Pediatric Dentistry
Dental care is just as important for infants, children, and teens as it is for adults. We take great pride in helping our younger patients with their oral health, creating healthy habits that last a lifetime, and providing a safe, comfortable experience at our pediatric dentist office in Lincoln, NE.
Specialized Dental Care for Kids
Wilderness Station Pediatric Dentistry specializes in providing dental care to infants, toddlers, young children, teens, and children with disabilities. Beyond that, we provide a warm, fun, and friendly environment that helps children relax, making them more receptive to the examinations and treatments. We encourage parents and family members to be with their children and interact with them throughout the treatment to further strengthen your kids’ feeling of safety and security.
Teaching children about good dental care habits helps lay down a firm foundation for excellent dental self-care as they grow older and throughout the rest of their life. See common questions around dental health for children, below. Contact our office with any questions or to setup your child’s next dental visit.
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When should my baby have their first dentist appointment?
First dental visits for children should happen when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, at the latest. Your child’s first dental visit is to help your child start feeling comfortable with their pediatric dentist and to examine their overall oral health. At Wilderness Station, we pride ourselves on creating comfortable experiences for children while proving parents education they need to help their child with their oral health.
First Dental Visits at Wilderness StationHear from pediatric dentist, Dr. Marty Killeen, on why it’s important for your child to visit the dentist no later than age 12 months.
How often should kids go to the dentist?
Children should visit the dentist every six months to help prevent cavities and other dental issues. Your pediatric dentist will perform a dental exam, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatment, and x-rays if necessary. Creating a regular 6-month routine for your child’s dental checkups will make the whole experience less stressful and scary for them.
Regular pediatric dental checkups are crucial to identify any oral health issues such as tooth decay, hidden cavities, or gum inflammation. They also allow your dentist to determine if your child’s brushing habits are effective, including if they’re brushing too hard or not enough.
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I’m worried about how my child will behave at the dentist. What do I do?
Dental anxiety and fear of the dentist is common for children and adults. Anxiety can cause children to act out and oftentimes parents are nervous about taking their child to the dentist out of fear about how they’ll behave. Pediatric dentists are uniquely trained to treat children and help reduce their fears and anxieties. At Wilderness Station, we work with each family’s individual needs and consistently focus on alleviating any fears or anxiety. We want to start your child off on the right foot when visiting the dentist. We also offer laughing gas for children who cannot sit through a regular checkup or those that need an advanced procedure.
As a parent, you can help alleviate anxiety by bringing them in for their first visit no later than their first birthday and continue to bring them every six months for “happy visit” checkups. This gives children an opportunity to become familiar with the office and get to know Dr. Marty, which helps alleviate fear and anxiety. We want to start your child off on the right foot when visiting the dentist.
Why Visit a Pediatric Dentist?Hear from pediatric dentist, Dr. Marty Killeen, on how Wilderness Station works to keep your children comfortable at their dental visits.
How much does a child’s dental visit cost?
Wilderness Station strives to offer affordable dental care for families in Lincoln, NE, and the surrounding areas. Your out-of-pocket cost for any visit depends on your insurance coverage at the time. We offer flexible financing to reduce any financial barriers to getting quality dental care through our external payment plan provider, CareCredit.
- Kid’s Dental Visit: $75-$300
Meet Your Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Marty Killeen
Dr. Marty Killeen has over 15 years of experience caring for the littlest smiles in Lincoln, NE. He actively participates in continuing education to stay current on new research and techniques in the pediatric dentistry field. A Lincoln native and father of four, Dr. Marty proudly serves the community.
Home Dental Care Tips for Toddlers, Children, and Teens
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Should I use toothpaste when brushing my toddler's teeth?
Yes. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. For children 0-2-years-old, use a smear of toothpaste; for children between ages 3 and 6 years, use a pea-sized amount. Keep in mind that young children require assistance and do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively.
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When should I start flossing my children's teeth?
You should start flossing your children's baby teeth when they begin fitting closely together. This typically occurs between ages two and six. By helping your children floss their teeth help them create the habit of flossing daily. As their fine motor skills develop, you can teach them how to floss on their own. Children usually develop the ability to floss on their own around the age of 10.
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Does my child's diet really affect their oral health?
A good, healthy diet is important for a child's growth and development. It also has a direct effect on their dental health. We all know sugar contributes to tooth decay, and while almost all foods have some type of sugar in them it's important to limit the amount of sugar your child has. Nutritious eating habits combined with daily brushing and flossing promote overall health, while protecting your child’s teeth and gums from damaging decay, resulting in a strong, healthy smile.
Explore Related Services and Treatments
We offer a variety of dental services and treatments to help care for your child's smile from their first tooth, all the way through their teen years.