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Gentle Pediatric Dentistry in Summerville, SC

If you’ve struggled with oral health care as an adult, you can understand how important it is to help your child enjoy positive dental experiences.

When kids are very young, we can take advantage of their natural curiosity to help make visits to the dentist fun. And happy childhood dental visits are the foundation for a lifetime of conscientious oral health care!

A History of Making Dental Visits Fun

At Finkbine Family Dentistry, we have been catering to the unique needs of children for over 40 years. We know just what little kids need to keep them happy and distracted while we tend to their oral health. In fact, many of our long-term patients bring their own children to see us because they know they can trust us to deliver warm, compassionate care. 

Dr. Dale and Dr. Megan patiently take the time to let little kids get comfortable so we know they feel safe and secure with us. We will never try to perform treatment on a child until we know they are ready.

Your Child's First Dental Visit

We agree with the recommendation of the American Dental Association that children be seen for their first dental visit by age one or when the first tooth appears. But it’s understandable that, as a parent, you may be a little apprehensive about the all-important first visit! How will your child react? Will he or she get upset or act out in front of the dentist?

The first thing to remember is that there is nothing wrong with you or your child if they have difficulty at first. Just imagine – they are in a new place filled with strange-looking machines and people they’ve never seen before. 

But we’re here to help! It’s our job to ensure that your child has the most positive dental experience possible. We welcome you to join your little one in the treatment room for your peace of mind and to support them so they feel safe and secure.

We will make their first visit fun by counting your child’s teeth and giving them a ride in the dental chair. But the main focus of the first visit is to touch base with you and help educate you about the importance of proper nutrition and dental hygiene for your child. 

Comprehensive Dental Care for Your Child

Unless a problem develops earlier, we usually perform the first comprehensive visit around age two. This includes a routine cleaning and exam, as well as preventive treatments like fluoride. 

As your child grows, we will continue to monitor their oral health and provide age-appropriate care like fillings, sealants, and orthodontic recommendations. Children need different types of care at different stages in their dental development. We’re here to help you understand their changing needs so you can ensure that they enjoy a lifetime of good oral health habits.

Please Call to Arrange an Appointment

We would love to meet you and your child and work toward developing a long-term relationship with you. Please call our office and a member of our caring team will be happy to arrange an appointment for you and your child at your convenience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Your child’s baby teeth play a crucial role in their dental development. We agree with the recommendation of the American Dental Association that says the first visit should take place when the first tooth appears, but no later than age one.

You may wonder why it’s so important to safeguard your child’s baby teeth; after all, they’re just going to fall out anyway!

Our goal is to keep baby teeth healthy so that they don't fall out too soon. Even as baby teeth are emerging, permanent teeth are already growing in the gums. So the baby teeth act as a placeholder, creating a space for permanent teeth to erupt on schedule.

During your child’s first few visits with us, we’ll give them time to get used to their new surroundings. When we find that your little one is comfortable with us, we will examine and clean their teeth. If we find a cavity, we need to fill it right away so the baby tooth remains intact and free from discomfort. Our doctors may also determine that your child would benefit from sealants or a topical fluoride application.

We love treating children because it’s fun to watch them develop and learn how easy it can be to have healthy teeth. Please call our Summerville, SC dental office if your child is ready for their first appointment. We look forward to welcoming them!

Meet Our Doctors:

Dr. Dale Finkbine RETIRED

Dr. Dale Finkbine grew up in Hamilton, Ohio, and graduated from The Ohio State College of Dentistry in 1972 before joining US Navy Dental Corp. During his time in the Navy, he was transferred to ...

Dr. Megan Finkbine Griffin

Dr. Megan Finkbine joined Finkbine Family Dentistry in July of 2010 after completing a year working for the Arctic Slope Native Corporation in Barrow, Alaska. She is a 2003 graduate of Wofford College and completed ...

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