Does anyone know of any good pediatric dentists in St. Paul or around it? Does it matter if you use a pediatric or family dentist? My son is three and this will be his first time to the dentist. Thanks ahead of time for your responses.
We also go to Dr Mielke's office in Maplewood. Kids love and it is so kid friendly, which makes a big difference. They just do and have stuff that my "adult" dentist doesnt: indoor climber, puzzles, sunglasses for the appointment, and TOYS. The hygenist are very patience and kind.
I take my son to a pediatric dentist (Dr. JoAnn Boraas in Richfield) because his teeth have always been very crowded. I knew he was going to need a fair amount of dental work & thought it would be best to start out with a dentist who has kid-sized chairs & other accomodations for little mouths! We love Dr. JoAnn, but I think most pediatric dentist practices are probably great.
I would absolutely recommend a pediatric dentist. We see Dr. Mielke at Pediatric Dentistry in Maplewood ###-###-####). It is totally geared towards children. There are lots of fun toys in the waiting room making waiting fun for them. The doctors and hygenists are incredibly patient and talk about every little step they do with the child and explaining it in terms that the little one can understand. My now five year old has been seeing Dr Mielke since she was three and loves going there. At the end they can also pick out a toy for being so good. That always helps too.
We go to Metropolitan Pediatric Dental Associates - they have an office in St Paul - 411 Main Street Suite 400 St. Paul. MN 55102 ###-###-####. We had a great experience there the last time we were there - my son has a TERRIBLE gag reflex (got it from me, so I sympathize with him) and wouldn't let them do x-rays the first visit (I also wouldn't, since I didn't want it to be a bad experience and nothing indicated the need for them). They had 3 hygensits with him for the x-rays, one distracting him and helping him remain still, another placing the xrays and lining up the machine and a third off to the side to push the button - each x-ray was done before they counted to 10 and my son's feelings were totally respected and they helped him work through the experience to where he was not at all upset about them!
They are also good about teaching them good brushing & flossing habits and of course reward them for a good visit.
