At Albany Smiles, we are dedicated to the oral health of your entire family. We’re here for your whole family, from your child’s first tooth through adulthood.
We invite you to drop by our office anytime so that your child feels at home when they have their dental checkups with us. Dr. Frank has a warm personality and reassuring approach, making every visit relaxing, comfortable, and fun. Introducing children to dentistry in an enjoyable environment creates a positive attitude towards oral health and creates an eager office and home care participant!
Pediatric Dentistry Services and FAQs
Do you handle emergency dental visits for children?
We do! Don’t beat yourself up if a dental emergency happens. Kids will be kids, which means that chipped, broken, or lost teeth will likely occur at some point. Just call our office, and we’ll instruct you on what to do and how quickly we will need to see your child.
Is your child presently experiencing a dental emergency? If so, CLICK HERE to see what you can do right now to help your child and CONTACT US.
When should my child have their first dental appointment?
The American Dental Association recommends that your child see a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or six months after their first tooth erupts, whichever comes first.
What happens during my child’s first visit to Albany Smiles?
First, Dr. Frank and the staff will get acquainted with your child so that they feel at ease. Next, we will do an overall inspection of your child’s oral health. We will check for any abnormalities and ensure that your child’s teeth are erupting as expected. We also enjoy talking with parents about diet, teething, thumb sucking, pacifiers, and toothpaste.
Why are oral checkups important for children?
It’s crucial that children learn good oral hygiene habits early on. Visiting our office regularly and speaking to our staff helps stress the importance of brushing and flossing every day. Regular pediatric dental checkups also help ensure that your child’s teeth, jaw, gums, and other oral tissues are healthy.
How can I prevent my child from getting cavities?
Brushing and flossing correctly goes a long way toward preventing cavities in your child’s teeth. Every time you bring your child in for a visit, we will reiterate the correct way to brush and floss. We will also discuss the foods and minimizing simple sugars, candy, soda, etc. that can easily cause cavities in your child.
Another tool Dr. Frank uses to prevent cavities is sealants. Sealants are a protective barrier bonded to the chewing surface of a tooth. It prevents bacteria from accumulating into tiny grooves on the surfaces of the teeth. This does not eliminate the need for proper dental care but is recognized as an effective and valuable asset in preventing tooth decay. The application of sealants does not require an anesthetic or drilling.
Why should I choose Dr. Frank at Albany Smiles as my child’s pediatric dentist?
Albany Smiles, we know that kids will be kids, and the tempo of appointments is child-led and parent-approved. Our patient approach is preventative, and we support our families with tips, education, and treatments like sealants and fluoride, to prevent tooth decay.
But what if my child does have a cavity?
It’s ok! Cavities do occur in children, and it doesn’t mean that you or your child have done anything wrong. We will make your child feel safe and comfortable while filling their cavity.
What about other services for children?
We make custom mouthguards that protect your child’s teeth and gums during contact sports. We also offer Invisalign clear aligners so that your child can have beautiful straight teeth without the pain of traditional metal wire and bracket braces.
Normalizing visiting Dr. Frank at Albany Smiles will set your child up for excellent oral health for years to come. Call or text us today to schedule your child’s next visit!