Regular dental exams and cleanings keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy and help our team find small problems before they grow. They are the foundation of our preventive care for infants, children, and teens.
At Hunterdon Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Brian Rooney, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and Dr. Reem Hemantharaju bring pediatric dental training to every visit at our Flemington, NJ office.
During your child’s exam, the dentist thoroughly examines your child’s teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. The dentist may also take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of the teeth and gums. Whether the X-rays are traditional or digital, the images help our dentists find issues that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Learn more about our digital X-rays.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first exam when the first tooth comes in and no later than 12 months of age. Six months is the most common interval between exams, though some children need visits more or less often depending on their risk of disease. Our Flemington team will recommend a schedule that fits your child.
Your child’s dental hygienist begins by exploring the surface of the teeth to look for cavities and to check the quality of existing fillings. The hygienist then performs a periodontal exam to make sure your child’s gums adhere tightly to the teeth and that no periodontal disease or bone loss is present.
Next, the hygienist carefully cleans your child’s teeth with a variety of tools to remove hard mineral buildup, also called tartar. Then the hygienist flosses your child’s teeth, uses a polishing compound, and applies fluoride. Learn more about our fluoride treatments.
Cleanings usually are not painful, but if your child feels anxious about the dental exam, let the hygienist know. Nitrous oxide is available for mild sedation, and our treatment rooms include noise-canceling headphones and TVs. If the dentist or hygienist finds tooth decay or gum disease, they will talk with you about changing your child’s brushing or flossing habits. In some cases, they may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatment. If your child’s teeth and gums look healthy, the dentist will probably recommend continuing the same routine.
Brushing and flossing at home are necessary, but a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential too. By routinely seeing the dentist, your child can:
Regular visits also give your child time to get comfortable with our team, which can make every future appointment easier.
Schedule your child’s first visit by the time the first tooth comes in, and no later than the first birthday. Before you arrive, you can complete our patient forms online and let us know about any concerns your child has. We welcome all children and adolescents, including those with special needs, and our dentists are trained in behavior management techniques.
We accept insurance and fee-for-service, and we are in-network with carriers including Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, MetLife, and Guardian. Please call our office at (908) 788-6700 to confirm your plan. We also offer Cherry and CareCredit payment plans, and you can read more on our financial information page.
You can also learn what sets our practice apart or see the Hunterdon office before your visit.
Most children benefit from an exam and cleaning every six months, which is the most common interval used in pediatric dentistry. Some children need visits more or less often depending on their risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Our team at Hunterdon Pediatric Dentistry will recommend a schedule that fits your child.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first exam when the first tooth comes in and no later than 12 months of age. We care for infants, children, and teens at our Flemington, NJ office, so your child can start early and stay with one practice. Request an appointment to get started.
The dentist may recommend X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of the teeth and gums. We use low-radiation digital X-rays at our Flemington office, and the images help us find problems that cannot be seen during a visual exam. You can read more about our digital X-rays.
Let your hygienist know about any anxiety, and our team will adjust the visit. Our treatment rooms include noise-canceling headphones and TVs, and we offer nitrous oxide for mild sedation. We welcome children with special needs, and our dentists are trained in behavior management. Contact our Flemington office to talk through what will help your child most.
Yes, we accept insurance and fee-for-service, and we are in-network with carriers including Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, MetLife, and Guardian. Please call our Flemington office at (908) 788-6700 to confirm that your plan is accepted. We also offer Cherry and CareCredit payment plans for families who prefer a payment option.
Dr. Brian Rooney is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and our 4.8-star Google rating reflects the care our Flemington families receive.
Start your son or daughter on the path to a lifetime of excellent oral health. Contact our Flemington pediatric dental office through our appointment request form and schedule an appointment for your youngster today.
