Pediatric Dentistry

Gentle, Friendly Dental Care for Your Child

Every parent wants their child to grow up with a healthy, confident smile. At 316 Dental in Wichita, Kansas, we make pediatric dentistry a welcoming experience for kids and parents alike. From a child’s first dental visit to ongoing preventive care, our team is here to help young patients build habits that will serve them for a lifetime.

Pediatric Dentistry at 316 Dental

We understand that visiting the dentist can feel intimidating for little ones. That is why our team takes a patient, gentle approach with every young patient who walks through our doors. We take time to explain what we are doing in simple, friendly terms, answer questions, and make sure kids feel comfortable before we begin any treatment.

Our Wichita practice serves families throughout the area, including West Wichita, Goddard, and Maize. Whether your child is coming in for their first cleaning or needs a specific treatment, you can count on us to deliver high-quality care in a calm, friendly environment.

Building Healthy Smiles Early

The foundation of a lifetime of good oral health starts in childhood. Pediatric dentistry focuses on preventing problems before they start, catching issues early when they are easiest to treat, and teaching kids why taking care of their teeth matters.

At 316 Dental, Dr. Andrew Johnson (Dr. AJ) and our team genuinely love working with young patients and their families. Dr. AJ believes that educating patients, regardless of age, about the importance of oral health is one of the most rewarding parts of dentistry. Getting kids engaged and excited about their teeth early on makes a real difference in their long-term health.

Treatments We Offer for Young Patients

Our pediatric dentistry services are focused on prevention and early intervention. Two of the most valuable treatments we offer young patients are pit and fissure sealants and space maintainers.

Pit and Fissure Sealants

The back teeth, known as molars, have deep grooves and pits on their chewing surfaces where food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped. Even with regular brushing, these areas can be difficult to clean thoroughly. Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to seal out bacteria and reduce the risk of cavities.

Sealants are quick, painless, and highly effective. They are especially recommended for children as soon as their permanent molars come in, giving those teeth a layer of protection right from the start.

Space Maintainers

Baby teeth serve an important purpose beyond chewing. They hold the space in the jaw that permanent teeth need to grow in properly. When a child loses a baby tooth earlier than expected, whether due to decay, injury, or extraction, neighboring teeth can drift into the empty space. This can lead to crowding or misalignment when the permanent tooth eventually arrives.

A space maintainer is a small dental appliance that holds the gap open, preserving the correct spacing until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. It is a simple, proactive step that can help prevent more involved orthodontic treatment down the road.

When Should My Child First See a Dentist?

Most dental professionals recommend scheduling a child’s first dental visit around their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in. Starting early helps children get comfortable in the dental setting and allows the care team to monitor development and address any concerns right away. Once that first visit is done, regular six-month checkups keep things on track.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry

How do I know if my child needs sealants?

Sealants are generally recommended for children once their permanent molars come in, typically around ages 6 and 12. We will evaluate your child’s teeth and let you know if sealants are a good fit.

Are space maintainers uncomfortable?

Most children adjust to space maintainers quickly. Our team will walk you through proper care and what to expect.

Is 316 Dental a good dentist for kids?

Absolutely. Our team is experienced with young patients and focuses on making every visit as comfortable and positive as possible.

What if my child has dental anxiety?

Our team is trained to work patiently with nervous kids. We slow down, explain every step, and never rush your child through their appointment.

Ready to Schedule Your Child’s Visit?

316 Dental is proud to be a trusted dentist for kids throughout Wichita and the surrounding communities. Give us a call to schedule your child’s appointment. We look forward to helping your little one smile with confidence for years to come.