Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There’s something special about a kid walking into our office and realizing, “Wow! This is a place meant for ME.”

Kids can see that our beautiful facility is designed with them in mind. Our friendly staff greets and speaks to them in a welcoming way for both children and teens.

Since Dr. Massey is a board-certified pediatric dentist and has an extra two years of training after dental school, she has special knowledge about the growth and development of a child’s mouth. As a result, we can help troubleshoot orthodontic issues early in development, provide sedation for children with dental anxiety, and give recommendations tailored to each child in terms of home care and dietary recommendations.

There is no judgment at our krewe, as we treat even the most apprehensive patients!

It is important for the first dental visit to happen at an early age, so a child can develop trust in us. Even if a little one is not quite ready to cooperate, we work with them until they are ready for a “big kid” visit.

Infant/toddler exams are often done with a parent holding them, which helps comfort children until they are ready to sit in the dental chair. We also offer “happy visits,” where kids can come in, pick a prize, and check out the office on a day when they don’t have an appointment.

We also end each appointment with a special prize – what kid doesn’t love that?

Baby teeth are important for many reasons. Did you know that 12 of the 20 total baby teeth don’t start falling out until age 10 or later?

Not only are the baby teeth important for chewing, but they help guide the permanent teeth into the correct position. Without them, the mouth may have space loss and need orthodontic correction or even possible extraction of permanent teeth in some cases.

Infected baby teeth can be painful, cause swelling, and occasionally result in hospitalization.

Making oral hygiene a priority in the early years will encourage good habits into adult years, so we work hard at each appointment to teach children ideal techniques and help them build routines that will benefit them for a lifetime.

At your first visit, Dr. Massey will teach you some techniques to make brushing more fun and acceptable to your child. We will sing the “Brush, Brush, Brush Your Teeth Song” and help show parents the best position to hold a child for brushing.

Every child, including our special needs patients, can learn to tolerate brushing with the right tools and assistance. Just as you wouldn't permit your child to skip wearing sunscreen to the beach, for example, it is equally important that the teeth get cleaned twice daily.

In most cases, once a routine is developed, brushing becomes a habit that each child can learn to embrace.

Our philosophy is PATIENT FIRST!

Did you know we offer a complimentary “benefits check” for new patients who are unsure what dental insurance will contribute to the dental visit? We encourage new patients to let us do an investigation into insurance coverage so that we can notify families in advance of what insurance is likely to contribute.

We are committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits. We will file insurance claims for you and estimate payments due at the time of service, but we cannot guarantee exact coverage due to the complexities of insurance reimbursement rates and specifics related to the particular plan your employer selected.

We believe that the standard of care should always come first. We do not compromise on our recommendations based on your insurance coverage and will let you know about alternative treatments or extra preventive recommendations when appropriate.

Many parents wonder why it's so important to care for baby teeth that will eventually fall out. This is a great question! 

You might be surprised to learn that baby teeth have a lot of important and exciting jobs to complete before they fall out. 

• Eating solid foods
• Holding space for incoming adult teeth
• Speaking their first words
• Guiding adult teeth into their correct positions

If your child loses their baby teeth too early, it can impact their oral health. 

Protecting Small Smiles

Did you know that dental cavities and tooth decay are prevalent problems in childhood? When your child visits their pediatric dentist in Metairie every six months for routine exams, we can spot issues like tooth decay early, before they become more significant.

Set Your Little One Up for Success

The preventive dental appointments that we complete with your child every six months truly set them up for future success in the dental chair. Many adult patients report having dental anxiety because of bad experiences they had at the dentist when they were children. We can avoid this outcome for your child when we get to build rapport with them and create positive experiences and associations with the dentist. 

Contact your pediatric dentist in New Orleans at (504) 838-8200 to book your child's next dental appointment. 

Tooth decay is the most common chronic infectious disease in childhood!

Prevention is so very important, and early dental visits are the best way to achieve this. At this first visit, we will discuss ways to help your child develop good habits, from brushing to dietary advice.

It’s also beneficial for a child to have a dental home in the event of a dental emergency or trauma.

During your infant's first few dental exams, we'll spend lots of time helping them feel comfortable in the dental chair and with our team. Counting teeth and answering parents' questions are among the things we do during infant dental exams. 

These visits also allow Dr. Massey to begin monitoring your child's oral development. She informs parents of any developmental concerns early on, before they become more significant problems. 

How Often Should My Child Visit the Dentist?

Children should visit the dentist every six months, like their parents. Consistent bi-annual visits help them acclimate to visiting their pediatric dentist in New Orleans. Getting comfortable in the dental chair also sets your little one up for successful appointments in the future. 

Parent and Patient Education

Preventive dental visits are an excellent time for parents to ask their questions about their child's oral health. Dr. Massey and her team love educating families about proper brushing techniques, helpful oral products, and tips for avoiding common problems like tooth decay and gum disease. 

Contact Your Children's Dentist in Metairie, LA

Is it time for your baby's next dental appointment? Please reach out to your team at Krewe of Smiles at (504) 838-8200 to schedule an appointment or request one online.