My son is almost two and I would like to take him to get his first dental "check up". I realize this will be more of a teeth counting/gum checking visit because he is so young, but I want him to get used to the dentist. I would also prefer a place that gives the option of going back or not going back with your child, depending on the child and parent's comfort level.
Hi J.:
We see Dr. Tom Ruzicka ###-###-####). He's right next to Mehlville High School - he's excellent - in both pediatric and adult denistry. Good luck.
I went with Dr. Lenahan for my kids. He practices at St. Anthony's on Tesson Ferry (the offices right next to it anyway). He's great! The staff is super nice and I like knowing that my kid will see the same doctor every time. When your kid is little your get to go back with them (I have a son born March of 07 and at our appointment a month ago I went back with him). They have a TV with kids movies going so the kids have some entertainment while they're back there too. ;) My older kids love that!
Edited to add: The phone number!! ;) ###-###-####
Congrats on your little one on the way!! :) Two years apart is GREAT spacing! ;) Of course, I'm biased, lol.
Pediatric Dentistry of Sunset Hills on Watson road is AWESOME. There are about 5 dentists there. It is totally geared toward kids and does a wonderful job of making the kids feel comfortable. My 3 year old was actually totally excited to go to the dentist and had a good time while he was there. Parents were not allowed back with the kids for the evaluation, but after the exam was performed the parent is invited back to talk with the dentist. There is at least a couple month wait to get in if you are a new patient. The phone number is ###-###-####
Seconding the note on Pediatric Dentistry of Sunset Hills on Watson road. My son LOVES going there, since he was about 3. The place looks like Finding Nemo, they take all siblings back at the same time, etc. My son even had a root canal at about 5 or 6 and to him it was no different than any other visit. Only complaint is the wait time - plan to be there a fair bit, though the last few years have been much better. Once they take your kid back though, the kid is fine - they have video games and toys and all and keep them pretty busy. They dont allow parents back because honestly the kids do better if they cant see you - I worried at first thinking all bad things, but there are no closed spaces back there, all the kids and workers can see each other, etc. I thought my son would do better with me there, but I learned with this and many other things - my kid is very different in school or any other time I am not there, and he does just fine... Good luck!
