Pediatric Dentistry in Apex, NC
Prevention Services
Dr. John Kitzmiller DDS, provides adult and pediatric dentistry in Apex, NC. Your child’s dental health is very important. Developing a positive relationship with us is crucial for long term dental health. Your child’s first visit should occur at about 1 year. We appoint you and your child on your cleaning appointment.
At the joint appointment, your child will sit in the chair and become comfortable with the dentist and hygienist touching their teeth and looking in their mouth. Your child may not get their teeth cleaned. We will be able to educate you and your child on your roles in maintaining good dental health. When your child is confident, they will receive their own appointment.
Don’t see a time that fits? Give us a call at 919-362-1341 – we may have additional availability.
Visit our Patient Education Center for “Videos for Kids” to view fun cartoons which help young patients understand dental services and prepare them for their visit.
Cleaning & Check-up Appointments
First Dental Experience
Goals for Best Oral Health
- Have a positive first appointment.
- Both parent and child come together at the adult’s appointment.
- Introduce your child to dentistry – “Tell-Show-Do” appointments.
- The first appointment helps show children what we are going to do and determine if they are able to do it. If your child allows us, will perform their preventive care at this appointment.
- We use all of your child’s senses (sight, touch, smell, sound, feel) to help them become familiar with the procedure.
- During the second appointment we will actually do the preventive care procedure.
- While, it takes longer, this method prepares your child for a positive dental experience and a lifetime of dental health
Visit Apex Dental Group’s Patient Education Center to find cartoon videos of Dudley’s Dentist Adventures to get children to be more comfortable with going to the dentist. 
Education
Topics We Cover
- Age-specific personalized dental care & education.
- Home care instruction for proper brushing, flossing, use of disclosing tablets, and implementing a 2 minute timer.
- Brushing and flossing.
- Other prevention measures
- Role of diet in dental health
- Tooth development / growth.
- Behavior management.
- Examination.
- Individualized treatment plan.
- Application of fluoride varnish.
- Rewarding good home care and behavior.
Prevention
What we do at the Office for Prevention
- Cleaning / Hygiene.
- Digital X-rays – lower radiation for early detection. See our Office & Technology page for types of diagnostic tools we use.
- Dental examination.
- Fluoride supplements if you are on well water & low in fluoride.
- Fluoride varnish.
- Sealants.
Fluoride Treatment
How is Fluoride a part of Oral Health
It is a mineral that occurs naturally and is found in or added to many water sources. Fluoride helps make teeth stronger and protects them from decay. Fluoride is also in anti-cavity toothpastes and mouth wash.
Fluoride supplements will be recommended if you are on well water and low in fluoride. We may also apply a fluoride varnish to the surfaces of the teeth.
Sealants
What are Sealants?
Dental Sealants are applied to protect teeth from decay. A dental sealant is a material applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars.
The sealant material flows into the pits and grooves on those surfaces and acts like a barrier from bacteria decaying the tooth’s outer surface, the enamel.
Mouth Guards
Prevent Sports-Related Dental Injuries
For older children who play sports, Apex Dental Group can create a custom-fit sports guard also called a mouth guard.
Positive Reinforcement
Rewards for Successful Dental Care
- Helium Balloons
- Prize Machine
- No Cavity Club!
- Cavity-free kids write down their name to enter in our drawing for free movie tickets!
Referrals
Referrals for Best Overall Dental Health
We take pride in the care that we provide to our child patients. On a case by case basis, some kids may need a referral to a pediatric specialist.
The bottom line is that we want you and your child to be successful in their dental health care!
Home Care Tips
Tips for Parents
- Home care help is dictated by your child’s ability, some children may need more or less help regardless of their age.
- Younger children may require more parental direction and help.
- Older children may independent in many of their home care tasks
- Be positive but honest about their appointments. Don’t use them as a threat.
- Work with them daily on their home care.
- Ask the doctor and hygienist for advice on home care issues.
- Stay involved and follow up daily!
Development Monitoring
Monitoring your child’s growth and development is an important aspect in their care. Often times, we can help in the development of your child’s dentition by early intervention and eventual referral to the orthodontist.
Baby teeth act as place holders for the adult teeth. If they are not cared for and are lost early, drifting of teeth and severe crowding can result. Allowing teeth to erupt properly will also lead to a more stable bite. Baby teeth are important and should be cared for, but how often have you heard, “They are only baby teeth”?
See our Patient Education Center for videos and more on this topic.
How we monitor your child's dental development?
- During each dental examination we closely monitor crooked teeth.
- We detect improper oral hygiene and inquire about sugar intake to prevent early decay and tooth loss.
- We use detection technology tools such as periodic Bitewing X-rays to look between teeth for cavities and Panoramic x-rays to evaluate overall growth, development, and missing teeth.
- When a situation warrants, we perform Simple extractions sometimes we remove primary (baby) teeth that fail to come out on their own.
- We watch for proper adult tooth eruption.
Orthodontic Services
- We make minor cross bite corrections.
- A “W” arch will expand the upper jaw bone. Other upper jaw expansion devices.
- We take measures to maintain space for future teeth.
- We use Band and Loop techniques for early loss of individual teeth.
- Lower Lingual Arch is used for early loss of multiple teeth.
We make an appropriate and timely referral to an orthodontist when your child is ready.
Fillings & Restorations
What do you offer for restoring a child's primary tooth?
- Stainless steel crowns
- Tooth colored fillings
- Pulpotomy – nerve treatment for children
A pulpotomy is needed if a cavity is deep and reaches the tooth pulp. If you suspect infection, contact us as soon as possible so it doesn’t infect other nearby teeth. This “baby root canal” will preserve your child’s tooth until the permanent tooth comes in.
- Extractions (tooth removal)
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FAQs
Got questions? We’ve put together answers to some of the most common things our patients ask—so you’re ready for your visit.
When should my child first visit the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears. Early visits at Apex Dental Group help your child build positive dental habits from the start.
How often should my child have dental checkups?
Most children benefit from a checkup every six months. These visits allow us to monitor tooth development, clean away plaque, and catch any small issues early before they become bigger problems.
What happens during a child’s first dental appointment?
Your child’s first visit is all about comfort and education. We’ll gently examine their teeth and gums, discuss brushing habits, and answer your questions about diet and home care. Our Apex team makes every visit calm and positive.
How can I help my child feel comfortable at the dentist?
Start by talking about the dentist in a fun, encouraging way. Bringing your child to your own visits can also help. At Apex Dental Group, we use a friendly, patient-centered approach and even educational cartoons to make each visit enjoyable.
What are dental sealants and why are they important?
Sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They help prevent cavities by keeping food and bacteria out of tiny grooves where brushing can’t always reach.
Does my child need fluoride treatments?
Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. If your child’s risk for decay is higher, we may recommend fluoride varnish or treatments during regular checkups.
How do I know if my child needs braces or orthodontic care?
We monitor your child’s bite and tooth alignment as they grow. Signs like crowding, spacing, or difficulty chewing can indicate the need for orthodontic evaluation. Early assessment allows for the best long-term results.
What should I do if my child has a cavity?
If we detect a cavity, we’ll restore it with a durable filling that blends naturally with the tooth. Treating cavities early prevents discomfort and keeps your child’s smile healthy.
How can I protect my child’s teeth during sports?
A custom-fitted mouthguard is the best protection against chipped or knocked-out teeth. Our Apex team can create one that’s comfortable and tailored to your child’s smile.
What are some easy ways to promote good oral habits at home?
Encourage brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, limit sugary snacks, and make brushing fun with music or timers. Praise your child for their efforts—it helps them build lifelong healthy habits.
Visit our Patient Education Center under the Topic “Restoring Teeth” and remember to look at related treatments on the Cosmetic Treatments page.