Their first visits — without the tears.

Insured? Most kids pay $0. We verify your benefits and file the claim · written estimate of your out-of-pocket before we start · Self-pay first visit $150.

When to book the first visit.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. Early visits aren't about drilling. They're about getting your child comfortable in a dental chair before anything needs doing.

First visits at Missouri City Dentistry with our team last about 30 minutes. Parents ride in the chair first (kids copy everything), then we count teeth, "tickle" them with the electric toothbrush, polish them, and send your child home with a new toothbrush and a goody bag. No needles, no scary instruments — unless there's clinical need, which is rare at age 1.

What we actually do.

For toddlers (1-3): a knee-to-knee exam with parent, tooth count, quick polish, fluoride varnish, and parent coaching on brushing technique. Most of the "visit" is parent education.

For kids (4-11): full hygiene visit with a pediatric hygienist — polish, floss, fluoride. Your dentist does a visual exam and first X-rays (usually around age 4-5 when the bite is closed enough to take bitewings). We show kids the X-rays, let them watch on the monitor, and explain everything in kid-friendly language.

For teens (12-18): regular hygiene visits, orthodontic monitoring, sports guard fittings, and wisdom-tooth surveillance with a panoramic X-ray around age 16. Most teens start booking their own appointments without the parent by 14.

Sealants, fluoride & the boring stuff that prevents cavities.

Dental sealants — a thin plastic coating we paint onto the chewing surfaces of permanent molars (usually the 6-year and 12-year molars). They physically block food and bacteria from getting into the deep grooves. Research shows they reduce cavity risk in those teeth by about 80%. $35 per tooth, no drilling or numbing, about 5 minutes. Most PPO plans cover sealants as preventative care.

Fluoride varnish — a concentrated fluoride gel applied at each cleaning visit. Takes 60 seconds, tastes like bubblegum, hardens enamel for months. Included in every kid's cleaning at Missouri City Dentistry.

Anxious child? We go slow.

We meet kids where they are. For the first visit or two, sometimes "success" is just sitting in the chair and letting us count teeth. Our dentists are patient — they'd rather build trust over three short visits than force a full cleaning and lose the child's cooperation for years.

If more significant treatment is needed (a filling, a pulled baby tooth), we have nitrous oxide available from age 4+ and can coordinate with your pediatrician on other options. For kids with severe anxiety or extensive treatment needs, we refer to a hospital-based pediatric sedation team we trust — and stay involved in the case.

Cost & insurance.

Kids' first visit is $150 (exam, polish, fluoride). Ongoing cleanings from $85 depending on age. Sealants $35 per tooth. Fillings on baby teeth from $150-$250. Most PPO dental plans cover children's preventative care as an in-network benefit. Uninsured families can join our membership plan ($31/month for adults, kids enroll at $15/month), which includes cleanings and 20% off treatments. This is a starting estimate; your exact cost depends on your child's specific needs, and we review a written estimate with you before treatment.