First Visit

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First Visit According to AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) guidelines, infants should initially visit the pediatric dentist around the time of their first birthday.  First visits can be stressful for parents, especially for parents who have dental phobias themselves.

It is imperative for parents to continually communicate positive messages about dental visits (especially the first one), and to help the child feel as happy as possible about visiting the dentist.

How can I prepare for my child’s first dental visit?

Pediatric dentists are required to undergo extensive training in child psychology.  Their dental offices are generally colorful, child-friendly, and boast a selection of games, toys, and educational tools.  Pediatric dentists (and all dental staff) aim to make the child feel as welcome as possible during all visits.

There are several things parents can do to make the first visit enjoyable.  Some helpful tips are listed below:

Take another adult along for the visit – Sometimes infants become fussy when having their mouths examined.  Having another adult along to soothe the infant allows the parent to ask questions and to attend to any advice the dentist may have.

Leave other children at home – Other children can distract the parent and cause the infant to fuss.  Leaving other children at home (when possible) makes the first visit less stressful for all concerned.

Avoid threatening language – Pediatric dentists and staff are trained to avoid the use of threatening language like “drills,” “needles,” “injections,” and “bleeding.”  It is imperative for parents to use positive language when speaking about dental treatment with their child.

Provide positive explanations – It is important to explain the purposes of the dental visit in a positive way.  Explaining that the dentist “helps keep teeth healthy” is far better than explaining that the dentist “is checking for tooth decay and might have to drill the tooth if decay is found.”

Explain what will happen – Anxiety can be vastly reduced if the child knows what to expect.  Age-appropriate books about visiting the dentist can be very helpful in making the visit seem fun. Here is a list of parent and dentist-approved books:

  • The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist – by Stan and Jan Berenstain.
  • Show Me Your Smile: A Visit to the Dentist – Part of the “Dora the Explorer” Series.
  • Going to the Dentist – by Anne Civardi.
  • Elmo Visits the Dentist – Part of the “Sesame Street” Series.

What will happen during the first visit?

There are several goals for the first dental visit.  First, the pediatric dentist and the child need to get properly acquainted.  Second, the dentist needs to monitor tooth and jaw development to get an idea of the child’s overall health history.  Third, the dentist needs to evaluate the health of the existing teeth and gums.  Finally, the dentist aims to answer questions and advise parents on how to implement a good oral care regimen.

The following sequence of events is typical of an initial “well baby checkup”:

  1. Dental staff will greet the child and parents.
  2. The infant/family health history will be reviewed (this may include questionnaires).
  3. The pediatric dentist will address parental questions and concerns.
  4. More questions will be asked, generally pertaining to the child’s oral habits, pacifier use, general development, tooth alignment, tooth development, and diet.
  5. The dentist will provide advice on good oral care, how to prevent oral injury, fluoride intake, and sippy cup use.
  6. The infant’s teeth will be examined. Generally, the dentist and parent sit facing each other.  The infant is positioned so that his or her head is cradled in the dentist’s lap.  This position allows the infant to look at the parent during the examination.
  7. Good brushing and flossing demonstrations will be provided.
  8. The state of the child’s oral health will be described in detail, and specific recommendations will be made.  Recommendations usually relate to oral habits, appropriate toothpastes and toothbrushes for the child, orthodontically correct pacifiers, and diet.
  9. The dentist will detail which teeth may appear in the following months.
  10. The dentist will outline an appointment schedule and describe what will happen during the next appointment.

If you have any questions about regenerative procedures or periodontal disease, please ask your dentist.

Our Staff

Meet the Doctors

Dr. Mojgan Rahimi

Dr. Mojgan Rahimi

DMD, General and Cosmetic Dentist

At Prime Smile Dental Group in Marlborough, Massachusetts, Dr. Mojgan Rahimi takes great pride in providing her patients with the utmost care and all the best that dentistry has to offer.

Dr. Pouya Amiri

Dr. Pouya Amiri

DMD, General and Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Amiri received his B.A. in Biology from Boston University in 2012. Dr. Amiri graduated Magna Cum Laude from Boston University School of Dentistry in 2018. He completed a year of Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the University of Rochester Eastman Institute for Oral Health.

Dr. Soo-Woo Kim

Dr. Soo-Woo Kim

DMD, Periodontist

Dr. Soo-Woo Kim received his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from Harvard School of Dental Medicine and completed his periodontology training and Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) in oral biology from the same institution.

Dr. Miguel Roque

Dr. Miguel Roque

DMD, Endodontist

Dr. Miguel Roque earned a DMD, a MMSc and a certificate in Endodontics at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM). During his time at HSDM he was the recipient of several awards and scholarships, including the David Spinney Scholarship Award, the Vera Bellus Bequest, and the Scholars in Medicine Research Grant.

Holly Petruzzo, RDH, PHDH

Holly Petruzzo, RDH, PHDH

Dental Hygienist

Holly has worked over 40 years as a dental hygienist working in both public and private practice.
“I love my role providing the best care possible and my patient’s health well being are of utmost concern.”
Married with 3 grandchildren
Loves nature, gardening, racquetball, walks with my dogs.

Maryam Rahimi

Maryam Rahimi

INSURANCE COORDINATOR

Maryam Rahimi Covers the front desk and is an expert with insurances. She was an interior designer back in her home country. She loves designing homes, and enjoys time spending with her grandson.

They Say

Testimonials

Professional service, friendly and welcoming surroundings and atmosphere.
The recent renovations bring brightness, light and a welcoming feeling when you enter and when you are being treated.
The staff is extremely competent, friendly and exude a warmth and sense of calm confidence.
Dr. Rahimi is engaging, relaxed and highly knowledgeable in her field. All of my experiences have been positive from crowns, cleanings and whitening.
I highly recommend this dental practice to anyone looking for caring, competent, professional service.

Joe H

Joe H

I have been going here for over 15 years! I saw Dr. Ingerman for many years until more recently when Dr. Rahimi took over his practice. The staff is always welcoming, friendly and very professional! I never have to wait to be seen. I would highly recommend this place!

Kristie Jensen

Kristie Jensen

I have been going to smile dentist for years, they are always so friendly and comforting every time I come in for a visit. The office is always so clean and organized. I would recommend this dentist office to anyone! Great job!

Melinda Fleming

Melinda Fleming

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