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Initial Exam and Digital X-Rays
Arlington, WA
Dentist examining little girl's teeth.So, the time has finally come. You have already taken your child to the doctor, and now it's time to begin seeing the dentist, too. We know dental health can be intimidating, especially for kids, but we here at Arlington Pediatric Dentistry are proud and excited to be your child's first dental care providers. Here's a little information on the services we provide and what to expect when you first bring in your little bundle of joy.

When Should I Bring my Child for Their First Appointment?


The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday. That may seem a little early, but it is also vital to get a good foundation for dental health when your child is very young.

What Will the First Appointment Be Like?


We know bringing your baby to the dentist can seem like an ordeal, but typically the first appointment is pretty quick and painless. We may not even need to do a cleaning! For the first visit, we like to focus on getting to know you and your child, and answering any questions you might have. We also like to thoroughly examine your child's teeth, just to ensure that everything is coming in the way it should. If you have any questions or feel unsure about anything, please feel free to ask any of our highly qualified dental professionals. There's a lot of stuff to figure out, so please use us as a resource!

What About X-Rays?


When recommended, we will use digital x-rays to get a picture of your child's teeth. Digital x-rays are similar to the traditional x-rays you may already know, but far more sensitive and sophisticated. They provide us with detailed, high-resolution images of your child's mouth so we can quickly and accurately spot any future problems before they become serious. As a bonus, digital x-rays work much faster than traditional ones - perfect for young ones struggling to sit still!

Are Digital X-Rays Safe?


It's important to be cautious about your child's health, so these are good questions to ask. We're committed to your child's safety just like you are, which is why we use digital x-rays with much lower radiation levels than traditional ones. You are not taking any chances with your baby's health, and neither will we.

Hopefully this information has answered some of the questions you might have about your baby's first dental visit. Think of us here at Arlington Pediatric Dentistry as a resource, one that's fully committed to giving your baby a beautiful smile for the rest of his or her life. If you have any other questions, or you'd like to set up your first appointment, please do give us a call at 360-657-1650.

What is an Initial Dental Exam?


An initial dental exam, also known as a comprehensive dental examination, is the first step towards a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. It's a thorough assessment carried out by our dentist to understand your child's dental health and create a customized treatment plan tailored to cater to their specific oral health care needs. Given the pivotal role oral health plays in overall well-being, this may be one of the most important health steps you can take for your child. 

Why is an Initial Dental Exam Important?


An initial dental exam is the cornerstone of preventive dentistry. It sets the stage for maintaining good oral health throughout life. This dental examination provides the dentist with a comprehensive view of your child's oral health, which can reveal any underlying problems that might not be visible to the naked eye. Potentially hidden oral health issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer can be diagnosed early on, thus mitigating potential complications down the road in life. Therefore, an initial dental exam not only assesses your child's current dental health but also can anticipate the likelihood of any future problems that may develop. 

How Long Does an Initial Dental Exam Take?


Though the duration for an initial dental exam can vary depending on your child's specific dental conditions and requirements, you can generally expect this initial appointment and exam to last between 45 minutes to an hour. This allows the dentist enough time to carry out a comprehensive dental examination of your child's teeth and gums. The dentist will then review and discuss the results with you.   

What Information Should I Bring to My Child's Initial Dental Exam?


Preparation is key to ensure your child's dental exam goes smoothly. Here's what you should be sure to bring with you to your child's initial dental exam with us:
•  Any past dental records and x-rays - if your child has been to see the dentist before
•  Medication list - if your child is taking any; this includes fluoride supplements and vitamins
•  Insurance Information - medical and dental insurance
•  List of Questions or Concerns - We understand that parents may have questions regarding their child's oral health care, especially if this is their first visit.  Our dentist and dental team are always available to answer any questions you may have.

Will My Child Need X-Rays During Their Initial Dental Exam?


Whether X-rays are needed or not for your child's initial dental exam, the answer is most generally yes. Dental X-rays allow our dentist to get a detailed look at your child's mouth, helping Dr. Justin Smith and our dental hygienists spot any potential underlying problems. However, if your child has recent dental X-rays from a different dentist, please bring them along with you, as they could save you time at your appointment and avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.
Initial Exam and Digital X-Rays

What is an Initial Dental Exam?



An initial dental exam, also known as a comprehensive dental examination, is the first step towards a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. It's a thorough assessment carried out by our dentist to understand your child's dental health and create a customized treatment plan tailored to cater to their specific oral health care needs. Given the pivotal role oral health plays in overall wellbeing, this may be one of the most important health steps you can take for your child. 

Why is an Initial Dental Exam Important?



An initial dental exam is the cornerstone of preventive dentistry. It sets the stage for maintaining good oral health throughout life. This dental examination provides the dentist with a comprehensive view of your child's oral health, which can reveal any underlying problems that might not be visible to the naked eye. Potentially hidden oral health issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer can be diagnosed early on, thus mitigating potential complications down the road in life. Therefore, an initial dental exam not only assesses your child's current dental health but also can anticipate the likelihood of any future problems that may develop. 

How Long Does an Initial Dental Exam Take?



Though the duration for an initial dental exam can vary depending on your child's specific dental conditions and requirements, you can generally expect this initial appointment and exam to last between 45 minutes to an hour. This allows the dentist enough time to carry out a comprehensive and thorough dental examination of your child's teeth and gums. The dentist will then review and discuss the results with you.   

What Information Should I Bring to My Child's Initial Dental Exam?



Preparation is key to ensure your child's dental exam goes smoothly. Here's what you should be sure to bring with you to your child's initial dental exam with us:
•  Any past dental records and x-rays - if your child has been to see the dentist before
•  Medication list - if your child is taking any; this includes fluoride supplements and vitamins
•  Insurance Information - medical and dental insurance
•  List of Questions or Concerns - We understand that parents may have questions regarding their child's oral health care, especially if this is their first visit.  Our dentist and dental team are always available to answer any questions you may have.


Will My Child Need X-Rays During Their Initial Dental Exam?



Whether X-rays are needed or not for your child's initial dental exam, the answer is most generally yes. Dental X-rays allow our dentist to get a detailed look at your child's mouth, helping Dr. Justin Smith and our dental hygienists spot any potential underlying problems. However, if your child has recent dental X-rays from a different dentist, please be sure to bring them along with you, as they could save you time at your appointment and avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.

Get in Touch!

Phone


360-657-1650

Email


info@apdkidsteeth.com
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Initial Exam & X-Rays | Pediatric Dentist Arlington, WA
We know dental health can be intimidating, especially for kids, but we here at Arlington Pediatric Dentistry are proud and excited to be your child's first dental care providers.
Arlington Pediatric Dentistry, 3710 168th Street Northeast, Suite B-105, Arlington, WA 98223 / 360-657-1650 / arlingtonpediatricdentistry.com / 4/25/2025 / Page Terms:Pediatric Dentist Arlington WA /