Your Child’s First Dental Visit
There’s a kind of bravery in a first visit: for little ones, it’s a new room, a new chair, a new voice saying hello. For parents, it’s the hope that you’ve not only chosen a place where your child will get great dental treatment, but that they’ll feel seen, heard, and cared for.
At Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio, we’ve made it our mission to meet that moment with heart. Our space is bright, playful, and full of life, just like the kids we care for! From the murals on our walls to the way we speak to your child, everything here is built with kindness and trust in mind.
We’re not here to rush, impress, or overwhelm; we want to help you raise a healthy, confident little human, one tooth at a time!
What to Expect
We know it helps to have a sense of what’s coming. Here’s a glimpse at what your child’s first visit might look like:
Step 1: Check In & Settle In
You’ll be greeted warmly at the front desk, and if you haven’t completed your new patient forms yet, we’ll help you get everything sorted. The waiting room has a play area and retro video games – most kids forget they were nervous the moment they see it.
Step 2: A Gentle Start in the Exam Room
One of our kid-savvy hygienists will bring your child back and help them get comfortable. We’ll talk to them about what’s going to happen, ask a few questions to get a sense of how they’re feeling, and go at their pace – especially if they’re shy, wiggly, or full of questions.
Step 3: Cleaning & X-Rays (If Needed)
We’ll gently clean their teeth and take x-rays only if necessary. If your child isn’t ready, we pause. We never force or rush. You’ll be part of every decision.
Step 4: Talking About Prevention
Tooth decay is common, but with a little teamwork, it’s also preventable. We’ll share simple, age-appropriate tips to help you care for your child’s teeth at home.
Step 5: Meet the Pediatric Dentist
You’ll meet either Dr. Cantu or Dr. Wengler for a full examination. They’ll check your child’s oral development, answer your questions, and talk you through any next steps with clarity and care. Both doctors are board-certified pediatric dentists.
Step 6: Fluoride Treatment
Unless you prefer otherwise, we’ll apply a quick fluoride treatment to help strengthen your child’s enamel and protect against cavities between visits.
Step 7: A Visit to the Toy Wall
At the end of the appointment, your child gets to pick out a prize! It’s a little reward for their bravery and a way to end the visit on a happy note.
Step 8: Checkout & What’s Next
We’ll help you schedule your next visit, answer any remaining questions, and make sure you leave feeling confident about your child’s dental care.
What to Bring
- Completed new patient forms (or arrive a few minutes early to fill them out)
- Your insurance card
- A comfort item if your child has one (stuffed animal, blanket, etc.)
How to Set the Stage for a Great First Visit
A little prep goes a long way.
Before the appointment, talk about the dentist like it’s a fun new adventure. Keep it light, skip any words like “needle” or “drill,” or try reading a book about teeth together. Kids pick up on your energy, so if you’re calm and upbeat, they’ll feel that too.
About Finances
We accept many major insurance plans, and even if we’re not in-network, we’ll gladly file your claims and help you get the most from your benefits.
Payment options include:
- Cash, checks, Visa, Discover, and other major credit cards
CareCredit® for longer-term payment plans
For Anxious Little Ones (or Parents Who’ve Had Hard Experiences)
Not every child walks in ready to lean back and say “ahh.” We get that, and we plan for it. Some kids just need a clear explanation and a hand to hold, others need a bit more –
Our children’s dental sedation options include:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
- Oral conscious sedation
- In-office sedation, closely monitored by experienced providers
We’ll talk with you ahead of time and help you decide what feels right. You’ll never be asked to make a rushed decision, and we’ll provide clear prep instructions if sedation is chosen.
Learn More About Sedation for Kids
We know kids love to poke and play with a numb lip, not realizing they’re doing damage. That’s why we offer a special reversal anesthetic to help the numbness wear off faster, so they can heal safely and get back to being a kid!
Come Take a Look Around
With gentle hands, kind voices, and frogs with fairy wings, our office was built to put kids at ease and help parents exhale.