Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: 414-963-9440
A child's first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable, at Lake Park Dental we make a special effort to use pleasant, non-frightening and simple words to describe each treatment so your child can feel at ease.
Your child's first primary or baby teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of six and 12 months, and will continue to erupt until about age three. During this time, your child's gums may feel tender and sore. Rubbing the gums with a clean finger or wet cloth can help alleviate this discomfort. You may also choose to make use of a teething ring. When your child has finished teething, you can expect a total of 20 primary teeth.
Your child's primary teeth are lost at various times throughout childhood. Permanent teeth begin erupting at age six and continue until age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth (32, including wisdom teeth).
Dental visits for your child should begin as early as age one. Education is a major part of our pediatric services. Not only can Dr. Graham help the child understand the importance of daily oral care, but parents can also get advice on toothpaste selection, diet, thumb-sucking cessation, and a wide range of related topics. Our exams, x-rays, and photos allows us to predict future oral problems. For example, malocclusion (bad bite), attrition due to grinding (bruxism), and jaw irregularities. Your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth healthy and strong.
Sometimes brushing effectively is difficult, especially when it comes to those hard-to-reach spots in your child’s mouth. It is difficult for their toothbrush to get in-between the small cracks and grooves on their teeth. If left alone, those tiny areas can develop tooth decay. With a sealant, we can give their teeth extra protection against decay and help prevent cavities.
Dental sealants are plastic resins that bond and harden in the deep grooves on the tooth’s surface. When a tooth is sealed, the tiny grooves become smooth and are less likely to harbor plaque. With sealants, brushing their teeth becomes easier and more effective against tooth decay.
Sealants last from three to five years, but can often last longer. A dental sealant only provides protection when it is fully intact, so if your sealants come off, let us know and schedule an appointment with us at Lake Park Dental to ensure your child’s sealants are intact.
Fluoride is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay and in preventing plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth’s surface. A fluoride treatment at Lake Park Dental takes just a few minutes. After the treatment, they may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. A typical fluoride treatment is done every 3, 6 or 12 months.
Call to schedule a routine checkup at Lake Park Dental and a fluoride treatment today.
If your child has a decayed tooth, we can restore it back to its normal shape and function with a filling. Dr. Graham will carefully examine the tooth and discuss the options before beginning the filling procedure.
If a filling is required, Dr. Graham will first remove the decayed tooth material, then clean the affected area and fill the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material. This filling will help prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria might enter.
Fillings may include gold, porcelain or composite material. Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are typically used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important.
Questions about fillings for your child? Give us a call at (414) 963-9440.
At Lake Park Dental, we understand the unique dental needs of children. Our pediatric dentistry services are designed to provide gentle, comprehensive care for your little ones, ensuring they develop healthy oral habits that last a lifetime. Dr. Meggie Graham and our team are committed to creating positive dental experiences for children in a warm, friendly environment.
Early dental care is crucial for your child's overall health and well-being. By starting dental visits at a young age, you can:
We recommend scheduling your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. During this visit, we will:
We recommend regular dental checkups every six months for children. These visits include:
We offer various preventive treatments to protect your child's smile:
We provide prompt, compassionate care for dental emergencies, such as:
At Lake Park Dental, we strive to make every visit enjoyable for your child. Our kid-friendly approach includes:
Give your child the gift of a healthy smile. Schedule a pediatric dentistry appointment with Dr. Meggie Graham at Lake Park Dental. Our friendly team is experienced in making dental visits comfortable and enjoyable for children of all ages.
Call us at (414) 963-9440 or book your appointment online today!
When should my child first visit the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears.
How often should children have dental checkups?
We recommend dental checkups every six months for most children. However, some children may need more frequent visits based on their individual oral health needs.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes, dental X-rays are safe for children. We use digital X-rays, which emit very low levels of radiation. We also use protective measures and only take X-rays when necessary.
How can I prepare my child for their first dental visit?
Talk positively about the dentist, read children's books about dental visits, and play pretend dentist at home. Avoid using words like "hurt" or "pain" when discussing the dentist.
What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?
Contact our office immediately. For severe injuries or uncontrollable bleeding, go to the emergency room. Keep our emergency contact information readily available.
Ready to transform your dental experience? We'd love to help you feel better, look better, and be better right here in Milwaukee.
Lake Park Dental
2524 E Webster Place #201
Milwaukee, WI 53211
To make a change to an existing appointment, please speak directly with a team member. We do not accept cancellations or changes to the schedule through this portal.
