FAQs

When should my child have their first dental visit?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit within six months of their first tooth appearing, or by their first birthday — whichever comes first. Starting early helps us catch any developing concerns, establish a positive relationship with dental care, and give parents the guidance they need for at-home oral hygiene. Visit our First Visit page to learn more about what to expect.

How often should my child see the dentist?

Most children benefit from a dental visit every six months for a routine cleaning and exam. Some children with a higher risk of cavities or developing dental issues may benefit from more frequent visits. After your child’s initial exam, Dr. Danso will recommend the schedule that’s right for them.

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?

Pediatric dentists complete two to three additional years of specialized training beyond dental school, focused exclusively on the oral health of infants, children, and adolescents. This training covers child psychology, behavior management, developmental dentistry, and care for children with special needs. At Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry, our entire practice is dedicated to pediatric patients — so everything about our office, our approach, and our team is designed with children in mind.

How can I prepare my child for their first dental visit?

Talk about the appointment in simple, positive terms. Let your child know the dentist is there to help keep their teeth strong and healthy. Read children’s books about going to the dentist, play pretend dentist at home, and avoid using words like “shot,” “hurt,” or “pain.” Our team is experienced at putting nervous children at ease, and we take it at your child’s pace from the moment they walk in.

My child is scared of the dentist. What do you do to help?

Dental anxiety in children is very common, and our entire approach is built around reducing it. We use child-friendly language, a welcoming office environment, and a patient, unhurried pace. We also offer SOAN pain-free injections to make numbing as comfortable as possible, and for children who need more significant support, we offer sedation and sleep dentistry options including nitrous oxide, conscious sedation, and general anesthesia in partnership with Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Are dental X-rays safe for children?

Yes. We use digital X-ray technology that exposes children to up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays. We also use lead aprons and thyroid collars for added protection. X-rays are only taken when there is a clear clinical reason — never as a routine at every visit. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry supports their use as an essential part of comprehensive dental care.

How do I know if my child has a cavity?

Some cavities cause visible symptoms like a dark spot on a tooth, sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, or tooth pain. However, many cavities — especially early ones — have no symptoms at all. This is why regular dental exams and X-rays are so important. If you suspect your child has a cavity, don’t wait — schedule an appointment as soon as possible, as early treatment is always simpler and less invasive.

Do baby teeth really need to be filled? They fall out anyway.

Yes — baby teeth are worth treating. Primary teeth hold space for permanent teeth, support proper speech development, and allow your child to eat comfortably for years. Untreated cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and in some cases affect the development of the permanent tooth growing beneath. A small filling today is far better than a painful infection later.

What are dental sealants and does my child need them?

Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth — the area where most childhood cavities develop. The grooves of the molars trap food and bacteria that even diligent brushing can’t always reach. Sealants fill those grooves and can reduce cavity risk in those teeth by up to 80%. They’re most commonly recommended when your child’s permanent molars come in, around ages 6 and 12.

What is a frenectomy and does my child need one?

A frenectomy is a minor procedure that releases a tight band of tissue in the mouth — either under the tongue (tongue-tie) or between the upper lip and gum (lip-tie). It may be recommended if your child has difficulty breastfeeding as an infant, speech challenges, a gap between the upper front teeth, or visibly restricted tongue movement. Dr. Danso can evaluate your child and advise you on whether a frenectomy is appropriate.

What is hospital sleep dentistry and when is it used?

Hospital sleep dentistry uses general anesthesia to allow children to receive dental care while fully asleep. It is performed at Children’s Hospital Colorado with board-certified pediatric anesthesiologists. It’s typically recommended for very young children, children with significant dental anxiety, children with special needs who cannot safely receive care while awake, or children who need extensive dental work. Dr. Danso will discuss all options with you and only recommend sleep dentistry when it is truly the most appropriate choice.

Do you treat children with special needs?

Absolutely. Special needs dentistry is an important part of what we do at Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry. Our team has specialized training in caring for children with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, cleft lip and palate, childhood cancer, and other developmental and medical conditions. Our office is fully wheelchair accessible, and we adapt our approach to meet each child’s individual needs.

What insurance plans do you accept?

We accept many major dental insurance plans including Aetna, Blue Cross, Cigna, CHP+ (Child Health Plan Plus), Delta Dental, MetLife, Principal, United Concordia, United Healthcare, and many more. If you’re unsure whether your plan is accepted, call us at (303) 757-8844 and our team will verify your coverage. Visit our Financial Options page for more details.

What if my child doesn’t have dental insurance?

We offer a membership plan for families without insurance. For $475 per year (valued at $700), it includes two routine cleanings, fluoride treatments, exams, two emergency exams with X-rays, and 25% off additional treatments. It’s a straightforward, affordable way to keep your child’s dental care on track without dealing with insurance.

What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?

Call our office immediately at (303) 757-8844. We make every effort to see dental emergencies the same day. If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, handle it by the crown, rinse gently without scrubbing the root, and try to reinsert it or keep it moist in milk. Time is critical — getting to us within 30 to 60 minutes gives the tooth the best chance of being saved. For severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or after-hours emergencies, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Learn more on our Emergency Dental Care page.

How can I prevent cavities in my child at home?

The best at-home cavity prevention routine includes brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste appropriate for your child’s age, flossing once daily as soon as any two teeth touch, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, encouraging water (especially fluoridated tap water), and avoiding putting children to bed with anything other than water. Pair this with twice-yearly dental visits, and professional fluoride treatments and sealants at our office, for the most complete protection. See our Cavity Prevention page for a full guide.

When do children start losing their baby teeth?

Most children begin losing their baby teeth around age 6, starting with the lower front teeth. The process continues through the early teen years, with the last baby teeth typically falling out around age 12 to 13. During this mixed dentition phase, we monitor how permanent teeth are coming in at every visit and can identify any concerns with spacing, crowding, or alignment early.

At what age should my child stop using a pacifier or thumb-sucking?

Most children naturally stop sucking habits by age 3 to 4. Prolonged habits — particularly past age 4 or 5 — can affect the development of the bite and the positioning of the front teeth. If your child’s habit is persisting past this age, mention it at their next visit and we’ll discuss gentle strategies that may help, as well as whether any dental impact has occurred that needs to be monitored.

How do I reach Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry if I have more questions?

Our team is always happy to answer your questions. You can call us at (303) 757-8844, send us a message through the contact page, or request an appointment online. We serve families throughout Denver and Denver, CO, and look forward to welcoming your family to our practice.