What to Expect

A pediatric dentist is a specialist who is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. Pediatric dentists receive two years of training beyond dental school to acquaint them with the special needs and treatments available to children. In addition to learning the most up-to-date treatments available for a wide variety of children's dental problems, they also learn how to deal with the behavioral aspects of children, and how to make them feel comfortable about the treatment they are receiving.

Children are Dr. Wheeler's only patients. From video games to TVs over the dental chairs, he wants his patients to have fun! He and his staff strive to make a visit to the dentist an enjoyable experience for you and your child.

Helping children learn to be good dental patients as they grow is an important goal. To accomplish this, age appropriate techniques are used to put your child at ease. One method that is effective with most children is tell-show-do.

Tell: With every new procedure Dr. Wheeler explains what he will do, (for example, how it will feel and taste). If a child is upset or scared, they are questioned for feeling. Questions are asked until your child can identify what is wrong and then that issue is addressed. Often these concerns are easily resolved by explaining everything that will happen before the procedure takes place.

Show: Dr. Wheeler and his staff show the instruments and materials to be used. Sometimes practicing on fingernails helps to remove the fear of the unknown.

Do: Once your child is comfortable, the procedure begins. For children unable to overcome anxiety, a variety of treatment options ranging from laughing gas to a wonderful anesthesiologist who can help your child sleep comfortably through treatment are available. Dr. Wheeler's goal is to eliminate bad experiences at the dentist office.

The office hours accommodate busy parents and students. Checkup appointments are often scheduled after school or during lunch. Dr. Wheeler is also a member of a 24-hour call group to handle after hours emergencies.

This office is designed so that you can spend as much time with Dr. Wheeler as you need to discuss your concerns and get your questions answered. Parents are encouraged to accompany their child in the treatment area to become participants in the experience. It is the primary goal of this practice to get to know you and your children, and provide them with the very best dental care.