Question 1

Should my child go to a pediatric dentist?

Accepted Answer

Pediatric dentists are trained to meet the unique dental needs of children. Pediatric dentists, like all dentists, obtain a DDS or DMD from an accredited dental school, but they also complete an additional two to three years of education and training focused on providing dental treatment for children. In addition, our entire staff enjoys working with kids! Our practice is a warm, welcoming environment that puts our young patients at ease.

Question 2

Is pediatric dental sedation safe?

Accepted Answer

At Capital Kids Dentistry, pediatric dental sedation is quite safe. We usually sedate patients using nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which is low-risk and has few side effects. Nitrous gas has a long history of safety and wears off quickly, so your child will feel like themselves again before leaving our office. We work with an anesthesiologist for any patients who require general anesthesia. As part of her pediatric dental training, Dr. Jessica completed the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) program and an anesthesia rotation.

Question 3

Is there an alternative to fillings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as an alternative to dental fillings, we offer silver diamine fluoride (SDF). This treatment remineralizes the enamel and prevents cavities from spreading throughout a tooth. SDF can either eliminate the need for further treatment or delay it until your child is able to tolerate getting a dental filling. SDF is a painless and quick treatment that simply involves applying a liquid to the surface of the decayed tooth.

Question 4

What qualifies as a dental emergency?

Accepted Answer

If your child has excessive bleeding, excruciating pain, or a tooth that requires immediate care to save it, we consider it a dental emergency. In an emergency, please call our office as soon as possible so we can arrange our schedule to see your child for same-day care.

Question 5

What are the advantages of laser dentistry?

Accepted Answer

We're proud to offer laser dentistry to our patients, as we believe this is the future of pediatric dentistry. Dental lasers are the most effective tools we have for making dental treatments more comfortable for children. Our practice uses the Solea dental laser, which treats both hard and soft tissues. We can perform procedures without the need of anesthetic injections by using laser dentistry; treatments are faster, with less bleeding, a decreased risk of infection, and a shorter recovery time.

Question 6

At what age is the first dental visit?

Accepted Answer

The first dental visit should be around the first birthday, or within six months of the eruption of a child’s first tooth. These early visits help us establish our practice as your family's dental home.

Call our office today to schedule your child's appointment!

Pediatric Dentist Serving Georgetown, D.C.

Capital Kids Dentistry

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Georgetown, D.C. Area Pediatric Dental Practice