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FAQs about kids’ dental services and care

This page is designed to help parents find answers to common pediatric dental questions. If you don’t see your question listed below, feel free to call our office at 317-846-5893—we’re happy to help!

What parents want to know

Your questions, answered

Why do my kids need a pediatric dentist?

A pediatric dentist is dedicated to the dental and oral care of infants, children, and teens. They are trained to assess and treat the unique needs of these age groups and seamlessly handle their different sensory needs or abilities.

Do you accept insurance?

Dr. Laura Juntgen and our team will see any patient, regardless of their family’s insurance status. We’re an in-network provider for Delta Dental only. If you have insurance from another group, they may cover part of your out-of-network bill, but your family will be responsible for the remainder.

Please contact our office if you aren’t sure about your dental coverage or want to learn more about our fee structure.

When should I start bringing my infant to the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you bring your infant to the dentist by the age of one, though earlier is better. This is primarily to establish good habits from their first dental visit, build a relationship with their dentist, and avoid any future fears or anxiety. Starting early will also help a pediatric dentist identify potential concerns as teeth erupt.

What happens during a child’s dental visit with Dr. Juntgen?

During a child’s dental visit, we thoroughly examine their teeth and gums, perform professional cleaning, and provide preventative treatments such as fluoride or sealants as needed. These are all part of our regular check-ups, but other services, including fillings, crowns, or restorative treatments, may be scheduled when required.

Want to know more about Dr. Juntgen?
Check out her bio

What should I bring to the first appointment?

Please bring a photo ID and a dental insurance card to your first appointment. We’d also like you to fill out our digital patient forms before your appointment to save you time when you arrive at the office.

How long can my children see Dr. Juntgen?

How long your child can see a pediatric dentist may vary from practice to practice, but many will continue to treat them into their adolescent years.

At Hamilton County Pediatric Dentistry, we see patients until age 22. This ensures patients can continue to see their trusted dentist even as they reach adulthood, setting them on a more independent path equipped with knowledge and healthy habits.

Help! What should I do if my child’s mouth or teeth are injured?

Please call our office immediately if your child suffers from a mouth or teeth injury. Even if it’s after hours, please call us at 317-846-5893.

We are available for phone consultations 24/7 and can schedule a same-day or after-hours appointment if needed for existing patients. We can also provide a prescription for medication that might provide comfort and pain relief for your child until they can be seen.

If your child loses consciousness or has trouble breathing, call 911 and seek emergency care right away.

Why do my kids need a pediatric dentist?

A pediatric dentist is dedicated to the dental and oral care of infants, children, and teens. They are trained to assess and treat the unique needs of these age groups and seamlessly handle their different sensory needs or abilities. Board-certified pediatric dentists are also required to continue their education each year to maintain their certification, which ensures up-to-date knowledge and skills.

Pediatric dentists like Dr. Juntgen undergo rigorous additional training to understand dental growth and development. This extensive training and dedication to young patients ensures they receive treatment that is safe, anxiety-free, and even fun.

How safe are dental X-rays for kids?

Dental X-rays are very safe, even for children.

Our office utilizes digital X-rays, which further reduces radiation exposure. However, we understand parents’ concerns and only perform X-rays as needed. You can contact the office if you have questions or concerns about dental X-rays.

What is desensitization in pediatric dentistry?

Desensitization is a process that slowly exposes children to the dental care experience and allows them to see the office environment, touch the tools and equipment, and get to know their dentist and staff members.

The initial visit involves no treatment, so parents and patients can explore their surroundings and become familiar with them before their appointment.

What happens during desensitization visits?

These visits are designed to help you and your child become more familiar and comfortable with our office and team. During the visit, you and your child can walk through the space and observe the environment, people, and tools in a non-threatening way.

Ready to schedule? Request a desensitization visit

What is the “tell-show-do” technique?

This is one of the techniques we use during a desensitization visit (and subsequent appointments) to build trust with your child. Here’s what it involves:

  • Tell: We adapt our language and vocabulary and communicate at your child’s level to tell them exactly what they can expect.
  • Show: We use real tools to demonstrate what will happen during the appointment, allowing children to touch and interact with equipment to make it less overwhelming.
  • Do: We follow through by doing exactly what we have told them and showing them what we will do (except for during a desensitization visit). We follow this method at every appointment so they can always anticipate what will happen.
What are the goals of dental desensitization?

We aim to acclimate your child to our treatment setting without stress or anxiety. This way, when they return for treatment, they will be familiar with the surroundings and the people so that they can feel calm, safe, and supported.

What if my child is still frightened?

We understand that going to the dentist can sometimes be scary—for children and adults alike. We work on the front end to desensitize patients and reinforce that sense of security at every visit.

What kind of payment options do you offer?

Payment options at Hamilton County Pediatric Dentistry include:

  • Cash
  • Check (restrictions apply)
  • Credit card (we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover & American Express)
  • In-office financing (for established patients)

24/7 online bill pay

We accept payment online through our secure portal. Click the button to get started.

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What will my insurance cover?

Hamilton County Pediatric Dentistry is a fee-based provider and accepts all insurance plans. Dr. Laura Juntgen and our team will see any patient, regardless of their family’s insurance status.

Are you in-network?

We’re an in-network provider for Delta Dental only. If you have insurance from another group, they may cover part of your out-of-network bill, but your family will be responsible for the remainder.

Tips on keeping young teeth and gums healthy into adulthood

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