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The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child's first visit to the dentist occur by 12 months of age or when the first baby tooth comes in. This visit will enable Dr. Banaji to evaluate your child and introduce good oral hygiene routines. Diet, fluoride use, finger/pacifier habits and tooth eruption will be discussed to ensure optimal dental health. Most importantly, we wish to assist you in finding a “dental home” for your child. Once this is accomplished, we are just a phone call away, any time you need us!

Before The First Visit
Please discuss with your child the positive aspects of going to the dentist, since you play a large part in preparing your child for the first visit to our office. Try to act relaxed and at ease since any anxiety on your part may be sensed by your child. Another suggestion is to tell your child that going to the dentist is a sign of growing up.

Please do not use the words "the dentist will not hurt" or “be brave” as this may never have entered your child’s mind. Instead, you may wish to assure your child that Dr. Banaji and his team will be gentle and friendly. Also, please avoid using the words "needle, shot, pull", or any other words suggesting unpleasantness. We explain our procedures using child friendly terms before we perform them.

Young children often cry when faced with unfamiliar situations. Working together, we can overcome any apprehension your child may have. Expect your child to do well and enjoy the visit to our office!

Medical conditions or Special Precautions: At the initial phone call to our office, please inform us of medical conditions, or special precaution to take with your child; example: heart murmur, heart surgery, downs syndrome, autism, developmental delay, extreme anxiety. In addition, please be sure to provide this information when completing your child's medical history on the Online New Patient Forms.

Antibiotics before dental treatment: If your child has a heart condition or other medical condition that requires antibiotics prior to dental treatment, please have your child's physician give you the necessary prescription and follow the directions carefully. If the prescribed medicine is not taken, we will be unable to complete dental treatment.

Staying With Your Child During the Visit
At all times, ONE parent or responsible guardian may accompany the child patient and be present in the treatment room. It is extremely important that siblings and other family members do not create unsafe conditions (such as running around the office or touching instruments.)

Crying
While your child may never think to cry, please try not to be upset if your child does cry while in our office. This is a normal reaction to the unknown, and we are trained to help fearful children through their dental experience. In infants, crying actually helps us see everything we need to see!

If your child cries during the procedure, the face may appear flushed and small red dots may appear around the eyes and face. Please note that this is common as a result of crying and is not due to a reaction or allergy to any materials used in our office.

The First Visit
Every visit is unique, but here is what you can expect with your child’s first visit which may last about an hour. Your child will be greeted in the reception room by a team member who will introduce you to our dental office. Dental equipment and techniques will be explained to your child prior to performing a procedure. Your child’s teeth are professionally cleaned to remove plaque, stains and tartar.

Fluoride, a mineral that is effective in preventing cavities is applied to the teeth. Dental x- rays are taken as necessary, by certified personnel using appropriate safety techniques. Teeth brushing, flossing and diet are reviewed with the child and parent.

Dr. Banaji will review your child’s medical history and perform a head and neck examination and evaluate the teeth, gums, bite and dental development. If your child requires further dental treatment, a Treatment Plan along with the estimated insurance coverage and office fees is presented to you at this visit. Please review this information carefully and ask questions prior to approving the Treatment Plan. Generally, treatment such as fillings and sealants will not start until the second appointment.

You are welcome to accompany your child into the treatment area during the first visit. This will give you the opportunity to see our team in action and allow Dr. Banaji to discuss the dental findings and treatment directly with you.

Both parents are encouraged to accompany the child for the first visit, particularly as we discuss the treatment plan and preventive procedures for good dental health. If your child has seen another dentist within the past six months, please request the dental records and x-rays and bring them with you.

You are requested to complete the Online New Patient Forms immediately after scheduling an appointment.

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