Visits
Checkups and cleanings
A checkup is a look at your child's teeth and gums, a cleaning and a talk about brushing at home. It is for any child with teeth, whether or not something hurts.
What happens, in order
- 01
Step 1: Hello to the tools, then a gentle cleaning
Jenny Seng, the hygienist, shows your child the chair, the light and each tool before anyone uses them. Then she polishes the teeth and cleans between them. Most children are done in a few minutes.
- 02
Step 2: X-rays only when needed
Dr. Harrell decides whether your child needs X-rays, from age, history of cavities and what she sees. Many checkups have none.
- 03
Step 3: The exam
Dr. Harrell counts the teeth, checks the gums and the bite, and tells you what she found in plain words.
- 04
Step 4: Brushing at home
You leave with one or two things to try, shown on your child's own teeth.
Comfort, other options, risks and the bill
Keeping your child comfortable
A cleaning should not hurt. Tell Jenny if something does and she stops. Your child can hold a hand mirror or a stuffed animal.
Other options, and waiting
A cavity can grow before anyone sees it, so skipping checkups means finding it later and fixing a bigger one. If your child can't sit for a full cleaning at the first try, we do what they can and finish next time.
Risks and after-care
Gums can be tender or bleed a little after a cleaning, and teeth can feel sensitive for a day. Call us if it lasts longer or gets worse.
How it is billed
A checkup is billed to your child's plan. The plan may limit how many cleanings it pays for in a year, and we check before the visit and tell you.
How fees work
Questions about checkups and cleanings
How often should my child come?
Dr. Harrell sets it for your child. For many children it is twice a year, and sooner if they have had cavities.
Does my child need X-rays?
Only if Dr. Harrell decides they would show something an exam can't. She tells you why before taking one.
Can I stay in the room?
Yes, for the whole visit.
Ask about this visit
Provided by Dr. Keshia Harrell, a pediatric dentist. Her training is on her page. Please leave out health details when you write; for anything urgent, call us.