavities can begin to form.  

It can seem young to go to the dentist, but it helps establish a relationship and reduces fear. It makes going to the dentist a more regular part of overall health. 

Also, even baby teeth need care. Problems in baby teeth can cause pain and even lead to infections. Tooth decay in baby teeth can affect both oral health and overall health. 

At the first visit, you can sit with your child on your lap while the dentist examines their mouth. We have special training in treating kids and making them feel comfortable. 

How to get your kids brushing and flossing

Getting your kids to brush and floss regularly can be hard. Try to make it as fun as possible. Pressuring or stressing your kids can turn dental care into a chore.   

Try things like: 

• Offering quick rewards like stickers or an extra book before bed
• Buy a fun toothbrush (and let your child pick it out)
• Put on music and let them brush to the beat
• Brush side-by-side with your child 

Pediatric orthodontists are experts in oral alignment problems kids can have as they grow. If teeth are crowded or crooked, we can help. We also treat bite problems, like overbite or underbite. 

When most people hear orthodontics, they think of braces. We offer both traditional and clear braces and help fit kids with retainers. 

We also offer craniofacial orthodontics, which improves facial structure in kids with facial differences like cleft lip and palate. An orthodontist usually treats kids with issues with their mouth, lips or jaw.

Who needs braces?

Kids usually get braces in their preteen or teen years to help align their teeth. Braces use pressure to move teeth slowly to their proper positions. 

Braces also help with bite issues, which can affect how you chew food.  

Many factors go into deciding if your child needs braces. Some children may have severe alignment problems that affect how their teeth function. For others, it may be more cosmetic. 

Our orthodontists will walk through all of your options.  

The different arms of Carilion Dentistry accept different types of insurance. Many also require a doctor's referral. Carilion Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics doesn't require a referral and is open to the general public.  

Pediatric dentistry accepts: 

• Medicaid
• Commercial carriers, including Delta Dental and Anthem 

Carilion's Financial Assistance Program can help pay for medically necessary care.  

We offer kid-friendly dental care at Tanglewood. Our pediatric dentists all have special training in working with kids. 

If your child has never been to the dentist before, consider planning a visit to meet the dentist and see the office. This can be especially helpful for toddlers or preschoolers. We'll explain what the equipment is and use words they can understand.