Business Details
14 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Child's Trusted Dental Home in East Tennessee
At East Tennessee Pediatric Dentistry, we believe every child deserves a positive dental experience tailored to their unique needs. Our practice was founded on the principle of creating a welcoming environment where children feel comfortable and parents feel confident in the care provided. With board-certified pediatric dentists and a team trained in child psychology, we specialize in preventive care, early intervention, and treatment of dental conditions specific to infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special healthcare needs. Our approach combines advanced clinical expertise with age-appropriate communication techniques like Tell-Show-Do to build trust and reduce anxiety. We emphasize the importance of establishing good oral hygiene habits early through personalized education on brushing, flossing, and nutrition.Our offices in Knoxville and Oak Ridge are equipped with child-friendly amenities and state-of-the-art technology to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. We adhere to strict safety protocols for all procedures, including radiation safety for X-rays and monitored sedation options for anxious patients. As active members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and other professional organizations, we maintain the highest standards of care. Our commitment extends beyond clinical treatment to include community education about the critical role of primary teeth in long-term oral health. By fostering positive dental experiences from an early age, we aim to establish lifelong patterns of oral care and prevent future dental issues.
Services
Cleanings
X-rays
Sealants
Fillings
Crowns
Space Maintainers
Nitrous Oxide
IV Sedation
General Anesthesia
Pulpotomies
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Board-certified pediatric dentists with specialized training in child psychology
- Child-friendly offices designed to reduce dental anxiety
- Comprehensive preventive care including sealants and fluoride treatments
- Advanced sedation options for anxious or special needs patients
- Emphasis on early oral health education for lifelong dental habits
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
What people say
Great with anxious kids
Friendly staff
Clean facilities
Effective sedation options
Thorough explanations
Services
Cleanings
Our professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Certified hygienists use child-friendly techniques to ensure comfort while polishing teeth and removing stains. Regular cleanings every six months help maintain optimal oral health and establish positive dental habits in children.
Sealants
Dental sealants provide a protective barrier on children's molars to prevent decay in hard-to-clean grooves. Applied quickly and painlessly, these clear coatings seal out food particles and bacteria while preserving tooth structure. Recommended for permanent molars as soon as they erupt.
Nitrous Oxide
Our safe sedation option helps anxious children relax during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide/oxygen combination produces a calming effect while maintaining consciousness. The gas is eliminated quickly after treatment with no lingering effects, allowing immediate return to normal activities.
Crowns
Stainless steel crowns protect severely decayed or fractured primary teeth. These durable restorations preserve tooth structure and maintain space for permanent teeth. Placed in a single visit, they provide strength and functionality while preventing further dental complications that could affect developing smiles.
General Anesthesia
For extensive treatment needs or severe dental anxiety, we offer hospital-based general anesthesia. Performed in a controlled surgical setting with board-certified anesthesiologists, this option allows comprehensive dental care in one visit while ensuring patient comfort and safety through continuous medical monitoring.
People
Dr. Jessica Phillips
Pediatric Dentist
Board-certified pediatric dentist with specialized training from University of Kentucky. Member of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Tennessee Dental Association. Provides care at Tennova Physicians Regional Medical Center and East Tennessee Children's Hospital.
Dr. Ashley Russell
Pediatric Dentist
Board-certified pediatric dentist trained at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. Specializes in treating anxious patients and establishing positive dental habits. Member of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry with experience in rural and urban dental settings.
Questions
When should my child's first dental visit occur?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first visit by age 1 to establish preventive care and monitor dental development.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
We use low-radiation digital X-rays with protective measures. The diagnostic benefits outweigh minimal exposure risks, helping detect hidden decay and developmental issues.
How do you handle dental anxiety in children?
We employ Tell-Show-Do techniques, nitrous oxide sedation, and child-friendly communication. Parents can accompany children during treatment to provide comfort and support.
What are space maintainers and why might my child need one?
Space maintainers preserve gaps from early tooth loss to prevent crowding. They help ensure proper alignment for emerging permanent teeth when baby teeth are lost prematurely.
How do thumb sucking and pacifier habits affect dental development?
Prolonged habits can cause tooth misalignment. We monitor development and provide guidance for habit cessation before permanent teeth erupt, typically recommending discontinuation by age 4.
What sedation options are available for extensive treatment?
We offer nitrous oxide for mild anxiety, in-office IV sedation with specialists, and hospital-based general anesthesia for comprehensive care needs in a controlled environment.
