Initial Consultation
Your first appointment involves a consultation and comprehensive examination, including a “chalky teeth” check. X-rays may be taken at this visit if necessary.
The Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentists recommend that all children should have their first visit around their first Birthdays. It’s also important to check 2-year olds for chalky back teeth (2-year molars). No child is “too young” to visit the dentist. Don’t wait until your child has a problem before you make a dental appointment.
This first visit gives Dr Pai an opportunity to assess your child’s dental needs and discuss all aspects of preventative dentistry including appropriate feeding habits, importance of developing good oral hygiene routines at home and correct brushing/flossing techniques.
If your child needs treatment, Dr Pai will assess your child’s coping abilities and formulate an appropriate treatment plan and course of action to achieve the best treatment outcome. In most cases, a detailed report outlining the relevant findings, recommendations and costs involved will be provided to you. As a general rule we only offer minimal treatment on the day of the initial consultation. Our aim is to ensure a positive encounter with a successful outcome.
For Country And International Patients
We welcome all country and international patients.
Dr Pai’s practice in Bondi Junction has a referral base from all areas of NSW and overseas and has a reputation for compassionate conservative patient care, surgical expertise and outstanding service.
If your child needs dental treatment under General anaesthetic please inform our reception staff when you book the initial consultation appointment so that we can lease with the day surgery and coordinate treatment.
For international students where dental treatment for your child is covered by your health fund, our patient co-ordinator will lease with the health fund directly.
FAQS
The first visit usually lasts approximately 20-40 minutes. Members of our team will greet your child in a friendly caring manner and all the steps of this visit are explained to your child using age appropriate non-threatening language. The goal of this visit is to provide a comfortable introduction to dentistry and lay the foundation for years of happy dental experiences.
Keep the explanation simple and basic. Explain to your child they will have a ride on the dental chair and have their teeth counted. Talk about the visit in a positive, matter of fact way. Focusing on the upcoming dental visit can make your child anxious. Helpful children’s books and websites can be used to explain the dental visit / procedures to the child. Avoid using words such as drill or needle. Phrases such as “nothing is going to hurt” are best avoided as these phrases are negative and will give your child something to worry about!
It is normal for children to be afraid of anything new. Do not be upset if your child is anxious on their first or even their second visit. This is a normal reaction for most children. Try to be relaxed and positive. Bear in mind that everyone at the practice wants your child to have a positive experience.
Parents should accompany their children during the first visit. It is usually helpful if parents assume the role of a silent observer.
It is important for Dr Pai to treat your child as an individual and establish a rapport. Good dentistry demands the undivided attention of the dentist, assistant and the patient.
Following the initial assessment, Dr Pai will be able to talk to you and discuss your child’s dental health.
Baby (primary) teeth are important for a number of reasons including-function, speech, jaw development and appearance.
They also hold the space for the permanent teeth and guide them into the correct position. Although front teeth fall out at approximately 6-7 years of age the back teeth (canine to molars) do not fall out until 11-13 years of age.
When baby teeth haven’t hardened properly during development (“chalky teeth”), there is increased risk they will suffer tooth decay and also that the following permanent teeth will be chalky too.
Tooth decay on primary teeth when left untreated can cause pain, infection (dental abscess) and risk of damage to the developing permanent tooth.
Untreated tooth decay and space loss from extraction of the primary tooth can also result in dental crowding and future orthodontic problems.
The presence of untreated tooth decay also contributes to higher levels of bacterial counts leading to higher risk of decay to adjacent teeth and emerging permanent teeth.