< Back 3. How do I schedule an appointment? Insurance and Scheduling Booking an appointment is simple! You can call our office and speak directly with one of our friendly team members, who will be happy to assist you every step of the way. Just let us know your child’s needs, preferences, or any concerns, and we’ll help find a time that works best for your schedule. If your child is experiencing dental pain or has an urgent issue, we do our best to offer same-day appointments so they can be seen as quickly as possible and get the relief they need. For routine checkups and cleanings, we recommend scheduling in advance—especially for first-time visits or during busier times of the year. Planning ahead helps ensure your child gets the care they need at a convenient time, without unnecessary waiting, and keeps their dental health on track. <<>>

< Back 8. How long does a typical visit take? Dentist Appointments The length of an appointment can vary depending on your child’s age, the reason for the visit, and any treatment that may be needed. Most routine checkups—such as an exam, cleaning, and fluoride—typically last around 30 to 45 minutes. For younger children or first-time visits, we often keep things shorter—sometimes just 15 to 20 minutes—to help keep the experience positive and comfortable. If your child needs additional treatment, like fillings, crowns, or sedation, the visit may take longer. Our team will always let you know what to expect ahead of time so you can plan accordingly. <<>>

< Back 22. Do you offer fluoride treatments or sealants? Fluoride Treatments Yes we do! Sealants Sealants are a popular, painless way to help keep your child cavity-free. They are applied to the back molars after a cleaning and exam — where 4 out of 5 cavities in children are found. A sealant is a resin-based coating painted onto the chewing surface of the tooth. It acts as a barrier against food, plaque, and acid that can cause decay. Sealants are practically invisible because they are clear or white, matching your child’s teeth. Even better, applying sealants takes only a few minutes during a single office visit, and they can protect your child throughout their cavity-prone years. The procedure is comfortable: the teeth are cleaned and prepped, the sealant is applied, and then hardened with a special light. Your child can eat and drink right away. Fluoride Fluoride is a natural mineral that plays a crucial role in reducing tooth decay. How it works: Bacteria in the mouth produce acid that can remove minerals from teeth. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening enamel and stopping this process. Because of its effectiveness, fluoride has been added to public water supplies since the 1940s, and today more than 70% of U.S. cities have fluoridated water. About 95% of toothpastes sold in the U.S. also contain fluoride. Getting the right amount: While fluoride is beneficial, too much can cause dental fluorosis — lasting white spots, brown stains, or enamel issues in permanent teeth. Young children, especially toddlers, may swallow too much toothpaste because they can’t spit it out well. Some foods are also high in fluoride, while tap or well water (or exclusive bottled water use) may not provide enough. It’s important for parents to make sure children get the right amount of fluoride. Our team can advise you if your child needs extra fluoride, and we can provide a prescription if necessary. If we notice signs of dental fluorosis, we can help identify the cause and prevent further problems. <<>>

< Back 21. What if my child cries during the appointment? Crying Children It’s completely normal for children to feel nervous or cry during a dental visit — many kids do! Crying doesn’t mean the visit will be painful or that your child won’t cooperate. Here’s how we help: -Patience and gentle guidance — letting your child take breaks as needed -Distraction techniques — toys, music, or stories to keep their mind off the procedure -Positive reinforcement — praise and small rewards for bravery and effort -Parental support — you can be there to comfort and reassure your child Our goal is to turn anxiety into confidence. Most children warm up quickly, and with a calm, supportive approach, dental visits can become a positive — even fun — experience. <<>>

< Back 12. What if happens if my check doesn’t clear? Returned Check Policy A $25 fee will be applied to your account if a check is returned by the bank. This fee covers the bank’s charges for returned checks. We appreciate your understanding, as it helps us keep our office running smoothly for all families. <<>>

< Back 43. What should I do if my child chips a tooth? Chipped Tooth Chipped teeth are fairly common in children and usually aren’t emergencies, but it’s still important to have them evaluated. Here’s what you should do: -Keep your child calm — reassurance can help ease fear or anxiety -Gently rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area -Check for pain or bleeding — use light pressure with a clean cloth if needed -Hold onto any tooth fragments if you can — in some cases, they may be reattached -Call your pediatric dentist as soon as possible — even minor chips can cause sensitivity or lead to bigger issues if left untreated The good news is that most chipped teeth are simple to treat, and getting care early helps prevent complications and keeps your child comfortable. <<>>

< Back 26. What types of sedation do you offer? Oral Sedation We offer several safe and effective sedation options, tailored to your child’s age, anxiety level, and the procedure: -Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) — A mild, fast-acting sedative that helps children relax while remaining awake. It wears off quickly, so your child can resume normal activities right after the appointment. -Oral sedation — Medication taken by mouth to help your child feel calm and drowsy during treatment. -IV or deeper sedation — Used in special cases for longer or more complex procedures. This is carefully monitored by trained professionals to ensure your child’s safety throughout. Before any sedation, we review your child’s health history, explain the process in detail, and monitor them closely during the entire visit to ensure they stay safe and comfortable. <<>>

< Back 64. I live out outside of Hurricane, where are you located? Directions to Office I live outside of Hurricane, where are you located? Directions from I-15 from St George ✔ Driving NORTH on I-15 from St George: Take Exit 16 (UT-9) / Coral Canyon Exit. Head east on UT-9 (West State Street) for 7 miles. Once you pass Southern Pkwy it will be on the right. Take a right on South 2500 W. It is a large brick 2 story brick building with columns out front. Parking in the parking lot or on street area. We are on the Second Floor. Walk up the stairs and our office will be on the right. Directions from UT-9 from Hurricane ✔ Coming from WEST of Hurricane: Head west on (UT-9) West State Street out of Hurricane for 3 miles. Take a left on South 2500 W. It is a large brick 2 story brick building with columns out front. Parking in the parking lot or on street area. We are on the Second Floor. Walk up the stairs and our office will be on the right. <<>>

< Back 30. How long does sedation last? Sedation Timeline The length of your child’s sedation depends on the type used: -Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) — Acts quickly and wears off within minutes after the mask is removed. Your child can usually go home right after the visit. -Oral sedation — Can last several hours. Your child may feel sleepy afterward, so plan for some quiet, calm time at home. -IV or deeper sedation — Duration varies based on the procedure. Your child will be closely monitored until it’s safe to go home. We’ll give you clear instructions on what to expect after sedation, including guidance on eating, activities, and supervision, so your child stays safe and comfortable. <<>>

< Back 62. Should I take my child to ER or dentist for tooth pain? Tooth Pain Most toothaches in children are best treated by a pediatric dentist rather than the emergency room. Dentists can pinpoint the cause, treat cavities, infections, or gum problems, and provide safe, effective pain relief. Call your dentist promptly if your child has: -Persistent tooth pain -Swelling in the gums or face -Difficulty eating or sleeping due to discomfort Go to the ER immediately only if: -Severe facial swelling is affecting breathing -High fever accompanies the dental pain -Trauma causes uncontrolled bleeding or a broken jaw For typical toothaches, contacting your pediatric dentist first is usually the fastest and safest way to help your child feel better. <<>>

< Back 10. What should I bring to my child’s first appointment? Things You Need To ensure your child’s first dental visit goes smoothly and comfortably, please bring the following: -Your child’s insurance card, if you have one -Any medical or dental records, including past X-rays -A current list of medications your child takes -Comfort items, like a favorite toy, blanket, or pacifier -Any questions or concerns you have about your child’s dental health Having these items on hand helps us get started quickly, address your questions, and make the visit as positive and stress-free as possible for your child. <<>>

< Back 15. Do you treat children with special needs? Special Needs Children We love working with children of all abilities and strive to make every visit safe, comfortable, and respectful. Our team is trained to: -Adapt appointments to meet each child’s unique needs -Use gentle, patient techniques to help children feel at ease -Communicate clearly with parents and caregivers about what to expect -Provide extra support for children with sensory sensitivities, developmental delays, or medical considerations Our goal is to create a positive dental experience for every child, so dental care can be stress-free — and even enjoyable! <<>>