When should my child have their first checkup?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that regular appointments should start for children when one of two milestones occurs: 1) The first baby tooth has emerged from the gum line or 2) The patient reaches their first birthday. At this point, our team will be happy to provide a brief checkup, helping your son or daughter to start feeling comfortable in our office space from as early on as possible.
My gums are bleeding when I brush and floss. Should I be worried?
Your gums shouldn’t be bleeding unless some kind of oral injury has occurred. This is actually a common symptom of gum (periodontal) disease, a potentially serious infection that can result in consequences for your overall oral health. Thankfully, patients can rest assured that our doctors take this threat seriously, providing in-depth screenings at every appointment and thorough cleanings to help prevent dangerous bacteria from causing damage.
I’m worried about my child staying calm during their dental care. Can you help?
Of course! At Rio Dental & Orthodontics, you and your loved ones’ comfort and safety is a top priority for our team. That’s why we provide several sedation options that can help reduce negative emotions and facilitate true relaxation throughout the course of treatment, including nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), oral conscious sedation, and general anesthesia.
How do I know which sedation dentistry option is right for me/my child?
Before any actual treatment occurs, our team members will be sure to discuss these options in great detail with you so that we can settle on the one that works best for you/your child’s needs and personality. Nitrous oxide is relatively mild, while oral conscious sedation produces stronger effects. In cases of severe anxiety or an inability to remain still throughout lengthy treatment, general anesthesia (also known as “sleep dentistry”) is likely to be recommended.
I want to achieve a straighter smile. What are my options?
Here in Farmers Branch and Irving, our board-certified orthodontists are happy to offer children and adults alike multiple options for tooth correction. Traditional braces are always a reliable and effective solution for patients of all ages, while Invisalign may be the preferred choice for teenagers and adults who want to improve their smile in a much more aesthetically pleasing fashion. During an initial consultation, we’ll be happy to help you determine what the best option is for you or your child.
I have a busy schedule. Do you offer appointment times outside of normal working hours?
We certainly do! Our practice offers extended evening hours on Monday-Thursday, as well as Friday and Saturday hours. We want to make the dedicated dental care you and your family deserve as convenient as possible.
What are my options for paying?
Our practice accepts most PPO insurance plans and low-interest financing through CareCredit. Additionally, our Fort Worth location also sees patients who qualify for Medicaid and CHIP. Please visit our new patients page for more information.
