Choosing a Lexington Pediatric Dentist for Your Child

Why should you choose a Lexington pediatric dentist for your child?

A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist who is well-trained to treat infants, children, adolescents, and children with special needs. To qualify as a pediatric dentist, an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited, post-doctoral course must be completed, along with at least two academic and clinical years in the specialty of pediatric dentistry. This extensive training provides pediatric dentists with the knowledge to treat children's specific dental and orthodontic needs, provide a positive dental experience, and to educate children on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

Because they have a great deal of experience in treating younger patients, pediatric dentists also tend to be better at handling the emotional and developmental issues that can have an impact on a child’s dental appointments. A trip to the dentist can be scary at any age, and this can be especially true for a young child who is not sure what to expect. Pediatric dentists like Drs. Mike and Carolyn Coppe and Dr. Stephanie Karapetian have the educational training and skills to make children feel more comfortable and at ease during their dental visits, reassuring them and keeping their early experiences positive.

What our Lexington pediatric dentists have to offer your child

At Coppe + Sears, we have tailored our dental practice to specifically cater to children. Our dentists and staff have years of experience treating children of all ages with the highest level of care. During a patient’s first visit, our staff will use reassuring words and phrases, such as asking younger children if they want to have their teeth "counted and brushed" rather than asking if they are ready for a "dental cleaning.” To help children feel comfortable with our staff, we will often play games, sing songs, or let them get out of the dental chair to explore the treatment area. Bringing your child into a kid-friendly environment gives us the opportunity to make the appointment more interactive for everyone involved.

In an unfamiliar environment many children find comfort in groups, so we have designed the office layout with this in mind.  We have larger, more open rooms equipped with multiple dental chairs. While adults may not be used to this type of arrangement, it is actually very beneficial for children. With this setup, your child will not feel alone during his or her dental procedures, and seeing others being treated can make children feel more at ease about their own treatment. Our newly-built state-of-the-art office also encourages socializing. There is a small children’s play area in the reception space, a treasure chest for prizes after bigger procedures, and iPads loaded with games to play while in the treatment area. For a special treat, each patient who visits the office receives the biggest balloon you’ve ever seen!

Our Lexington pediatric dentists help take the worry out of dental visits

We know that visiting the dentist can be scary for children at times. That is why we strive to minimize any anxieties or fears our young patients may have. Our staff practices the "tell, show, do" method to help pediatric patients understand what is happening during their appointment. We use phrases such as "put your tooth to sleep" when numbing the teeth, "put vitamins on your teeth" as we apply fluoride, or "take pictures of your teeth" to describe the X-ray process.

It is not uncommon for parents to have their own anxieties about dental care, but it is important to avoid projecting those fears onto your child. If you are uncertain about how to accomplish this, Drs. Coppe, Coppe or Karapetian will be happy to provide you with tips and advice. By allowing our pediatric dentists to detail the specifics of your child’s treatment, you convey to them your confidence and trust in us, which leads to a more positive and enjoyable dental visit for parents, children, and staff alike.