A lifetime of smiles starts with a good foundation
Give your kids a great start building good oral hygiene habits and monitor their progress as they grow into their beautiful smiles. We understand how challenging and rewarding family care can be and kids need extra special consideration. Having a healthy smile is such an important part of childhood, let’s get them started on the right path with guidance that’s personalized for their needs.
Getting ready for your first appointment
Feel free to talk to your child about the upcoming trip to the dentist. The main purpose of your child’s first visit is to relax, have some fun, and start building a positive relationship with the dentist. Sometimes, not knowing what to expect can make people feel a little nervous. Here’s what your child can expect during their first appointment:
Talk and Listen
We will talk to you and your child, explain what we’re going to do and why and familiarize your child with some of the tools we use. We speak in kid-friendly language and explain any lingo so they can feel as comfortable and assured as possible. See! We’re not so scary after all.
Gently Examine
We will gently examine your child’s gums, tongue, teeth and overall health. Our exam will uncover any areas of concern or tricky spots that may need some extra attention at home. We will provide you with personalized guidance and make a note to pay special attention to those spots during the next appointment.
Educate
We might ask your child to show us how they brush their teeth and then give them gentle instructions on how to improve brushing their teeth at home. We would love to answer any questions you or your child have about dental health.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your child will start to cut their first teeth at around 6 months. It is recommended that children visit the dentist by the age of 1 or within 6 months of getting their first tooth. If you suspect something might be wrong or your child might be experiencing discomfort or pain, please book an appointment as soon as possible. It’s never too late for a child to have their first dental appointment.
Baby teeth are no less important than adult teeth. Parents should understand that baby teeth do so much more than hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth. Children’s teeth can permanently affect how their face appears, how they smile and how often they smile. Children who are free to develop confidence and smile big in their early years tend to hang on to those habits. Dental pain, even mild pain that children learn to normalize, will have a lasting negative impact on children’s eating habits including how they chew, what kind of food they prefer and how much food they eat.
The length of the appointment will depend on the needs of the child and how cooperative they’re feeling during the exam. That being said, an appointment typically lasts about one hour.
After your first appointment, your child should come to the dentist as frequently as you do. We recommend a checkup and cleaning every 6 months unless otherwise specified. If your child has a tooth or jaw ache if you notice them rubbing or nursing their jaw a lot or if you notice them avoiding hard or cold foods please book an appointment sooner.
Your mouth isn’t just your teeth. It’s a whole system including teeth, tongue, gums, cheeks, glands, ligaments, joints, bone and more. When one aspect of your oral health sugars, your whole mouth suffers. Swollen itchy, sore or bleeding gums can be an early indicator of a much more serious problem.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
Halli Roussell
3 weeks ago
I have had severe dental anxiety my whole life and needed work done after 7 years of not being seen. Dr. Butler was recommended to me by a friend and I’m glad I took the recommendation. Everyone at the office is patient, affirming and gentle. I was supported before my first appt began and indicating I had high anxiety wasn’t missed. I appreciate that their office intake process is mindful of your intake survey after such bad experiences with dentists who brushed right over my anxiety before going on to make it worse. The first time I came in they allowed me to do a gentle intake where no work was done, to talk through my concerns and options before prescribing me something I could take for future appts to help get myself back to the office. I have always felt heard when presenting my concerns and have never been made to feel embarrassed or ashamed for being afraid which for those struggling with anxiety can be the worst part. I’ve now been back 4 times to get all my work done and the staff know my name now and follow up with me. It generally feels like the staff at Dr. Butler care and truly stand by their expertise as an office specializing in dental anxiety. As I’m writing this review also celebrating that I felt safe enough to come here by myself for the first time. It may not be needed for everyone but if dental anxiety has kept you away like it has for me. This is the right place for you to go.
Davin Yannick
5 months ago
The doctor did a comprehensive exam after a clerical error said I was meant to only have a short exam, the tech was kind and also very thorough. The front desk staff were pleasant and went out of their way to make sure I got accurate estimates without accidentally tripping my insurance company into thinking I’d had the work done already and used up my benefits. They were easily willing to do estimates for two different treatment options for me. I was able to get in for a new patient exam and for my long treatment appointment within a really reasonable time frame. I’m very happy with this whole office. I would recommend them.
Merril Tate
5 months ago
Careig,compassionate and professional. Best dental care I have had done in 3 years. New to this practice. Showed me excellent care for my special needs. Gentle teeth cleaning. Dr. Butter excellent bedside manner. Gave me options and his opinion on best way to go out my plan. Got my follow up appointment with in a week. Glad I changed the Bulter Dental Practice.
Neal Lundeen
4 months ago
My experience with Butler Family Dental has been wonderful.
I had to choose a new dentist due to an insurance change in our household.
My previous dentist has always been my dentist for 54 years.Butler Family Dental made this transition so smooth and a good experience.
Thank you
Mark Peabody
5 months ago
I thought the Dental Hygenist was outstanding. She was 23 years old (Didn’t get her name) but she did some extra steps that ensured my teeth were clean and unstained.
Halli Roussell
3 weeks ago
I have had severe dental anxiety my whole life and needed work done after 7 years of not being seen. Dr. Butler was recommended to me by a friend and I’m glad I took the recommendation. Everyone at the office is patient, affirming and gentle. I was supported before my first appt began and indicating I had high anxiety wasn’t missed. I appreciate that their office intake process is mindful of your intake survey after such bad experiences with dentists who brushed right over my anxiety before going on to make it worse. The first time I came in they allowed me to do a gentle intake where no work was done, to talk through my concerns and options before prescribing me something I could take for future appts to help get myself back to the office. I have always felt heard when presenting my concerns and have never been made to feel embarrassed or ashamed for being afraid which for those struggling with anxiety can be the worst part. I’ve now been back 4 times to get all my work done and the staff know my name now and follow up with me. It generally feels like the staff at Dr. Butler care and truly stand by their expertise as an office specializing in dental anxiety. As I’m writing this review also celebrating that I felt safe enough to come here by myself for the first time. It may not be needed for everyone but if dental anxiety has kept you away like it has for me. This is the right place for you to go.
Davin Yannick
5 months ago
The doctor did a comprehensive exam after a clerical error said I was meant to only have a short exam, the tech was kind and also very thorough. The front desk staff were pleasant and went out of their way to make sure I got accurate estimates without accidentally tripping my insurance company into thinking I’d had the work done already and used up my benefits. They were easily willing to do estimates for two different treatment options for me. I was able to get in for a new patient exam and for my long treatment appointment within a really reasonable time frame. I’m very happy with this whole office. I would recommend them.
Merril Tate
5 months ago
Careig,compassionate and professional. Best dental care I have had done in 3 years. New to this practice. Showed me excellent care for my special needs. Gentle teeth cleaning. Dr. Butter excellent bedside manner. Gave me options and his opinion on best way to go out my plan. Got my follow up appointment with in a week. Glad I changed the Bulter Dental Practice.
Neal Lundeen
4 months ago
My experience with Butler Family Dental has been wonderful.
I had to choose a new dentist due to an insurance change in our household.
My previous dentist has always been my dentist for 54 years.Butler Family Dental made this transition so smooth and a good experience.
Thank you
Mark Peabody
5 months ago
I thought the Dental Hygenist was outstanding. She was 23 years old (Didn’t get her name) but she did some extra steps that ensured my teeth were clean and unstained.
