Top 10 Questions Parents Ask Our Family Dentist in Midlothian

Choosing the right family dentist is a big deal—especially for busy parents balancing everything from after-school activities to weekend sports. At Cedarwood Dentistry, we often field a range of questions from parents across Midlothian, North Chesterfield, and Bon Air. 

Here are the most common questions our dentists and hygienists get, along with the best answers to those dental questions (without knowing your unique medical circumstances, of course!).

1. At What Age Should I Bring My Child for Their First Dental Visit?

Answer: Most pediatric dental experts (including our own Dr. Chris Wolberg) recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday—or within six months of their first tooth appearing. 

These early visits are short but crucial. We focus on making the experience fun and positive, introducing children to the sights, sounds, and friendly faces of our dentist’s office. Early checkups also help us catch potential issues before they become bigger problems.

2. Do You Offer Sedation for Anxious Children (and Parents)?

Answer: Yes! We understand that dental anxiety can affect anyone, from toddlers to adults. 

Our practice offers gentle sedation options to ensure a calm and comfortable experience at the dentist. This might include laughing gas (nitrous oxide) for mild anxiety or, if needed, deeper sedation administered safely by our experienced professionals. We’ll discuss all available options with you, tailoring sedation to your child’s age, comfort level, and specific needs.

3. How Do You Handle Scheduling Around Busy Family Lives?

Answer: We know families juggle sports practice, music lessons, homework, and more. That’s why we strive to offer flexible scheduling, including early morning or late afternoon appointments. 

Our goal is to keep your visits efficient and stress-free without rushing any exam or procedure. If you have multiple children, let us know—we can try to schedule back-to-back appointments to minimize trips to the office.

The easiest way to make multiple appointments, especially on the same day, is to call our office – we’re happy to help find the best days and times for your family’s schedule.

4. What If My Child Has a Dental Emergency After Hours?

Answer: It’s more a question of “when” not “if” for kids and dental emergencies—think toothaches, knocked-out teeth, or sudden swelling. We provide an on-call system for urgent after-hours needs. 

If your kids have an after-hours dental emergency, reach out to our Midlothian dentist office right away; we’ll guide you through immediate steps to relieve pain or stabilize the situation until you can be seen. Our priority is to ensure your child’s comfort and safety, day or night.

5. Do You Accept My Insurance and Offer Financing?

Answer: Insurance and payment are among the top concerns for families—so we make the process as simple as possible. 

We work with major dental insurance providers common in Virginia (such as Delta Dental, Anthem, and others) and file claims on your behalf. If we’re not in-network for your plan, we’ll still help you maximize any out-of-network benefits. We also offer flexible financing options to spread out the cost of care, ensuring everyone in the family can get the treatment they need.

6. How Do You Handle Kids with Special Needs or High Anxiety?

Answer: Our team is trained to provide a supportive, patient-centered approach for children with special healthcare needs or heightened anxiety. 

We can modify our techniques—like using “show, tell, do” to introduce tools in a fun, non-intimidating way—and offer sedation dentistry if necessary. Every child is unique, so we tailor each visit to their specific comfort level. If you have concerns or specific requests, just let us know so we can plan accordingly.

7. Do You Offer Orthodontic Screenings or Services?

Answer: While we specialize in preventive and family dentistry, we can absolutely perform initial orthodontic screenings. 

Our dentists are experienced in evaluating jaw and tooth alignment in children. If we see early signs of crowding or misalignment, we’ll discuss options like interceptive orthodontics or recommend a trusted local specialist. Early detection can sometimes reduce the length or complexity of later orthodontic treatment.

8. What Makes Your Office “Family Friendly”?

Answer: At Cedarwood Dentistry, “family friendly” isn’t just a phrase—it’s how we do things. Our office environment is designed to be warm and welcoming:

• Kid-Centric Elements: Age-appropriate entertainment in the waiting area, plus child-friendly language during exams.
• Calm, Modern Atmosphere: We use comfortable seating, calming décor, and advanced technology that speeds up procedures.
• Gentle, Team-Based Approach: Our staff is trained to help reduce anxiety, answer questions in an approachable manner, and involve parents every step of the way.

9. What’s Your Philosophy on Preventive Care?

Answer: We wholeheartedly believe the time and energy spent teaching good dental habits will always have a big pay off—especially for kids. 

Regular cleanings, checkups, and thorough at-home habits can save time, money, and dental discomfort in the long run. During each visit, we:

• Conduct in-depth cleanings to remove plaque buildup.
• Check for early signs of decay or misalignment.
• Offer personalized advice on brushing, flossing, and diet to maintain a healthy smile.

10. Can You Also Treat Other Family Members, Like Teens and Grandparents?

Answer: Absolutely. As a family dental practice, we’re equipped to care for everyone—whether it’s a child’s first tooth or a grandparent needing dentures or implants. 

We have a versatile skill set, from pediatric services to advanced restorative treatments (like crowns, bridges, and implants) and even cosmetic enhancements for adults wanting to improve their smiles.

We’re Here To Make Sure Your Family Loves Their Smiles

Finding the right family dentist in Midlothian isn’t just about who can fill a cavity or clean your kids’ teeth—it’s about building a trusted relationship that supports your entire household’s oral health journey. 

We hope these answers help you feel more confident and comfortable in choosing a dental home. At Cedarwood Dentistry, we’re committed to delivering personalized, compassionate care for every member of your family.

Got more questions?

We love hearing from you! Give us a call to schedule an appointment or drop by our Midlothian dentist office. We’re excited to welcome you into our dental family and help your family’s smiles shine for years to come.