Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Child's Healthy Smile Starts Here
At Prairie Pediatric Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing specialized dental care for children from infancy through adolescence. Our practice was founded on the belief that early dental habits form the foundation for lifelong oral health, and we strive to create a compassionate, family-centered environment where both children and parents feel supported. With expertise in treating high-risk patients and those with special healthcare needs, our team combines advanced training with a gentle approach to address each child's unique emotional and dental requirements.We prioritize preventive care, education, and personalized treatment plans to ensure optimal outcomes. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our continuous engagement with professional organizations and our focus on building trust through transparent communication and evidence-based practices. By fostering positive experiences during dental visits, we aim to instill confidence and healthy habits that extend beyond our office into daily home care routines.
Services
Pediatric Dental Exams
Preventive Care
Sedation Dentistry
Dental Sealants
Orthodontic Evaluations
Emergency Dental Care
Tooth Decay Prevention
Special Needs Dentistry
Fluoride Treatments
Oral Hygiene Education
Highlights and features
- We offer 9 years of specialized experience treating high-risk children.
- Our team includes a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
- We provide tailored sedation options for anxious or special needs patients.
- Our family-centered approach encourages parental involvement during appointments.
- We focus on preventive care and early intervention for long-term oral health.
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Services
Pediatric Dental Exams
Comprehensive dental evaluations for infants, children, and teens to monitor oral development and prevent dental issues. Our exams include cavity detection, bite alignment assessments, and personalized hygiene guidance. Early intervention strategies are implemented to address potential concerns before they escalate.
Sedation Dentistry
Specialized sedation options including nitrous oxide and general anesthesia for anxious or special needs patients. Our trained professionals ensure safe, comfortable procedures while maintaining strict safety protocols. This service enables effective treatment for children who require additional support during dental visits.
Dental Sealants
Protective plastic coatings applied to molars to prevent decay in hard-to-clean grooves. The quick, painless application creates a barrier against food particles and bacteria. Sealants provide long-lasting protection, reducing cavity risk by up to 80% in treated teeth.
Orthodontic Evaluations
Early assessment of bite alignment and jaw development for children aged 6-12. We monitor emerging permanent teeth positioning and identify potential crowding issues. Timely interventions help guide proper dental development and reduce future orthodontic complexity.
Special Needs Dentistry
Tailored dental treatments for children with physical, developmental, or medical conditions. Our team employs specialized techniques and equipment to accommodate unique requirements. We prioritize creating positive experiences while maintaining comprehensive oral health for patients with special healthcare needs.
People
Dr. Emily Cortes
Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Emily Cortes completed dental hygiene training at Johnson County Community College and earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. After nine years treating high-risk children in the Pacific Northwest, she completed a Pediatric Dental Residency at the University of Minnesota. A Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, she specializes in compassionate care for children and those with special needs.
Questions
When should I schedule my child's first dental appointment?
Schedule your child's first check-up when the first tooth erupts or by age 1 for preventive care.
Can parents stay with their child during dental visits?
Yes, parents are welcome to accompany their child during initial exams and treatments to address concerns.
What distinguishes pediatric dentists from family dentists?
Pediatric dentists complete 2-3 years of specialized training and focus exclusively on children's oral health needs.
When should I start using toothpaste for my child?
Begin using a smear of fluoride toothpaste at age 2, increasing to a pea-sized amount by age 3.
How do dental sealants protect my child's teeth?
Sealants create a barrier on molars to prevent food particles and bacteria from causing cavities.
What should I do during a dental emergency?
Contact Prairie Pediatric Dentistry immediately at 913-871-5771 for urgent care guidance and treatment.
