Pediatric Dentistry in Rapid City, South Dakota

pediatric dentist rapid city south dakota

Rapid City, South Dakota’s Premier Family Dentist

A child’s first visit to a family dentist should be carefree and enjoyable. Children aren’t born with a fear of going to the dentist, but they can adopt feelings parents have towards dental appointments. From the moment you arrive at our practice, we want you and your child to feel comfortable and at ease. 

What do Family Dentists Do?

After dental school, all dentists can choose to specialize in different fields. Some focus on caring for the gums, while others concentrate on prosthodontics, and some choose to work only with children.  

Family dentists are dental professionals who provide comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages, from children to seniors. They perform a range of preventive, diagnostic, and restorative procedures to maintain their patients’ oral health and improve their quality of life.

Our team at Advanced Dental Professionals is caring and friendly, and we work hard to create a welcoming and compassionate atmosphere. We have many years of experience and provide a wide array of dental services, such as:

When should my child first see a dentist?

Our family dentists recommend planning a visit before their child’s first birthday. Their newly erupted teeth must receive proper dental care and benefit from good oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.

As new parents, we usually don’t consider infant oral care. Some wonder why we should worry about baby teeth when new permanent teeth will replace them later in childhood. 

Tooth decay can happen as early as your child’s first tooth grows. Cavities in baby teeth increase the risk of corrosion in permanent teeth. If the decay is severe, it can have long-lasting effects on a child’s overall health and be quite expensive to fix. 

At Advanced Dental Professionals, we provide a Happy Visit for kids on their first appointment free of charge. This visit may just be meeting the dentist and sitting in the chair to get their teeth counted to help them become comfortable seeing the dentist. 

How do I adopt healthy oral hygiene habits in my kids? 

The best way to learn is by setting the right example. Brush and floss with them to show the correct way. They will understand the importance of oral hygiene when they see you taking care of your teeth.

As your child’s teeth come in, be sure to look for lines and discoloration caused by decay. Sugary foods and liquids attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes their teeth after each meal. Drs. Studer and Lemmon recommend brushing two times a day for optimal oral hygiene.

Remember, brushing can be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. 

How do I prevent tooth decay in toddlers?

Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in the mouth that turn into acid and break down the teeth. Children are at a higher risk of tooth decay because they do not have the best oral hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing with regular dental health visits every six months help keep tooth decay at bay.

Other things to consider:

  • Teach your kid to brush and floss every day
  • You are an example — Take good care of your teeth and gums 
  • Prevent prolonged contact with sugars
  • Limit the amount of juice
  • Introduce cups for drinking at the age of 12 months or earlier
  • Provide your toddler with nutritious whole foods

We recommend tooth sealants because they “seal” the deep grooves in your child’s teeth, preventing decay from forming in hard-to-reach areas. Sealants can last several years but are monitored at your child’s regular checkups.

What happens at a child’s first dentist appointment?

During your child’s first dental visit in Rapid City, Drs. Studer and Lemmon review your child’s dental history, answer your questions, and address any concerns you might have. The experience is calm and inviting, so your child is comfortable and at ease. 

This first exam allows Drs. Studer and Lemmon evaluate growth and development, the position of the teeth, and the health of the gums and oral tissues, while also checking for dental decay. If your child is old enough to tolerate it, a gentle polishing of the teeth to remove plaque and stains and a fluoride treatment is usually recommended. 

Visit Your Family Dentist in Rapid City, SD, Today!

The entire team at Advanced Dental Professionals is committed to providing an anxiety-free dental experience. Please consider us as your new dental family if you are searching for a family dentist in Rapid City, SD. We also serve the communities of Ellsworth AFB and Box Elder, South Dakota.

We love providing pediatric dentistry to our local community and would love to serve you. Please call us if you’re interested in a dental consultation at 605-343-5415 or drop us an email. We look forward to meeting you.