Frequently Asked Questions

A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist who has completed additional years of training focused on the oral health and development of infants, children, and teens.

We recommend scheduling your child’s first visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears — whichever comes first.

Most children benefit from visiting the dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Pediatric dentists specialize in child development, behavior management, and dental care for children with special health care needs.

Yes! Parents are welcome to join their children in the treatment area to help create a calm, reassuring experience.

We use positive language, kid-friendly tools, and fun explanations to help children relax and even enjoy their visit.

Absolutely. Our team provides individualized care for every child, including those with unique medical, developmental, or behavioral needs.

Daily brushing and flossing, healthy snacks, and regular checkups are the best ways to prevent cavities.

Yes, fluoride is a safe and effective way to strengthen enamel and protect against tooth decay when used appropriately.

Sealants are thin coatings placed on the back teeth to seal deep grooves and help prevent cavities.

Every six months, or as recommended by your dentist, to keep teeth and gums healthy.

A soft-bristled, child-sized brush and fluoride toothpaste are ideal. We can recommend brands during your visit.

We remove the decay and place a tooth-colored filling to restore the tooth’s shape, function, and appearance.

Yes! We use BPA-free materials that blend naturally with your child’s smile.

A dental crown may be recommended if a tooth has extensive decay or damage that a filling can’t repair.

It’s a gentle treatment that removes infection from the nerve of a baby tooth to relieve pain and preserve the tooth until it naturally falls out.

Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and are essential for chewing, speaking, and guiding proper oral development.

Yes! Sedation dentistry is very safe when administered by trained professionals in a properly equipped setting. Pediatric dentists and anesthesiologists follow strict safety guidelines and monitor the child’s vital signs throughout the procedure. Before any sedation, a thorough review of the child’s medical history and medications ensures that the treatment plan aligns with the child’s current health status. Modern sedation techniques minimize the risk while maximizing comfort. Parents can feel reassured knowing that pediatric dental teams receive specialized training protocols and emergency preparedness.

Oral surgery may be needed for extractions, frenectomies, or to treat infection and support healthy growth.

Your child will be closely monitored from start to finish, and our team will provide all pre- and post-visit instructions to help with recovery.

We provide nitrous oxide (laughing gas), in-office general anesthesia, and outpatient sedation options for children who need additional comfort.

Sedation dentistry refers to using medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. In pediatric dentistry, dentists commonly use this approach for children with dental anxiety, special healthcare needs, or who require extensive treatment in a single visit. It helps reduce movement, minimize fear, and create a more positive dental experience. There are several levels of sedation used in dental care:

1. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): Provides mild relaxation and wears off quickly after treatment.
2. Oral sedation: A prescription liquid or pill the child must take before their procedure to induce a deeper level of calm (not used at Farm Park Pediatric Dentistry).
3. IV sedation or general anesthesia: Reserved for complex cases and administered by a trained pediatric anesthesiologist.

You and Dr. Okoh will determine the most appropriate level of sedation based on the child’s age, medical history, and treatment needs.

Sedation is often recommended for patients who experience anxiety, fear, or discomfort during dental visits or for those who need extensive treatment.

Your child should not eat or drink from midnight of the appointment time. Before the appointment, Dr. Okoh will review consent forms and any paperwork that needs to be filled out. Dr. Okoh will also review all possible treatments your child may receive. You and your child will also meet with the pediatric anesthesiologist, who will examine your child and ensure they are in good health to be safely sedated that morning. After the appointment post-sedation instructions will be given verbally and on paper.

The length of time will depend on if x-rays are able to be taken prior to your child’s sedation and the amount of treatment your child requires. Most sedations usually last 1-2 hours.

There is an anesthesia cost as well as dental costs. Therefore, cost vary widely and typically fall in the $1000–$5,000+, depending on method of sedation, the type of dental treatment needed, and your medical/dental insurance (if applicable).

Insurance Coverage:

1. Medical insurance may cover sedation/anesthesia if it’s medically necessary (e.g., very young, special needs, extensive work). You must have this benefit as part of your medical insurance policy.
2. Dental insurance may cover a portion of the dentistry provided by Dr.Okoh, not the anesthesia.

Dr. Okoh

If it’s a permanent tooth, keep it moist in milk or saliva and call us right away. For baby teeth, do not reinsert — call our office for guidance.

Yes. We strive to offer same-day appointments for children in pain or with urgent dental injuries.

Contact us immediately. These may be signs of infection that require professional care.

Encourage your child to wear a mouthguard during sports and avoid biting hard foods or objects.