We focus on prevention and patient education
Our mission is to deliver an experience so fun and fantastic that all you want to do is talk about your dentist. Our exceptional staff is dedicated to providing gentle and comprehensive dental care for each child. This includes allowing parents to be seated in the back during the appointment with their child(ren).
Our primary goal for your child's dental development is to achieve and maintain optimal oral health through advances in techniques and technologies by maintaining their scheduled dental exams. We strongly believe that children do their best in new situations using the tell show and do technique. This allows dentistry to be performed in a non threatening environment and allows children to have better self-esteem and a positive experience. To be most effective, children's dentistry needs to be preventative in nature since these procedures are less invasive to the teeth and gums and are accomplished more easily. We stress proper brushing, homecare, and diet along with involving parents with diagnosis and treatment.Our office utilizes advanced technology in sterilization techniques in order to provide a safe, clean and comfortable environment for patients. If at any time you have a question, please feel free to call our office. We appreciate you trusting your child's dental care to us.
Our dentists and staff have training in using a variety of nonpharmacologic approaches to help your child(ren) have a positive dental experience. For example, we will use positive reinforcement to help guide your child's behavior with verbal praise and rewards for being a good helper. We also offer an open bay of dental chairs where your child may sit and watch other children cooperating for dental cleanings or see their older siblings enjoy their visits. This will help them gain confidence to be a great patient too.
Located in Wesley Chapel, Florida, Pettinato Children's Dentistry has been caring for the children of the greater Tampa Bay area for over 40 years. In fact, many of our patients are "grand patients" whose parents were once patients here themselves. We have watched thousands of our patients grow from preschool to college age.
We believe our patients stay with us for so many years because of the quality of care they receive. Many of our patient’s families have remained loyal even after moving out of the area. We have patients that not only travel across the state, some even come from the middle east and Europe!
We are pleased that you have chosen us to provide dental care for your child(ren). Our office is specifically designed for children and teenagers. We have modern dental equipment with the decor that makes your child's visit to our office a unique experience. The ocean theme of our office provides children with a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
Our staff is highly trained in proper understanding and management techniques that provide your child(ren) with a positive impression and good self-esteem. We are confident that you will find our staff to be caring, competent and gentle. We will always be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. We treat you and every other patient like family.
Make your dental health the top priority
Although you may be tempted to make decisions about your dental care based on what the insurance company will pay, remember that your health is most important. Find out what your dental insurance covers and plan accordingly. Remember that prevention is the key to spending less.
What is the focus of a beautiful smile? Strong healthy teeth!
“Smile, it makes people wonder what you're up to.” -Jill Shalvis
"It costs nothing, but creates much. It enriches those who receive without impoverishing those who give. It happens in a Flash and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None are so rich they can get along without it and none are so poor but are richer for its benefits.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen, for it is something that is no earthly good to anyone 'til it is given away. And if in the hurly-burly bustle of today's world, some of the people you meet should be too tired to give you a smile, may we ask you to leave one of yours?
For nobody needs a smile so much as those who have none left to give." -Dale Carnegie
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”-Maya Angelou
A preventative dental practice
"We focus on prevention and education." preventative care from our dentist can save time, money and teeth! Your dentist will recommend a schedule for your child's dental visits, a toothbrush, type of toothpaste, a daily routine for oral hygiene care and dietary habits along with recommending daily vitamins and dental probiotics to help keep decay away. Contact us today to schedule an appointment that is convenient for you!
Preventing cavities
Cavities are caused by tooth decay, a disease that damages and breaks down teeth. Untreated tooth decay can lead to pain, loss of teeth, and loss of self confidence. Children with tooth pain can not eat or sleep properly and may miss days of school. Even worse, an abscess from a cavity can cause life-threatening infections when left untreated.
The good news is, tooth decay can be prevented with good oral hygiene. It is simple and less costly to prevent tooth decay than to repair a decayed tooth. Brushing twice and flossing once daily, healthy eating habits, and the right amount of decay fighting fluoride can help keep your kids teeth decay free!
Tips for a positive dental visit
Schedule your child's first dental visit before their first birthday.
Schedule a morning appointment when children tend to be rested and cooperative.
Do not schedule during that time!
Stay positive! Don't show any anxiety that you might feel about dental visits.
Never use dental visits as a punishment or threat.
Make your child(ren)'s dental visit an enjoyable outing.
Teaching your child about good oral hygiene habits early can lead to a lifetime of good dental health resulting in less money you will spend on fillings, crowns,etc..