PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
What is a pediatric dentist?
      A pediatric dentist is a dentist who after four years of dental school has two to three more years of specialized residency training, including hospital training. The pediatric dentist is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. The very young, preteens and teens each need different approaches to dealing with their behavior, guiding their dental growth and development, and helping them avoid future dental problems. The pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet these needs.
      A Board Certified pediatric dentist is a pediatric dentist who after their residency, has chosen to take several extra examinations and have a panel from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry observe their office, patient treatment, charts, staff and paper work.
      Our practice offers all aspects of state-of-the-art Pediatric Dentistry. We offer white (composite) fillings for the majority of primary and permanent teeth. We have the Biolase (R) water laser which removes decay with minimal anesthesia for small and medium size cavities. As of January 2009 we have the state of the art PlanMeca Digital Panoramic X-Ray Machine. We can now provide a complete range of extraoral x-ray images , while reducing the amount of radiation exposure to our patients.
      We are experienced in all aspects of dental care for children. Exams, x-rays, cleanings, deep cleanings, fillings, extractions, esthetic bonding for front teeth, space maintainers, treatment of trauma (broken or knocked out teeth), root canals, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and athletic mouth guards. For healthy children, we have Pediatric Anesthesiologists to sedate patients in the office for their dental needs.
      We are also experienced in the treatment of children with special needs, such as autism, developmental delays, Downs, hearing or visual deficiencies, seizure disorders, cerebral palsy, etc. Dr. Allen has staff privileges at Children's Hospital to admit patients for treatment in the O.R.

Special needs patient who is unable to cooperate for a dental cleaning
New Patients
      Your child's first visit in our office may include, (depending on his/her age) examination, cleaning, fluoride, and x-rays. You are welcome to come with your child for all procedures and if your child wants or needs to, they may sit on your lap.
      Please note -- the following are words we never use in our office: shot, needle, stick, poke, yank, drill, or blood. These words can be unnecessarily scary for young children. We use finger nail , mosquito bite, earth quake, Mr. Whistle, Mr. Bumpy, popcorn water, tickle, wiggle, thirsty straw, and tooth ketchup. If older children prefer, we can use the more common terminology.