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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our pediatric dental and oral surgery services below. Can't find what you're looking for? Call us at (587) 289-2200 — we're happy to help.
Pediatric Dental Questions
Do I need a referral to book an appointment with a pediatric dentist? While many of our patients are referred to us by their family dentist, it is not a requirement. We can schedule an appointment for your child without any referral.
When should I schedule my child's first visit to the dentist? Along with the Canadian and American Academies of Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend you schedule your child's first dental visit before his/her first birthday or 6 months after the first tooth has erupted.
How is a pediatric dentist different than a general dentist? All dental specialists including pediatric dentists begin by completing dental school, then continue their education with several years of additional specialized training. During training in the field of pediatric dentistry, your doctor gained extensive knowledge and experience in treating infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric dentists enjoy working with children and bring to each patient our expertise in childhood development and behaviour.
What happens during my child's first visit to the dentist? The first visit is usually short and simple. In most cases, we focus on getting to know your child and giving you some basic information about dental care. The doctor will check your child's teeth for placement and health, and will look for any potential problems with the gums and jaw. If necessary, we may do a bit of cleaning. We will also answer any questions you have about how to care for your child's teeth as they develop, and provide you with materials containing helpful tips that you can refer to at home.
How often should my child visit the dentist? We generally recommend scheduling checkups every six months. Depending on the circumstances of your child's oral health, we may recommend more frequent visits.
How can I help my child prevent cavities? Be sure that your child brushes his teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Flossing daily is also important, because flossing can reach spots between the teeth that brushing can't. Check with your pediatric dentist about a fluoride supplement which helps tooth enamel become harder and more resistant to decay. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, limit snacking, and maintain a healthy diet. And finally, make regular appointments so that we can check the health of your child's teeth and provide professional cleanings.
Does my child need dental sealants? Sealants cover the pits and fissures in teeth that are difficult to brush and therefore susceptible to decay. We recommend sealants as a safe, simple way to help your child avoid cavities, especially for molars, which are hardest to reach.
My child plays sports. How can I protect their teeth? Even children's sports involve contact, and we recommend mouthguards for children active in sports. If your little one plays baseball, soccer, or other sports, ask us about having a custom-fitted mouthguard made to protect his teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums.
Can thumb sucking affect how my baby's teeth grow? Many children either use their thumb or pacifier for self-soothing. We recommend introducing your baby to pacifiers instead of allowing them to explore thumb-sucking for comfort. The habit of thumb and soother sucking, if prolonged, can cause changes to the teeth and jaw, resulting in crooked teeth and jaw development issues.
What should I do if my child has tooth pain? If your child is experiencing consistent tooth pain, this could be a warning for nerve damage or infection. It is best to contact us for an examination to determine the cause of pain. Administering children's Ibuprofen or Tylenol can help manage the pain until your child is assessed. (Please follow the instructions on the label.) However, it is important that your child come into the office without pain killers in their system so that we can accurately test the problem.
Oral Surgery Dental Questions
Do I need a referral to see the oral surgeon? We accept self-referrals for many oral surgery procedures, including wisdom teeth removal and dental implant consultations. Some complex procedures such as jaw surgery are typically coordinated with your family dentist or orthodontist. If you're unsure, call our clinic and we'll help determine the best path forward.
What happens at my oral surgery consult? At your consultation, Dr. Khaleghi will review your dental history and any x-rays or imaging, examine the area of concern, and discuss your treatment options. You'll have plenty of time to ask questions. Most consultations take 30–45 minutes.
Will I be put to sleep for my procedure? It depends on the procedure and your comfort level. We offer local anesthesia, sedation, and general anesthesia — all administered in our on-site surgical suite by a licensed medical anesthesiologist. Your anesthesia options will be discussed at your consultation.
How long is the recovery for wisdom tooth removal? Most patients feel well enough to return to light activity within 2–3 days. Full recovery typically takes 1–2 weeks depending on the complexity of the extraction. Dr. Khaleghi will provide detailed post-operative instructions before you leave, and our team is available to answer any questions during your recovery.
How do I know if I need jaw surgery? Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) is typically recommended when there is a significant misalignment of the upper and lower jaws that affects your bite, breathing, or appearance — and that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone. It is usually coordinated with your orthodontist. A consultation with Dr. Khaleghi is the best first step if you've been told you may need jaw surgery.
Do you treat adults and children? Yes. While our pediatric dentistry services are for children and teens up to age 21, our oral and maxillofacial surgery services are available to patients of all ages. Adults can book directly for a surgical consultation without a referral.