8226 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS | 913.647.0647 | kidsmilekc.com
Dr. Michael LeBlanc is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Since completing his residency at Children’s Mercy Hospital, he has had the privilege of providing dental care for countless children in the greater Kansas City community for the last 15 years. Along with his three remarkable colleagues, also Board Certified Pediatric Dentists, he continues to provide outstanding dental care for your children with an added focus of cultivating a culture of positivity and fun. Our entire team of compassionate professionals is dedicated to achieving the best possible experience for you and your family.
Pediatric Dentistry
Q: When is the best time to take my child to their first exam? How often should I take them?
A: “First visit by the first birthday” is a great general rule. This first visit is a great opportunity for you and your pediatric dentist to establish a patient/provider relationship. It allows us to give you the tools and knowledge you will need to help keep your children’s teeth healthy. After the initial visit, we recommend your children see a pediatric dentist every 6 months for their recall exams.
Q: When do the first teeth start to erupt?
A: The two front lower teeth (central incisors) generally erupt through the gums between the ages of 6 and 12 months, followed shortly after by the two upper central incisors. The remainder of the baby teeth will continue to erupt through toddlerhood. By 3 years of age, all 20 primary teeth should be present.
Q: If my child gets a cavity in a baby tooth, should it still be filled?
A: Great question! The short answer is yes, in most cases. Not only do primary teeth help children speak clearly and chew naturally, but they also play a vital role in the proper eruption of permanent teeth. By restoring primary teeth, we are not only prolonging their presence in the mouth for proper development, but we are also decreasing harmful bacteria in the mouth. Untreated caries may lead to pain, mild to severe infection, premature loss of teeth and impairment of general health. Proper care and restoration of baby teeth is instrumental in overall wellness.
Q: Why should I take my child to a pediatric dentist instead of my general dentist?
A: Pediatric dentists extend their education an additional 2-3 years to understand the specific dental needs of children from infancy to adolescence. This extensive training is required to understand both the physical and psychological development of children. Equipped with this knowledge and the understanding that dental visits can be scary for some kids, pediatric dentists are fully prepared to deliver the best possible experience. When your child arrives at our office, they will be greeted with a friendly, fun, and colorful environment designed with them in mind. From beginning to end, their visit will be full of kindness, positivity and reward incentives for a job well done.
