Business Details
Emergency
services
Trusted Pediatric Dentist in Asheville, NC
At Blue Ridge Pediatric Dentistry, we have dedicated ourselves to creating a pediatric dental experience that children eagerly anticipate. Our practice combines specialized dental care with a comforting environment, ensuring every visit fosters positive associations. Led by Dr. Dan Knechtel, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, our team brings extensive expertise in child-specific oral health needs. We prioritize personalized care through comprehensive services ranging from preventive maintenance to restorative treatments.Our commitment extends beyond clinical excellence to building genuine partnerships with families, emphasizing education and preventive strategies tailored to each child's development. Over years of service in Asheville, we've cultivated an approach that values emotional well-being as much as dental health, reflected in our gentle techniques and child-friendly office design. This philosophy has established us as a trusted practice where both children and parents feel respected and informed throughout every dental journey.
Services
Age 1 Dental Visit
Preventive Dentistry
Restorative Dentistry
Sedation Services
Oral Health Education
Highlights and features
- Our board-certified pediatric dentist provides specialized care tailored to children's unique needs
- We create personalized prevention programs starting from age one
- Our team maintains comprehensive emergency readiness for dental trauma situations
- We employ advanced sedation techniques for anxious or special needs patients
- We partner with parents to develop customized home oral care routines
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
What people say
Friendly staff
Gentle and kind
Kids enjoy going
Clean facility
Convenient location
Services
Age 1 Dental Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends initial dental visits by age one to establish preventive care routines. This comprehensive evaluation detects early risk factors like nursing caries while creating positive dental associations. Our approach focuses on education for caregivers regarding proper oral hygiene and dietary practices to establish lifelong dental health foundations.
Preventive Dentistry
Regular cleanings and checkups form the core of preventing dental disease. Our preventive program includes fluoride treatments, sealants, and personalized oral hygiene instruction. We emphasize risk assessment for cavities and developmental monitoring to maintain optimal oral health between visits through tailored home care strategies.
Restorative Dentistry
Modern restorative techniques address dental decay through minimally invasive procedures. We offer white fillings, pediatric crowns, and nerve therapy while maintaining patient comfort. Treatment plans consider both immediate dental needs and long-term oral development requirements for primary and transitioning dentition.
Sedation Services
Specialized behavior guidance includes nitrous oxide, conscious sedation, and general anesthesia options for anxious patients. Our team determines appropriate sedation levels based on individual patient needs and treatment complexity. These options ensure safe, comfortable care while maintaining clinical effectiveness for necessary dental procedures.
Oral Health Education
We provide evidence-based nutritional counseling and oral hygiene instruction tailored to developmental stages. Parents receive practical guidance on preventing dental injuries and managing oral habits. Educational resources help families implement effective home care routines between professional visits to maintain optimal dental health.
People
Dr. Dan Knechtel
Dentist
Board-certified pediatric dentist with residency training from Yale-New Haven Hospital. Specializes in early childhood dental care and sedation techniques. Uses family-centered approach to create positive dental experiences while maintaining clinical excellence.
Amy
Front Desk
Experienced dental assistant dedicated to patient comfort. Prioritizes making children feel at ease during visits. Builds lasting relationships with families through compassionate communication and attentive service.
Julie
Dental Hygienist
Certified dental hygienist focused on establishing positive dental attitudes in young patients. Provides age-appropriate preventive care while educating families about maintaining optimal oral health routines at home.
Martha
Dental Assistant
Bilingual dental assistant who creates joyful experiences for pediatric patients. Uses Spanish language skills to enhance family communication. Connects with children through warmth and understanding of their dental visit anxieties.
Sheila
Dental Hygienist
Experienced pediatric dental hygienist with over 20 years in children's dentistry. Specializes in teaching proper oral care techniques through age-appropriate methods. Focuses on making dental education engaging for both children and caregivers.
Questions
What should I use to clean my baby's teeth?
Use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush with water once daily at bedtime. Start fluoridated toothpaste when your child turns two or three years old.
When should I schedule my child's first dental checkup?
Schedule your child's first dental visit when their first tooth erupts, or no later than their first birthday for early prevention guidance.
What makes pediatric dentists different from general dentists?
Pediatric dentists complete two to three years of specialized training beyond dental school focusing exclusively on children's dental care, including special needs patients.
Why are baby teeth important for my child?
Primary teeth aid speech development, proper chewing, and guide permanent teeth into correct positions while maintaining dental arch space.
What should I do if my child has a toothache?
Rinse with warm salt water, apply cold compress if swollen, administer acetaminophen for pain, and contact our office for immediate treatment.
How can I prevent nursing-related tooth decay?
Avoid bedtime nursing with bottles containing anything other than water. Establish regular brushing routines and schedule dental visits by age one.
