At Pebble Pediatric Dentistry, your childās comfort, safety, and smile come first. Led by a board-certified pediatric dentist and mommy, we specialize in gentle, personalized dental care designed just for kids. Our calming, child-centered environment helps young patients feel confident and cared for at every visit ā because a great dental experience starts with trust, compassion, and a little bit of fun.
Weāve gathered answers to almost every question you might have about Pebble Pediatric Dentistry, all in one place. With an extensive collection of FAQs, chances are youāll find exactly what youāre looking forāso check here first for quick, clear information.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a childās first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of their first tooth coming ināwhichever comes first.
Children should visit the dentist every 6 months for a routine checkup and cleaning, just like adults.
Your childās first visit will be gentle and informative. Weāll count their teeth, check for any issues, clean their teeth, and answer your questionsāwhile helping your child feel safe and relaxed.
Most first visits take around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your childās age and comfort level.
Yes! We encourage parents to accompany their child, especially for first visits, to help your child feel secure and involved.
Not always. We only take X-rays when necessary, based on your childās age, dental development, and any concerns we observe.
Thatās totally normal! Our team specializes in easing fears with a warm, kid-friendly approach. We use calm explanations, gentle care, and positive reinforcement to help build trust.
Yes! We celebrate bravery and good brushing habits with small prizes, stickers, and a fun, encouraging atmosphere.
Always. We use child-friendly language and show tools when appropriate to help kids understand whatās happening and reduce anxiety.
Absolutely! Weāre happy to offer a quick tour so you and your child can get comfortable with our space and meet the team.
Pediatric offices are designed just for kidsāwith kid-sized equipment, fun dĆ©cor, and a specially trained team focused on childrenās needs, development, and comfort.
We combine gentle care, clear communication, and a calm, playful environment to help each child feel at ease. From ceiling TVs to therapy dog cuddles, every detail is designed with kids in mind.
We welcome children with special needs and tailor every visit to their comfort and abilities. Let us know how we can support your child best.
Pediatric dentists complete two to three years of additional specialty training after dental school, focused entirely on the dental care of infants, children, teens, and patients with special needs.
Yes. We prioritize urgent dental needs and do our best to see emergency cases the same day.
Yes! We can often schedule siblings back-to-back or even side-by-side depending on their ages and comfort levels.
We recommend arriving 10 minutes early, especially if itās your first visit, to allow time for check-in and any paperwork.
Yes. We offer secure online forms so you can complete everything ahead of timeāsaving you time on the day of your visit.
Please bring your childās insurance card, a photo ID, any medical history or medications, and your completed new patient forms.
Yes. We offer virtual consults for select cases such as follow-ups, dental questions, or evaluating whether your child needs to come in.
Most babies begin teething around 6 months old, though some start as early as 4 months or as late as 12 months. The lower front teeth (central incisors) usually come in first, followed by the top front teeth
Baby teeth typically begin falling out around age 6, starting with the front teeth. The process continues until around age 12 or 13, making room for permanent adult teeth.
Before teeth appear, gently wipe your babyās gums with a clean, damp washcloth or soft silicone finger brush after feedings. This keeps the mouth clean and gets your baby used to oral care.
Use a tiny smear (rice-sized amount) of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3. For kids 3ā6, use a pea-sized amount. Look for fluoride toothpaste approved by the ADA (American Dental Association).
Younger children often need help brushing. Watch for thorough brushing along the gumline and all surfaces of the teeth. Disclosing tablets (available at pharmacies) can show where plaque remains.
Yes! Flossing removes plaque and food from between teeth where toothbrushes canāt reach. Start flossing as soon as any two teeth touch, typically around age 2ā3.
Choose a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles and a comfortable handle. Electric or manual brushes both work wellājust make sure your child uses the proper technique for two full minutes.
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and schedule regular dental checkups. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle, and encourage healthy snacks like fruits and cheese.
Yes, when used as directed. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Pediatric dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste and may suggest fluoride treatments if your child is at higher risk for decay.
Both are normal soothing habits for infants. Most children outgrow them by age 3ā4. If the habit continues beyond that, your pediatric dentist can offer gentle guidance to avoid affecting your childās bite and jaw development.
We specialize in helping children feel safe and supported. Our team uses calm voices, child-friendly explanations, and a gentle approach. Many kids who were once fearful now look forward to their visits!
Yes. We offer nitrous oxide (ālaughing gasā) and other sedation options for children who need extra help relaxing. Weāll always review your childās needs and medical history before making a recommendation.
In most cases, yes. We encourage parents to accompany their child for exams and cleanings. For certain procedures, we may recommend that parents wait nearby to help the child focus and feel independent.
This is more common than youād think! We use positive reinforcement, behavior modeling, and a gentle pace to build trust. Over time, most children become more comfortable and cooperative.
Itās okayācrying is a natural response to new situations. Our team is compassionate and experienced in calming upset children. Weāll take breaks as needed and never rush or pressure your child.
We tailor each visit to your childās needs, whether that means dimming lights, using quiet voices, or adjusting the pace. Let us know about your childās sensitivities in advance so we can prepare accordingly.
Yes, our team receives ongoing training in child psychology, communication, and behavioral strategies. We use techniques like ātell-show-do,ā positive reinforcement, and desensitization to ease fear and build confidence.
Absolutely! We have ceiling TVs, headphones, and kid-friendly music available. These distractions help children focus on something fun and forget theyāre even at the dentist.
Yes! Familiar items like a stuffed animal or cozy blanket can provide comfort and security. We encourage you to bring anything that helps your child feel more at ease.
We never force treatment. If your child is too anxious or uncooperative, we may suggest rescheduling or gradually building comfort through shorter āget to know youā visits. Your childās trust and emotional well-being come first.
We accept most major dental insurance plans. Feel free to call our office with your plan information, and weāll be happy to verify coverage for you.
Yes, we are in-network with several popular plans, including Delta Dental. While we are not currently contracted with OHP, we are happy to help you explore your options and provide care estimates in advance.
The cost of your childās first visit depends on your insurance coverage. For uninsured patients, we offer transparent pricing and can provide a detailed estimate before the appointment.
Yes, we understand that dental care is an important investment. We offer flexible payment options and can discuss plans that fit your familyās budget.
No problem! We welcome uninsured patients and offer self-pay rates, discounts for preventive care bundles, and payment arrangements for treatment plans.
Absolutely! We accept Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards for eligible services.
.Yes, we submit claims on your behalf so you donāt have to handle the paperwork. Youāre only responsible for any out-of-pocket portion after insurance processes the claim.
Yes. Before starting any treatment, weāll provide you with a detailed estimate based on your insurance coverage and benefits.
We ask for at least 24 hoursā notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations or no-shows may incur a small fee to help us manage our schedule and respect other familiesā time.
We understand that life gets busy! If you miss an appointment without notice, weāll reach out to reschedule. Repeated missed appointments may result in a fee or difficulty rebooking during peak times.
Yes! Our entire staff speaks Spanish to ensure your family feels welcome and communication is easy. Weāre proud to serve bilingual families with care and understanding.
We provide patient forms, educational materials, and appointment reminders in Spanish. If you need additional languages, just askāweāre happy to accommodate when possible.
Yes, our office is fully wheelchair accessible, including parking, entryways, treatment rooms, and restrooms.
Yes, we offer private, gender-neutral restrooms that are family-friendly and inclusive for all patients and caregivers.
Absolutely. We respect and accommodate different cultural values, preferences, and sensitivities. If thereās something specific youād like us to know, weāre here to listen and adapt.
Yes, we offer visual aids, written instructions, and can communicate in ways that best support patients with hearing or vision challenges. Let us know your needs in advance so we can prepare.
Yes, we have quieter rooms available for children who benefit from a calmer environment. These are perfect for sensory-sensitive or anxious patients.
Yes, our team is experienced in working with nonverbal children and uses alternative communication techniques, including visual cues, gestures, and parent collaboration.
Absolutely. We welcome and support children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, and other neurodiverse conditions. Let us know how we can help your child feel safe and successful.
Keep it positive and simple! Let your child know theyāll meet friendly people who will count and clean their teeth. Avoid using scary wordsāour team will explain everything gently when you arrive.
If itās a permanent tooth, gently rinse it (without scrubbing), place it in milk or saliva, and call us immediately. If itās a baby tooth, do not try to reinsert itācall our office so we can assess the situation and plan appropriate care.
Yes. If your child has a dental emergency after hours, call our office and follow the prompts to reach our on-call provider. Weāll guide you on what to do next.
Absolutely. If your child has swelling, pain, or a fever due to a suspected dental infection, contact us immediately. Weāll determine if antibiotics or urgent treatment is needed.
For most dental injuries, contact us first. Weāre equipped to handle dental trauma. However, if your child has uncontrolled bleeding, a head injury, or difficulty breathing, go to the ER first.
Give your child a dose of childrenās pain reliever if needed and contact our office as early as possible. Weāll do our best to fit you in for a same-day evaluation.
You can call us anytimeāafter-hours calls are directed to our on-call dentist. Texting may be available for emergencies, so please use the phone to ensure a prompt response.
.If your child has a fever, contagious illness, or is feeling unwell, we kindly ask that you reschedule. Just give us a call and weāll help you find a new appointment time.
.For the health of our staff and other families, we do not treat patients with active fevers, flu, or colds. If your child is mildly sick and youāre unsure, please call us to discuss.
Call our office right away. Weāll assess the damage and determine whether your child needs urgent care or can wait for a scheduled visit. In the meantime, avoid hard foods and keep the area clean.
Yes. If your child needs advanced care, weāll connect you with trusted pediatric specialists and coordinate care to ensure a smooth experience.
Yes! Our waiting area is designed to be fun and inviting with toys, books, and kid-friendly activities to help little ones feel relaxed and entertained before their visit.
Absolutely. We have ceiling-mounted TVs in our treatment rooms so kids can watch their favorite shows during their appointment, helping to distract and comfort them.
Yes. We provide kid-sized sunglasses to shield their eyes from bright lights, and headphones are available for those who prefer to block out sounds or enjoy watching a show quietly.
Our dental chairs are designed for comfort. They help create a friendly and non-intimidating environment for kids of all ages.
We do our best to maintain a clean and neutral-smelling environment. We avoid using strong scents or cleaning products that may trigger sensitivities.
We do not provide snacks or drinks to patients in the office for health and hygiene reasons. However, we encourage you to bring a water bottle for your child if needed.
Yes. We offer specialized spaces and equipment for our youngest patients to ensure they receive age-appropriate care in a calm and supportive setting.
Yes, youāre welcome to bring snacks, especially for after the appointment if your child needs a quick bite. We just ask that snacks not be eaten in treatment areas.
Yes. We provide a private and comfortable area for nursing mothers who need a quiet space during their childās visit.
We offer flexible scheduling options and limited extended hours to accommodate busy families. Please call our office for the most up-to-date availability.
You can call, text, or email our office to cancel or reschedule. We appreciate as much notice as possible so we can offer the spot to another family.
We understand that things come up. However, repeated no-shows or last-minute cancellations may result in a fee or limitations on future scheduling. Weāll always communicate with you first.
You can leave a voicemail, send a text, or email us anytime. For urgent dental issues, we monitor messages and will respond as soon as possible.
Yes! We send friendly reminders via text, so you never miss an appointment.
Yes. Most forms can be completed or updated online through our secure patient portal before your visit, saving you time in the office.
You we find this the best method of communication for reminders, updates, and general office info.
Yes, a trusted caregiver can bring your child, but we may need written or verbal permission ahead of time for treatment decisions.
Absolutely. If your child prefers seeing a particular provider, let us know and weāll do our best to accommodate your request.
We recommend booking your childās next cleaning at the end of each visit. Appointments often fill up 2ā3 months in advance, especially during school breaks.
Yes. We take your familyās privacy seriously and fully comply with all HIPAA regulations to protect your personal health information.
Your child will be treated by our friendly, highly trained pediatric dental teamāled by Dr. Sarah Post, a board-certified pediatric dentist. We focus on compassionate care tailored to each child.
Our lead dentist is board-certified in pediatric dentistry and completed additional years of specialty training after dental school. Our entire team has pediatric-focused experience and certifications.
Pebble Pediatric Dentistry was founded with a mission to make dental visits a positive experience for children. While the office is state-of-the-art and modern, our team brings years of combined experience in pediatric care.
Yes! Canine the dental dog is our friendly, specially trained comfort pup who helps kids feel calm and safe during visits. Heās part of what makes our practice extra special.
We blend clinical excellence with a fun, family-first atmosphere. From our calming design and sensory-friendly amenities to our Spanish-speaking staff and comfort dog, we go above and beyond to create positive, memorable experiences.
Absolutely. We follow strict sterilization and disinfection protocols that meet or exceed all CDC and OSHA standards to keep your child safe.
Our reviews highlight our caring approach, kid-friendly environment, and gentle team. Parents often comment on how much their kids actually enjoy coming to the dentist!
Yes! We love being part of the McMinnville community and regularly support local schools, events, and educational programs that promote childrenās wellness.
We see children of all agesāfrom infants to teens to young adultsāand provide tailored care as they grow. We also help children with special healthcare needs.
If your child is nervous, has special healthcare needs, or requires complex dental care, a pediatric dentist is the best choice. Weāre trained specifically to support your childās oral health with expertise and empathy.
