Gulfshore Pediatric Dentistry

Gulfshore Pediatric Dentistry Logo

9921 Corkscrew Road
Estero, FL 33928

New Dental Patient Information

First Visit

During your child’s first visit to Gulfshore Pediatric Dentistry, we will perform a comprehensive examination of your child’s teeth and gums, provide a thorough cleaning, take x-rays if necessary, and discuss your child’s long-term treatment plan. Our team will address your child’s oral hygiene, diet, dental development, and habits. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have about your child’s oral health at this visit. The first visit is our opportunity to get to know you and your child and to create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs. 

Dental Home

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) all recommend establishing a “Dental Home” for your child by one year of age. 

What to Expect

Clinical Exam by 12 Months

  • Complete medical history
  • Knee-to-knee exam with a guardian
  • Dental caries
  • Soft tissue irregularities
  • White-spot lesions
  • Tongue anatomy
  • Hypoplasia
  • Staining

Caries Risk Assessment

  • Bottle or breastfed at night on demand
  • Bedtime bottle
  • Decalcification/caries present
  • Oral home care routine
  • Sugary foods, snacks

Diet Counseling for Infants

  • No juice or milk in bed
  • Sippy cups
  • Avoid sugar drinks, sodas
  • Encourage variety and a balanced diet
  • Low-sugar snacks
  • Fluoride toothpaste

Oral Home Care for Infants

  • Brush teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Grain of rice-sized amount of fluoride
  • Guidance on thumb sucking, pacifier
  • Response for home accidents, trauma

Future Visit

  • Based on Risk Assessment

How are appointments scheduled?

To schedule appointments please call (239) 301-4278. The office attempts to schedule appointments at your convenience. We recommend preschool children and school children with major treatment needs be seen in the morning.

Appointment times are reserved exclusively for each patient. If you are unable to keep your appointment we ask that you please notify our office 24 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment time.

Do I stay with my child during the visit?

We invite you to stay with your child during the initial examination. We suggest you allow your child to accompany our highly trained staff through the dental experience during future appointments. However, if you choose, you are more than welcome to accompany your child. For the safety and privacy of all patients, other children/siblings who are not being treated should remain in the reception room with a supervising adult. If you or your child require special accommodations, please make any requests before your scheduled appointment.

Financial Information

Your child’s individual treatment needs will determine the cost of your child’s visit. We will happily discuss your child’s treatment plan, your estimated financial responsibility, and all payment options available to you.  Payment for professional services is due at the time dental treatment is provided.

We accept most major credit cards and Dental Insurance plans.  We will be happy to file an insurance claim on your behalf, provided we have received all of your insurance information prior to your child’s scheduled appointment.  Please understand that we file dental insurance claims as a courtesy to our patients.  Please contact our office to check if your insurance plan is in-network with us.  Even if your plan is out of network your child can still be seen in our office.

Dental Insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company.  We will do everything in our power to provide an accurate estimate of your insurance coverage.  Please keep in mind that many insurance plans do not cover 100% of dental services and only pay a portion of the estimated costs.  You will be responsible for the portion of our fees that are not covered by your insurance company.

Please let us know if you have any questions about insurance coverage and let us know how we can help to make your entire dental experience a pleasant one.  If you do not see your insurance company listed, please contact our office at 239-301-4278 for more information.

Gulfshore Pediatric Dentistry is proud to offer financing options through CareCredit.  To apply for CareCredit, or to make a CareCredit payment to our office, click on the link provided.