At Savannah Dental in Savannah, GA, we believe healthy smiles start early. That’s why we welcome children as young as age 2. Our pediatric dentistry is centered around creating an encouraging, comfortable experience while supporting your child’s overall growth and development. From their very first visit, we focus on building confidence, guiding healthy habits, and monitoring important milestones that impact both their teeth and their overall health.
What Is Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry is all about supporting the dental health of children, from their very first tooth through their teenage years. It includes age-appropriate education, gentle care, and services tailored to kids’ needs. We’re here to keep little smiles happy and healthy.
- Child-focused care approach: Dental services are adapted to children’s needs at every developmental stage.
- Preventative care foundation: Focuses on preventing decay and guiding proper growth from an early age.
- Comfortable and welcoming visits: Created to reduce anxiety and promote positive associations with dental care.
The Importance Of Early Dental Visits
Your child’s first dental visits set the tone for a lifetime of oral health. These early appointments not only help your child feel comfortable with dental care, but they also allow us to keep a close eye on growth and development during their most important years.
- Start care early: By age 2, children are ready for gentle check-ups that introduce them to the dental chair in a positive way.
- Build trust and healthy routines: Early visits create familiarity and help kids form good brushing, flossing, and nutrition habits from the start.
- Airway and growth screenings before age 6: The years before age 6 are a peak time for the development of the jaws, dental arches, and airway. Catching concerns during this stage gives us the best chance to guide healthy growth, improve breathing, and reduce the risk of crowding or misalignment later.
- Prevent future complications: With routine monitoring, we can often prevent small concerns from becoming bigger issues—saving your child discomfort and parents the stress of more complex treatments later on.
At Savannah Dental, these visits go far beyond just “checking teeth.” They’re about making sure your child’s smile, airway, and overall development are on track—so they can thrive now and for years to come.
The Importance Of Primary Teeth
Primary teeth play a big role in speech development and chewing function. They also help guide permanent teeth into the right position as your child grows. Keeping them healthy from an early age helps ensure a smoother transition to a strong, properly aligned adult smile.
- Supports natural speech development: Helps children pronounce words clearly as they grow.
- Guides adult teeth alignment: Preserves space for a straighter, healthier adult smile.
- Promotes full chewing function: Enables effective eating for proper nutrition.
How To Prepare Your Child For Their Appointment
Getting your child ready for a dental visit can help reduce nerves and create a better experience. Use positive language and talk about the visit in a fun, simple way. A little preparation goes a long way.
- Talk about the visit positively: Use cheerful language that avoids negative or scary terms.
- Choose the best time of day: Pick a morning or nap-free time when your child is calm.
- Bring something comforting: A small toy or blanket offers familiarity and reassurance.
Our Pediatric Dental Services
We offer a range of dental care services designed specifically for kids, using a gentle and supportive approach. From prevention to treatment, we’re committed to helping children stay healthy at every stage. Families can count on us to be a consistent partner in their child’s oral health journey.
Cleanings & Exams
Regular cleanings and exams are essential for keeping your child’s teeth strong and healthy. We gently remove buildup and monitor their development with every visit. These appointments help prevent future issues.
- Gentle teeth cleaning: Removes plaque and tartar without causing discomfort.
- Oral health exams: Evaluates teeth, gums, and bite for any issues.
- Progress tracking: Monitors changes over time to guide future care.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments add an extra layer of protection against cavities for growing smiles. This simple in-office step helps strengthen enamel and support daily brushing. It only takes a few minutes.
- Protects against cavities: Creates a strong barrier against decay and acid attacks.
- Supports growing smiles: Fortifies enamel as your child’s teeth develop.
- Complements at-home care: Boosts the benefits of brushing and flossing routines.
Sealants
Sealants protect the deep grooves of your child’s back teeth where cavities often start. They’re a fast, effective way to reduce decay in those hard-to-clean areas. This preventative option is a parent favorite.
- Shields deep grooves: Seals out food and bacteria from cavity-prone molars.
- Quick and noninvasive: Completed comfortably during a standard appointment.
- Long-lasting protection: Helps safeguard teeth for years with minimal upkeep.
Fillings
If your child has a cavity, our gentle fillings restore their tooth with minimal discomfort. We use tooth-colored material that blends naturally into their smile. Treatment is quick and reassuring.
- Repairs damaged teeth: Fixes cavities to restore function and prevent further damage.
- Tooth-colored materials: Matches the tooth for a seamless and natural appearance.
- Kid-friendly techniques: Uses calming language and gentle steps to reduce fear.
Crowns
Some teeth need a bit more support than a filling can provide. A pediatric crown covers and protects a tooth that’s been weakened by decay or injury. It keeps the tooth strong until it’s ready to fall out naturally.
- Protects weak or damaged teeth: Covers the tooth entirely to prevent future wear.
- Preserves baby teeth longer: Helps maintain natural alignment and spacing.
- Secure and durable solution: Withstands everyday chewing and brushing activity.
Diagnostic Services
Every child grows quickly, and their smile grows with them. That’s why we use safe, modern tools to get a complete picture of your child’s oral health—not just for today, but for how their teeth, jaws, and airway are developing over time.
- Low-radiation digital x-rays: High-quality images with minimal exposure help us detect cavities and track how adult teeth are forming beneath the surface.
- Growth and airway screenings: Before age 6, we pay special attention to how the jaws and dental arches are developing, as well as how your child’s airway is forming. Early detection gives us the chance to guide growth during these peak years.
- iTero® digital scans: A 3D view of your child’s mouth makes it easier to track changes at each visit and spot concerns sooner.
- Early detection focus: By combining these tools with gentle exams, we can identify small issues early—when they’re easiest to treat.
These screenings give parents peace of mind and provide children with the best chance at strong, healthy smiles as they grow.
Educational Support
Teaching kids about dental health makes a big difference in their habits. We use fun visuals and simple explanations to show them how to care for their teeth. Learning together builds confidence.
- Brushing and flossing guidance: Teaches techniques kids can manage on their own.
- Nutrition tips for strong teeth: Suggests snacks and meals that support enamel health.
- Interactive lessons and visuals: Makes learning about teeth fun and memorable.
Making Little Smiles That Grow With Care
At Savannah Dental in Savannah, GA, we’re proud to support growing smiles with expert care that’s tailored to children. Our team combines experience with a love for working with kids to create an experience that’s always positive. We’re here for every milestone, from baby teeth to braces. Contact us today to schedule your child’s visit and take the first step toward a lifetime of healthy habits.
