Dentistry is important at every age and every stage of life. Our Columbia, SC, family dentists provide dental care services to children and adults in our family dental office.
Dr. Tom Trinkner, Dr. Nick Keefer, and our staff are very familiar with the dental needs of children. We will make them feel as comfortable as possible at every visit. Preventive dental care and conservative treatments are the primary focus of our dental services.
Our Family Dental Services
Trinkner & Keefer provides preventive care for the whole family. Preventive dentistry plays a fundamental role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Preventative care is an essential aspect of family dental care. Regular check-ups, professional cleanings, and oral health exams help our dentist prevent and detect issues early.
We screen for cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer during every visit. Our dentists equip each family member with the necessary knowledge and tools to maintain excellent oral hygiene practices.
We offer a range of family dental services that will help maintain healthy teeth and gums for years to come. Visit us for regular check-ups, teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants. We can also provide professional advice on proper oral hygiene habits, and nutrition tips to keep your smile looking its best.
Our family dental care team may provide dental sealants to prevent dental cavities in children. Dental sealants consist of bio-compatible materials, forming a protective barrier over teeth and offer long-lasting protection. Our dentists can place sealants in a single visit.
Pediatric Dentist vs. Family Dentist
Family dentists and pediatric dentists can provide dental care for children and adults. But there are some differences between the two.
Pediatric dentists specialize in treating infants, children, adolescents, and those with special needs. They have the training to be able to recognize the unique characteristics of each age group. Family dentists can care for everyone’s dental needs. However, they may not have the same level of expertise in addressing the needs of infants.
Creating a positive dental experience for children is crucial to instilling good oral hygiene habits from a young age. Many family dental practices offer specialized pediatric dentistry services. From fun, child-friendly waiting areas to gentle, informative dental visits for example. These services help address the unique dental needs of children.
Pediatric dental services often include dental cleanings, routine exams, cavity prevention treatments, orthodontic evaluations, and education on proper oral hygiene practices.
Patients often take their older children who have outgrown the pediatric dentist to our office. We continue their dental care without issue. Families in our Columbia dental office appreciate the convenience of having everyone treated by the same dentist.
A typical child’s visit to our office may include:
- Diagnostic x-rays.
- A thorough teeth cleaning.
- A fluoride treatment to help prevent tooth decay, promote remineralization, and protect sensitive teeth.
- Dental caries (cavities) screening to check for tooth decay.
- Periodontal screening to check for gingivitis and gum disease.
- A temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and jaw position exam.
Family Dentistry FAQs
Parents and families should understand the basics of family dentistry. Better equip yourself to ask the right questions when visiting your child’s dentist. To help parents better understand this field, here are some answers to common questions that we get.
When should my child first visit the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit pediatric dentists as soon as the first tooth emerges. Also, no later than the child’s first birthday. Tooth decay can happen as soon as the first tooth erupts. Consult with your pediatrician about fluoride supplements as well.
Should I brush my baby’s teeth?
Yes, gently cleaning a baby’s new teeth with a soft toothbrush helps introduce dental hygiene early on and prevents decay. Once the first tooth is completely visible, use a minimal amount of toothpaste. Our team can demonstrate proper tooth brushing techniques when you come in for a visit.
Why are baby teeth important? Don’t they just fall out?
A child’s primary teeth (baby teeth) are essential to the future of his or her dental health. Healthy teeth are important for chewing and will encourage a healthy diet. Teeth are also vital for speech development.
The primary teeth also help to keep a space for the permanent teeth that will eventually emerge. Fortunately we can help if your child loses baby teeth early from accidents or decay. Our dentist may provide you with a space retainer to ensure that there’s enough space for the permanent teeth.
We encourage you to call our dentist in Columbia, SC, at 803-400-8729 to schedule an appointment today. You can also request an appointment online.