Pediatric Dentist in Lawrence, MA

Both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend that parents bring their children to the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. These early dental visits help your child feel comfortable at our office and prevent tooth decay.

Just like adults, children should see the dentist every six months for comprehensive oral evaluations and dental cleanings.

Children should first see an orthodontist by the age of 7. During this initial assessment, our orthodontist will evaluate their teeth and bite in order to determine if treatment is needed immediately or whether it will be needed within the next few years. Although most kids don’t need to begin treatment at 7, there are some situations in which it may be recommended.

Yes, our Lawrence pediatric dental practice follows all sedation guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to ensure the safety of our patients. Our preferred form of sedation is nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, which has very few side effects or risks, but we also offer several levels of dental sedation to accommodate every child’s needs.

Whenever a tooth needs urgent treatment in order to save it or if your child is in severe pain, we consider it a dental emergency. Please contact us right away so we can arrange to see you as soon as we can.

We usually use nitrous oxide for dental sedation, which wears off within seconds of removing the mask from your child’s nose. Other forms of sedation can take up to a few hours to completely wear off.

Yes, unless a tooth is about to fall out on its own, cavities should be addressed. An untreated cavity can cause pain, discomfort, and more serious dental issues.

There are several ways to make sure a child’s teeth are strong and resistant to cavities. Strong teeth start from within—water with fluoride and calcium-rich foods are both important for dental health. Your child should brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and have fluoride treatments applied at least twice a year during their dental check-ups. If your child has a history of tooth decay, we may recommend fluoride treatments up to four times a year to keep their teeth healthy.

Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for braces for patients under the age of 18, but plans can vary, so it’s important to check with your insurer to verify your benefits.

We take a conservative approach to dental x-rays, as recommended by the ADA and AAPD. Children who are at high risk for tooth decay should get x-rays every 6 to 12 months; children who still have their primary teeth should have x-rays every 12 to 24 months, while adolescents with permanent teeth need x-rays every 18 to 36 months. We use state-of-the-art digital radiography equipment, which emits lower radiation than traditional x-rays.