Pediatric Dentistry in Apex, NC

At Olive Chapel Family Dentistry, we provide dental care for the entire family!

Young girl in treatment chair at childrens dentist in Apex NCWe are skilled at treating patients at all life stages and levels of health. We especially love treating children because we know the positive impact a solid foundation has on a child’s future oral health.

This is an excellent opportunity to play into your child’s natural curiosity and show how visits to the dentist can be fun as well as incredibly important. We are excellent at turning each dental visit into a fun and educational adventure.

We know that our families today are busy people, and running all over town to get dental care for the whole family can add an unnecessary complication to your daily routine. This is why we offer comprehensive dental services for each member of your family, from the youngest baby to the most senior; every age presents their own unique dental milestones and needs. 

Our friendly dental staff is incredibly gentle and receptive to the individualized needs of young children, and we will never go beyond the boundaries of a child who isn’t ready. Our goal at Olive Chapel Family Dentistry is to make sure that your child has an enjoyable and positive experience right from the beginning so that they never develop dental anxiety or fear.

We proudly offer pediatric dentistry in Apex, and provide a full range of services to ensure that your child has a healthy foundation in excellent dental health.

Your Child’s First Dental Visit in Apex, NC

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your child have their first dental visit around their first birthday. This visit is as much about developing a relationship with parents as it is making sure your child is developing properly. It is also beneficial in helping your child grow accustomed to the dental office and having someone look at their teeth.

We will perform a dental exam and make sure that your child's baby teeth are developing correctly. We will also demonstrate how to effectively clean your child’s teeth and discuss any questions about diet and nutrition that you might have.

It's crucial that your child's first dental visit is not stressful or uncomfortable. Our fun dental team is experienced in making dental visits adventurous and pleasant. We often encourage your child to “go for a ride” in the dentist's chair, and we take your child on a tour of the dental office, so they feel at home. We allow your child to explore a little so they can feel comfortable in the new surroundings of our dental office and to get to know our dental staff. 

Before the beginning of each step, we'll openly talk about what we're about to do and why we need to do it, using kid-friendly and straightforward language to explain and educate. It's essential to take out the mystery of a visit to the dentist and normalize oral healthcare so that your child starts seeing it as a part of normal, routine life. 

Dental Care As Your Child Grows

As your little one develops, we will add in more preventive dental treatments and diagnostic tools when it is appropriate, and your child is ready to cooperate. A dental cleaning, exam, and dental x-rays are an excellent way to make sure they stay on track with good health.

For children who are at risk for decay or have a history of it, we also offer preventive treatments such as fluoride and dental sealants to protect their teeth. Fluoride strengthens enamel and protects your teeth from the bacteria that cause decay. Dental sealants are a barrier we place on the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth, where decay is most likely to occur.

We offer a comprehensive list of dental procedures that help improve your child’s oral health, including:

  • Dental fillings
  • Dental bonding
  • Digital x-rays
  • Teeth cleaning
  • Fluoride treatments
  • Dental sealants
  • Dental exam
  • Education and proper brushing techniques
  • Childhood orthodontics

Your Apex pediatric dentist, Dr. Dustin Prusik, may combine multiple dental treatments to keep your child’s smile healthy and beautiful.

Why Saving Baby Teeth Is Important

Patients often wonder why we take such great care in saving your child’s primary teeth since they are eventually going to fall out anyway. Baby teeth actually help guide permanent teeth during the growing process; in fact, baby teeth reserve room for permanent teeth. Without them, your child’s teeth may drift, creating misalignment and increasing the chance that they will need orthodontic treatment later.

For this reason, we strongly encourage parents to regularly clean their child’s baby teeth to ensure that they do not fall out prematurely. Additionally, this is a great time for your child to get used to preventive treatments and oral health care before their adult teeth come in.

Ask your pediatric dentist in Apex, NC, for guidelines or tips on keeping your child’s baby teeth cavity-free.

Dental Fillings for KidsGroup of children holding hands and playing at school in Apex NC

Chances are, your little one will require a tooth-colored filling at some point during their childhood. As with our adult patients, we take extra care to make sure your child is comfortable with all procedures in our office. Dr. Prusik knows your child is precious and treats them that way! We want them to enjoy their time with us. Pain-free dentistry helps them get started on a path to excellent oral health without fear or anxiety.

If you are looking for a dentist near Apex, NC, especially for your child, give us a call today at (919) 335-6133!

Your Child's at Home Oral Health Care

As a baby, your child does not require extensive home care other than a soft wipe on their gums with a damp washcloth after feeding. It’s important to make sure your child isn’t put to bed along with a bottle, or that they do not drink too many sugary juices or sodas—sugar is a common cause of cavities or tooth decay.

Once your child’s teeth have emerged, you can start using a soft toothbrush to gently clean their teeth and gums using smooth motions. It’s always good to have your children watch you brush and floss your own teeth so that they can learn by observation—and to illustrate how important oral hygiene is to people. Most children require assistance with brushing and flossing up until around age 8; this way, you can make sure all the surfaces are clean.

At this point, your child may have developed the fine motor skills and responsibility to take control of their own oral health. Dr. Prusik is always happy to see your child demonstrate how they brush their teeth, and we can offer tips on how to master this crucial life skill. Once your child feels secure enough to brush and floss independently, we recommend that parents occasionally supervise to ensure that their oral habits remain strong.

Are your children ready to embark on their oral health journey? Call the friendly dental team at Olive Chapel Family Dentistry to schedule a dental appointment!

Schedule A Visit With Our Pediatric Dentist in Apex, NC!

Whether it’s your child’s first dental appointment or if they’re ready for an upcoming dental cleaning, we work with your schedule so that you can bring your child in. Contact our Apex, NC dental office today at (919) 335-6133 to schedule your family’s next preventive dentistry appointments.

We look forward to welcoming you to our office and helping your family stay healthy and enjoy beautiful smiles.