Pediatric Dentistry

Developing positive dental habits begins with educating parents on proper dental care. Our inital visits concentrate more on developing comfort for the children in the dental office and dental instruction for the parents and less on dental treatment. Typical cleanings and dental care begin around age 3 depending on the individual.

It is very important the child's first visit to the dental office be a positive and enjoyable experience. We believe that starts with you and your child knowing about what happens at their first visit. Our doctors and team are experienced in using non-frightening, pleasant and simple words to describe to your child how we will be caring for them. Helping you and your child feel at ease from the moment you arrive to the time you leave is our top priority. Call us at 503-284-3575 to schedule a complimentary consultation, or "chair ride" for your child. 

The first tooth erupts between 6-12 months of age and the rest of the child's primary or "baby" teeth typically erupt by age 3. Gums often feel tender and sore during this time, which cases many children to feel irritable. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend using a teething ring or helping sooth the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. Permanent teeth erupt at age 6 and continue until age 21.

Call our Portland, OR Dental Office to learn more about pediatric dentistry.
 

Nitrous Oxide

Most children are calm, comfortable and confident in a dental office. However, sometimes a child may feel anxious before or during treatment. Your child may need more support than a gentle, caring manner to feel comfortable. Nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, is a safe and effective method used to calm a child's fear or the dental visit and enhance effective communication. Additionally, it works well for children whose gag reflex interferes with dental treatment. Dr. Rice and Dr. Hall typically recommend nitrous oxide for children up to age 10. It is used on older children and adults as well, depending on the circumstance or if requested. Please read the information below regarding pediatric analgesia.

1. It allows your child to breathe more oxygen than one can normally breathe from the air while enjoying a good level of relaxation.
2. It significantly lessens the apprehension, nervousness, and tension associated with dental procedures and it allows for a cooperative and well managed patient.
3. It usually induces a feeling of warmth and security, as well as a pleasant "floating" sensation.
4. It permits needed injections of local anesthetic (lidocaine) with less discomfort and more profound results.
5. Nitrous oxide analgesia in no way resembles general anesthesia because your child is always awake.
6. The effects of the nitrous oxide wear off as soon as treatment is stopped.

If it has been recommended that nitrous oxide be used during your child's next visit, we recommend that your child eats within 2 hours prior to the appointment and that it be a light meal. Clear fluids, such as water or apple juice is preferable prior to the appointment. Nitrous oxide can cause mild cases of nausea and vomiting, but this effect is not very common. Your child will be monitored at all times by the assistant or dentist for any signs of this occurring.