64 E. Hickman Road
In the same way that pediatricians are trained to meet the needs of children, a pediatric dentist is uniquely trained to prevent and treat oral health issues that affect children and adolescents. Dr. Waage has gone through rigorous training to be able and qualified to protect your child's oral health. His training and commitment to continuing education allow him to provide the most advanced techniques and treatments for his patients!
Dr. Waage has an additional two years of formal training beyond dental school. This advanced training provides a special skill-set specific to the unique requirements of infants, children, adolescents, and those with special health care needs. A pediatric dentist specializes in assessing the ever-changing stages of child development and treating dental conditions and diseases specific to growing individuals. Perhaps of even greater importance, Dr. Waage and his staff love working with children, and are committed to making them feel right at home in this new environment!
Why are baby teeth important?
Healthy primary teeth play an important role in normal development of the jaws and supporting structures. While they're in place, these primary teeth help your little one speak, smile and chew properly. They also hold space in the jaw for unerupted permanent teeth. Decayed baby teeth can cause pain, infection and even systemic problems if left untreated. If a child loses a tooth prematurely – due to a traumatic injury or decay – nearby teeth may encroach on that space, resulting in crooked or misplaced permanent teeth. Most importantly, your child's general health is affected by the oral health of the teeth and gums. Poor oral health habits have been associated with diabetes, abnormal growth and development and even heart disease! Dentistry for children is unique in that it enables children to learn excellent oral health habits at a very young age. A child who can chew easily, speak clearly and smile confidently is a happier child!
