Do you remember the first time you went to the dentist?
For most folks it was probably a scary experience. At Hatch Family Dentistry, however, a trip to the dentist is actually fun! Here, you get to play with cool toys that you don’t have at home. We even have big screen TV’s for every dental chair, and we let you pick the channel!
Yes, we love kids! We are a full service dental office and love taking care of children.
We believe in first impressions. If your child’s first visit is positive, each one thereafter is likely to be as well, so we make it a point to give each child a terrific experience, each and every time.
Pediatric Services
Pediatric Check-ups:
Pediatric check-ups should begin at age one. Tooth decay can build-up early and it is important to discuss a program of preventative home care which includes brushing, flossing, diet control and use of fluoride.
Cleanings:
At age 3, children should begin a schedule of regular cleanings. This is important to ensure that the primary teeth are in a healthy condition and allows the dentist to detect any potential gum problems.
X-rays:
In accordance with guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric-Dentistry, we recommend x-rays only when necessary to protect your children’s dental health. They may be needed to diagnose tooth decay, abnormalities or for orthodontic treatment.
Sealants:
We strongly believe in the placement of dental sealants as a preventative measure as soon as possible following the eruption of permanent molars. Sealants fill the grooves on the tooth’s biting surface in order to prevent the formation of cavities in the deep uncleansable fissures system present in most adult molars. Your child’s first permanent molars typically begin to emerge at age six, so be sure to have them evaluated for the need of sealant placement.
Emergency Services:
When your child needs urgent dental treatment, Hatch Family Dentistry is ready to help. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce extensive dental treatment.
Fillings:
Though unwelcome, cavities happen. But a filling doesn’t have to be a frightening experience. By making your child feel comfortable, relaxed and even distracted while being worked on, we can turn a visit to the dentist into a pleasant experience.
Nitrous Oxide:
When appropriate, and with your permission, we will use nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” to enhance the calming effect of our verbal and visual distraction techniques. This helps to calm your apprehensive child so that they never enter the cycle of fear and panic.
“Crib” Appliance for Thumb Sucking:
Does your child have a thumb-sucking problem? We have successfully treated many children with this issue using a short-term fixed oral appliance called a “crib” which prevents children from deriving satisfaction from their thumb-sucking habit, giving them no incentive to continue. If your child has a stubborn thumb-sucking habit, we can help!