Frequently Asked Questions

We love teaching parents how to build healthy habits from birth. For babies, gently clean gums with a soft cloth. Once teeth appear, use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste (rice grain-sized amount for under 3, pea-sized for older kids). Make it fun, supervise brushing until they're around 8 years old, and remember—as Dr. Hayes says, "Nobody wants to live life without candy, but it's all about helping them make better choices about frequency and what kind of candy."

Yes, we work with most major dental insurance plans and will verify your benefits before your appointment. We also offer flexible payment options including cash, credit cards, and third-party financing to make care accessible for every family. We'll provide clear cost estimates upfront so there are no surprises.

Most children start losing baby teeth around age 6, beginning with the front bottom teeth. The process usually continues until about age 12-13. Every child is different though, so don't worry if your child is a little early or late. We'll monitor their development and let you know if there are any concerns.

Keep it simple and positive. We recommend scheduling morning appointments when children are well-rested. You can let them know they're going to meet friendly dentists who want to help keep their teeth healthy, but avoid using scary words or sharing your own dental fears. Our office has plenty of distractions like Netflix and video games to help them feel comfortable.

Pediatric dentists complete an additional 2-3 years of specialized training focused entirely on children's dental development, behavior management, and unique treatment needs. We understand child psychology and know how to communicate with kids at every developmental stage—from using "sugar bugs" language with toddlers to having straight conversations about oral health with teenagers.

Absolutely. Dr. Knockum's hospital training exposed him to children with complex medical conditions, and both doctors believe no child should go without dental care. We work closely with families to create treatment plans within each child's abilities and comfort level, and we coordinate with other healthcare providers when needed.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child's first visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. But don't worry if you've missed that window—we're here to help whenever you're ready. That first visit is really about getting to know your child and teaching you how to care for their teeth at home.

We start by talking with you about your child's personality and any concerns they might have. Some kids need to work in 10-second increments, others need consistent breaks, and some just need to know exactly what's coming next through our "Tell, Show, Do" approach. We also offer sedation options when needed.

Call us right away—we offer same-day emergency appointments for dental injuries, severe toothaches, or other urgent situations. Whether your child chips a tooth at the playground or wakes up with severe pain, we're here to help get them comfortable and back to being a kid.

Most children should visit us every six months for routine cleanings and checkups. However, some kids might need to come more frequently if they're cavity-prone or have other oral health concerns. We'll work with you to determine the right schedule for your child's individual needs.

We offer fluoride treatments and dental sealants to protect teeth from cavities, especially important as permanent molars come in. We also teach proper brushing and flossing techniques through hands-on demonstrations. As Dr. Hayes says, we love "teaching parents how to help care for their children" and building healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Keep it simple and positive. Schedule morning appointments when kids are well-rested, and let them know they're going to meet friendly dentists who want to help keep their teeth healthy. Avoid sharing your own dental fears or using scary words. Our office has plenty of distractions to help them feel comfortable once they arrive.

Not necessarily. We only take digital X-rays when they're clinically necessary to check for problems we can't see with a visual exam. Our digital X-rays use 90% less radiation than traditional film, and we'll always explain why they're needed before taking them.

Dr. Knockum's hospital experience taught him that "no child should go without care." We work closely with parents to understand each child's specific needs and create accommodations within their comfort level. This might mean modifying our techniques, taking extra breaks, or coordinating with your child's other healthcare providers.

We'll walk you through exactly what we found and present different treatment options. Dr. Hayes believes in taking "every tool I have out of the toolbox"—sometimes that means using fluoride treatments to slow decay in very young children until they're ready for more extensive treatment, or discussing sedation options for anxious kids.

Dr. Hayes has a special understanding of child development. For younger kids in the "imaginative phase," we might talk about "sugar bugs" on their teeth or give a "mosquito kiss" for a small procedure. With older children, we provide honest explanations about how bacteria affects teeth because they appreciate understanding the real reasons why good habits matter.

Absolutely. Dr. Knockum believes parents should be with their children at all times because "this is a family experience." We want you to see exactly what's happening and feel comfortable with every step of your child's care. You're never asked to wait in another room.

We start every appointment by talking with you about your child's personality and any concerns they might have. Some kids need to work in 10-second increments, others need frequent breaks, and some just need to know exactly what's coming next. We also have entertainment options, cozy blankets, and a play area to help them feel comfortable.

Most children do well with checkups every six months, but we customize the schedule based on your child's individual needs. Some kids who are prone to cavities might need to see us more frequently, while others can go a bit longer between visits. We'll work with you to find what's right for your child.

We recommend your child's first visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. But don't stress if you've missed that window—we're here whenever you're ready. That first visit is really about getting to know your family and helping you understand how to care for your child's teeth at home.

We'll evaluate whether the permanent tooth is ready to come in or if we need a space maintainer to preserve proper alignment. Every situation is different, which is why Dr. Hayes believes in "taking every tool I have out of the toolbox"—we'll create a plan that's specifically right for your child's dental development.

Most dental insurance plans cover necessary restorative treatments for children. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment and provide clear cost estimates so there are no surprises. We also offer flexible payment options because we believe every child deserves quality dental care regardless of financial circumstances.

We offer laughing gas, oral sedation, and general anesthesia depending on your child's needs and the extent of treatment required. Dr. Knockum's hospital experience taught him that some children need different levels of support, and we believe "no child should go without care" because of anxiety or special needs.

Keep explanations simple and positive. We use our "Tell, Show, Do" approach during the appointment so children know exactly what to expect. You can let them know we're going to "fix the sugar bugs" for younger kids, or explain that we're stopping bacteria from causing more damage for older children who appreciate understanding the real reasons.

Yes, once the numbness wears off, your child can return to normal eating. We do recommend avoiding very sticky or hard foods that might damage the restoration. Dr. Hayes will provide specific care instructions and answer any questions you have about maintaining your child's restoration at home.

Stainless steel crowns on back teeth aren't very visible when your child smiles or talks, and many kids actually think they're cool "robot teeth." For front teeth, we can use white zirconia crowns that look completely natural. We'll discuss the best option based on which tooth needs treatment and your child's age.

Fillings in baby teeth typically last several years until the tooth naturally falls out, while stainless steel crowns usually last until the permanent tooth is ready to come in. We'll monitor your child's restorations at each checkup to make sure they're holding up well and the permanent teeth are developing normally.

Dr. Knockum understands that you "cannot expect a three-year-old to sit down and have three cavities filled" like an older child. We have several options—sometimes we can use fluoride treatments to slow decay until your child is older and more cooperative, or we can discuss sedation options that help them feel comfortable and relaxed during treatment.

We use gentle numbing techniques to ensure your child is comfortable throughout treatment. Some children might feel pressure during the procedure, which is why Dr. Hayes explains everything beforehand—when you understand what your child might experience, it helps both of you feel more in control. We can also work in short increments if your child needs frequent breaks.

It depends on how much of the tooth is affected by decay. Small cavities can usually be treated with tooth-colored fillings, but when decay is more extensive, a crown provides better protection and strength. We'll show you exactly what we see and explain why we're recommending one treatment over another, so you can make an informed decision together with us.

After Phase 1, we'll continue monitoring your child's dental development and determine if additional treatment is needed as their permanent teeth come in. We'll keep you informed every step of the way.

We'll provide detailed care instructions and work with you to establish routines that fit your family's lifestyle. The key is making appliance care part of your child's daily routine and celebrating their progress along the way.

Many insurance plans provide coverage for orthodontic treatment. Our team will help you understand your benefits and explore financing options to make treatment accessible for your family.

Most patients are seen every 6-8 weeks during active treatment, but we offer flexible scheduling to work with your family's routine and your child's school schedule.

Phase 1 treatment works with your child's natural growth patterns to guide development, often preventing more serious problems later. It's typically shorter and less complex than comprehensive braces treatment during the teenage years.

Some children may need a second phase of treatment during adolescence, but Phase 1 often makes future treatment shorter and less complex. We'll monitor your child's development and discuss future needs as they grow.

Absolutely! We provide custom mouthguards to protect your child's smile during sports and active play. Physical activity is important for children's overall well-being, and we never want treatment to interfere with activities they enjoy.

We start by getting to know your child and understanding their concerns. Some kids need extra time to warm up to the idea of appliances, and that's perfectly okay. We work at their pace and use our gentle approach to build confidence over time.

Phase 1 treatment usually lasts between 9-18 months, though every child is different. We customize treatment length based on your child's specific needs and growth patterns.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, but remember that evaluation doesn't always mean immediate treatment. We'll assess your child's individual development and timing.

Dr. Hayes has experience working with children with special needs and creating care plans "within their child's level of ability and comfort." We coordinate with your child's other healthcare providers when needed and modify our approach accordingly.

Coverage varies by insurance plan and the medical necessity of sedation. Our team will help verify your benefits and discuss payment options before treatment.

With laughing gas, children can usually return to school the same day. Deeper sedation typically requires rest at home for the remainder of the day. We'll provide specific recovery guidelines based on your child's treatment.

Dress your child in comfortable clothing and consider bringing a favorite comfort item like a stuffed animal or blanket. We want them to feel as secure as possible throughout their visit.

We use advanced equipment to continuously monitor heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels. Our team is trained in pediatric emergency response and maintains constant observation throughout treatment.

Fasting requirements depend on the type of sedation. We provide detailed pre-appointment instructions, including specific times to stop eating and drinking to ensure your child's safety.

Laughing gas effects end within minutes after treatment. Oral sedation may last several hours, with full recovery typically within 24 hours. We'll provide specific timing based on your child's treatment plan.

No, we combine sedation with appropriate local anesthetic to ensure your child is comfortable throughout their procedure. Our goal is a completely pain-free experience.

We consider your child's age, anxiety level, medical history, and the complexity of treatment needed. As Dr. Knockum explains, there are "no cookie-cutter solutions"—we create individualized plans based on your child's specific needs.

Yes, dental sedation is very safe when provided by board-certified pediatric dentists like Dr. Hayes and Dr. Knockum. We follow strict safety protocols and use the same monitoring standards as hospitals throughout treatment.

We always consider how emergency treatment might impact developing permanent teeth. Sometimes we modify our approach to protect permanent teeth that are still forming, even if it means different treatment than we'd provide for adults.

We're experienced with scared, hurt children. Sometimes the kindest approach is gentle restraint or sedation to provide necessary care quickly. We always work with your child's comfort level while prioritizing their health and safety.

Regular checkups help us identify weak teeth that might break easily. Sports mouthguards, avoiding hard foods and objects, and childproofing can prevent many accidents, though some emergencies are simply part of childhood.

Absolutely. Dr. Hayes has experience creating treatment approaches that work within each child's abilities. Emergency situations don't change our commitment to serving all children in our community.

Call our office number—we provide after-hours guidance for managing pain and protecting injured areas until we can see your child. For life-threatening situations, go directly to the emergency room.

Age-appropriate over-the-counter pain medication is usually fine, but call us first if possible. We need to know what you've given and when to provide safe additional pain management.

Yes, both doctors are extensively trained in pediatric sedation techniques. Emergency procedures can be traumatic, and sedation often helps children receive necessary care more comfortably.

Severe pain, knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, facial swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding require immediate attention. When in doubt, call us—we'd rather evaluate something minor than have you worry overnight.

Contact us immediately for any dental emergency. For knocked-out permanent teeth, every minute counts. Even for less urgent issues, prompt care often leads to simpler treatment and better outcomes.

Most dental insurance plans cover emergency treatments. Our team helps verify coverage and provides clear cost information, but we never let insurance questions delay necessary emergency care.