Pediatric Dentistry

Kids & Special Care Dentistry

At Austin Institute of Dental Medicine, we believe that every child deserves a positive dental experience that fosters a lifetime of good oral health habits. Our pediatric dentistry department specializes in caring for children from infancy through adolescence, as well as patients with special healthcare needs, in a supportive, compassionate environment.

If your child is ready for a pediatric dentistry visit or hasn’t seen a dentist in the past 6 months, contact us to get started.

When Is a Child Ready for Dental Visits?

We recommend taking your child to visit our office once they have their first tooth or when they are around a year old. This prepares them for continued dental care throughout their life, allows us to monitor early dental development.

Our first visits often include a light cleaning, dental education for the whole family, and a gentle exam, completed by our highly-skilled pediatric dentist.

The Benefits of Taking Your Child to The Dentist

Bringing your child to the dentist regularly provides more than just healthy teeth—it helps establish lifelong habits and reduces fear of dental care. Early visits allow our team to monitor your child’s oral development, spot small concerns before they become bigger problems, and provide gentle education tailored to their age.

A child who feels comfortable in the dental chair is more likely to maintain positive oral health practices into adulthood. These visits also give parents the chance to ask questions, receive guidance on nutrition and brushing, and gain peace of mind knowing their child’s smile is cared for.

The earlier your child begins receiving professional dental care, the greater the long-term benefits. Healthy baby teeth support speech development, proper chewing, and hold space for permanent teeth, while preventive visits reduce the risk of cavities and more extensive treatments later on. Regular checkups at Austin Institute of Dental Medicine set the foundation for a confident, healthy smile for years to come.

The Importance of Dental Cleanings for Your Child

Dental cleanings are especially important for children, who may not be able to thoroughly brush their teeth on their own. We take special care to be thorough, cleaning areas that brushes cannot.

A dental cleaning lessens plaque on a child’s teeth, which can lower inflammation and enhance the health of their entire body. Cleanings aren’t just so your teeth feel clean or to prevent cavities; they help promote a healthy future for your child.

Specialized Care for Young Patients

Our pediatric dentists have additional years of training beyond dental school, specifically focused on the unique needs of children. We understand the developmental stages of children’s teeth and how to make dental visits enjoyable and stress-free for even the most anxious young patients.

Preventative Pediatric Dentistry

We emphasize prevention to help children maintain healthy smiles from the start:

  • Gentle cleanings tailored to each child’s age and cooperation level
  • Comprehensive examinations to monitor growth and development
  • Digital X-rays with minimal radiation when necessary 
  • Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and prevent decay 
  • Dental sealants to protect adult molars
  • Nutritional counseling and oral hygiene education
  • Early orthodontic evaluation to identify potential issues

Restorative Pediatric Dentistry

When treatment is needed, we provide gentle, effective care:

  • Tooth-colored fillings for cavities
  • Pulp therapy to treat infected baby teeth
  • Pediatric crowns to restore severely damaged teeth 
  • Space maintainers when baby teeth are lost prematurely 
  • Emergency care for dental injuries
  • Minimally invasive techniques whenever possible

Early Orthodontics and Airway

Airway care and orthodontics start early. We offer pediatric and adolescent orthodontics. Oftentimes, if there are no complications, we recommend starting orthodontics once most of your child’s adult teeth have grown in.

If there are complications or concerns with making space for adult teeth, we start children as young as 6 years old on Phase 1 orthodontics, which focuses on creating space for adult teeth. Phase 2 is braces or aligners to straighten the adult teeth.

Along with orthodontic support, we provide frenectomies for tongue and lip ties. These can be offered to children who are 6 months or older, and can help with nursing complications and speech. A tongue tie can be diagnosed by a dentist, lactation consultant, or general practice doctor. Our laser frenectomies are painless and easy to recover from.

Special Needs Dentistry

We are committed to providing comprehensive dental care to patients with special healthcare needs in a supportive, accommodating environment. Our team has specialized training and experience in treating patients with:

  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Down syndrome and other genetic conditions
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • Sensory processing disorders
  • Behavioral challenges
  • Complex medical conditions

We take the time to understand each patient’s unique needs and adapt our approach accordingly, with options such as:

  • Pre-visit consultations to discuss specific accommodations
  • Desensitization appointments to build comfort with the dental environment
  • Visual schedules and social stories to prepare for visits
  • Specialized equipment and techniques
  • Coordination with other healthcare providers

Sedation Options for Children

For young patients with severe anxiety or those requiring extensive treatment, we offer various levels of sedation administered by professionals with advanced training in pediatric sedation protocols:

  • Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): A mild sedative that helps children relax while remaining fully conscious
  • Oral Conscious Sedation: Medication taken by mouth to produce a deeper state of relaxation
  • IV Sedation: For more complex procedures or extremely anxious patients
  • General Anesthesia: Available in our surgical center for specific cases

All sedation is provided with comprehensive monitoring and follows strict safety protocols, with parent education and detailed pre- and post-appointment instructions.

Helping Your Child Prepare for Their First Appointment

We understand that a first dental visit can feel unfamiliar for both children and parents. Taking a few steps ahead of time can make the experience positive and stress-free:

  • Talk About the Visit in a Positive Way: Use simple, encouraging language to explain that the dentist helps keep their teeth healthy.
  • Read Books or Watch Videos About the Dentist: Age-appropriate stories and videos can make the experience feel more familiar and less intimidating.
  • Practice at Home: Let your child “play dentist” by opening wide while you count their teeth, so they know what to expect.
  • Schedule at the Right Time: Choose a time of day when your child is usually rested and in a good mood to help set them up for success.
  • Bring Comfort Items: A favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal can provide reassurance during the appointment.
  • Stay Calm and Supportive: Children take cues from their parents—remaining relaxed and positive will help your child feel the same.

Let Us Help You Care For Your Child’s Teeth

We know taking your child to the dentist can be intimidating, but our comforting team is here to help. Our caring team and sedation resources can help us treat children and those with special needs with compassion and care. Contact us to schedule a consultation or an appointment.

Dental Practice
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Healthy Smile
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