What to expect at your child's first visit
We're so glad your family is coming to Tooth Town. Whether your child is visiting for a routine cleaning, a second opinion, or because another office referred you for treatment, our goal is the same: to help you understand what's going on, feel comfortable with the plan, and leave with clear next steps.
We believe healthy smiles start with good communication. We'll take the time to explain what we see, answer your questions, and help you make confident decisions for your child.
Before Your Visit
A little preparation makes the day easier
To help your appointment go smoothly, please complete any new patient paperwork before you arrive.
If your child has had a difficult dental experience, sensory concerns, anxiety, or special healthcare needs, please let us know ahead of time. The more we understand, the better we can prepare.
Please bring with you
- Your child's insurance card
- Any recent dental x-rays, if available
- A list of medications or health concerns
- Any questions you want to ask our team
The First Appointment
What happens at the first appointment?
Every child is different, so no two visits look exactly alike. Your child's first visit may include any of the following:
We meet your child where they are
Some children are ready for everything at the first visit. Others need a slower approach — and that's completely okay. Our entire approach is built around helping kids feel safe, cared for, and successful. The goal isn't just dental care; it's creating happy, healthy smiles.
Referred for Treatment
If your child was referred to us
Some families come to Tooth Town because another dentist found cavities or recommended treatment.
At this visit, we may take x-rays and complete an exam so we can better understand:
- What treatment your child needs
- Whether treatment can be completed at Tooth Town
- What level of support your child may need
- Whether a referral to another provider is the safest option
Sedation we offer. Tooth Town provides treatment with nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, but does not provide IV sedation or general anesthesia in the office. If your child needs care beyond what we provide here, we'll help guide you to the right next step.
Our Prevention Philosophy
We are big believers in prevention.
One of the best ways to keep your child healthy is to stay on a regular six-month cleaning schedule. These visits help us catch small concerns early, apply fluoride, reinforce home care habits, and keep your child's smile on track.
At Tooth Town, we've seen that children do best when they:
- Visit every six months
- Complete recommended treatment before the next cleaning
- Use fluoride when recommended
- Brush well at home every day
This is the secret to success. You can absolutely help your child become cavity-free — and stay that way.
A Note About Timing
If treatment is recommended, it's important not to wait too long
Cavities tend to grow. A tooth that needs a small filling today may need a crown later. A tooth that could be saved now may become painful, infected, or need to be removed if treatment is delayed.
We'll explain what we see, why it matters, and what your options are.
No guilt. No scare tactics. Just clear information, so you can make the best decision for your child.
Appointment Courtesy
Helping every child get the time they need
We know family schedules are busy, and that dental appointments can be hard to fit into the day.
Because our schedule is carefully planned around each child's needs, we ask that you let us know as early as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. This helps us offer that time to another child who may be waiting for care.
48-hour notice
For certain appointments, we ask for 48-hour notice when cancelling or rescheduling, because dedicated staff time may be reserved.
After the Visit
You'll leave informed, not overwhelmed
Before you leave, we'll take a few minutes to review everything together:
And if another parent, caregiver, or spouse has questions after the appointment, please reach out. We're happy to help everyone get on the same page.
We're Here to Help
Questions before your visit? Let's start with a conversation.
We're glad to walk you through anything ahead of time. Reach out and we'll help your family feel ready.