First Visits

Brilliant Smiles Begin Here

Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?

Whether you have a baby bundle of joy or a teen that’s ready to take on the world, pediatric dentists have your back! Equipped with extensive education and specialized training, pediatric dentists offer the most qualified, dedicated, and compassionate care for a child’s oral health. As your Fremont board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Michael will introduce your little one to a lighthearted dental home where they’ll harness healthy habits that stick and receive fun, personalized care from a team they know and trust.

Visiting Our Office

What to Expect

From the moment you park to the time you leave, you and your child can always count on a seamless experience at Mission Peak Pediatric Dentistry. You’ll be greeted by our kind crew and an interactive, inviting space that will instantly put your little one at ease! We’ll focus on getting to know your child, fostering a sincere relationship, and protecting their smile with a gentle cleaning and exam. Teaming up with you, Dr. Michael will share his findings in detail and answer any questions you may have along the way. By the end of your child’s first visit, you’ll walk away with a customized treatment plan made to empower your young one with gleaming dental health!

Appointment Essentials

What to Bring

At Mission Peak Pediatric Dentistry, we’re all about making life easier and more delightful for parents just like you! Here are a few key items to bring to your child’s appointment, so you can relax and relish this exciting first visit to the fullest with your kiddo:

Insurance information for your child: We accept a wide range of dental insurance plans at our office. Plus, our knowledgeable team is always happy to help you understand and maximize your child’s benefits!
New patient forms for your child: With digital patient forms (coming soon), you can save time and enjoy a streamlined appointment tailored just for your young one!
Your child’s favorite stuffed animal or blanket: Having a cozy blanket or a cuddly plush companion close by is a great way to help soothe any stress and take their bravery to the next level.

Making Positive Memories

How to Prepare

Getting ready for your child’s first appointment? We have you covered! One of the best ways you can prepare for their upcoming visit is by establishing a playful and rewarding at-home dental routine. Whether it’s brushing your teeth together to a two-minute tune or letting your child pick out a toothbrush in their favorite color, incorporating meaningful, whimsical elements will ignite their excitement for taking proper care of those pearly whites! For young minds who can’t get enough of learning, fuel their curiosity and give them a glimpse of what to expect with a child-friendly book or video all about the dentist. By using positive language leading up to their appointment, your child will genuinely look forward to visiting their new dental pals!

A Lifetime Of Healthy Smiles

Establishing A Dental Home

Your child’s first year of life is full of milestones—first words, first steps, and first teeth. By the time your child turns one year old, or their first tooth grows in, they should also have their first dental visit. Establishing a dental home early on helps children have a chance to become accustomed to going to the dentist, while providing parents with peace of mind. At these early visits, Dr. Michael will ensure that your little one’s mouth is developing properly, and will be able to address any issues as soon as they arise, before they become more serious. At Mission Peak Pediatric Dentistry, we do everything we can to make dental care fun and educational so your child feels positively about their oral health, so they can live a lifetime filled with healthy smiles.

Have Questions About Mission Peak Pediatric Dentistry?

Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us at (510)980-7325 to speak with our team!

Do we need to treat baby teeth if they're just going to fall out?

Baby teeth serve many important functions! In addition to helping your child chew, speak, and smile with confidence, they serve as placeholders for permanent teeth and guide the development of their future smile. Losing baby teeth early can lead to delayed eruption and migration of their adult teeth, so proactive care is vital to making sure your child’s adult teeth are in healthy shape and align properly.

Baby teeth are also more vulnerable to decay and cavities, due to their thin enamel layer. Bacteria from diseased baby teeth can also transfer onto healthy permanent teeth. Kids with severe, untreated cavities have pain that leads to problems with eating, speaking, sleeping, and enjoying their overall quality of life. Treating baby teeth early with pediatric preventive care and restorative solutions will lower the risk of getting pesky cavities in permanent teeth.

Is my child going to need braces?

If you notice your child’s teeth are erupting late, crowded, or they have any issues with their bite, they may benefit from braces. Our expert team will let you know if and when your child should consult an orthodontist. Every child’s smile is unique and develops at different timelines, so we’ll often need to wait until the eruption of some of their front permanent teeth (around the ages of 7-8) before better assessing their immediate and future orthodontic needs.

When will my child start and finish losing baby teeth?

On average, a child will start losing their primary teeth at age 6. In most situations, this process of teeth exfoliation will continue until age 12. By the time your child reaches their teens, they’ll have a total of 32 permanent adult teeth!