Common Questions

Direct answers to the questions parents ask us most often.

Each answer is reviewed by Dr. Hoang (Pediatric Dentist) or Dr. Jensen (General Dentist) and updated with the date it was last checked. Don't see your question? Call our office or send a message — we'll add it.

Orthodontic Emergencies

My child's braces bracket came off — what do I do?

If the bracket is loose but still attached to the wire and isn't poking, leave it in place and call our office within 24–48 hours. If the bracket has fallen off completely, save it in a small bag and bring it to your appointment. If it's poking your child's cheek, cover the bracket with orthodontic wax and call us today.

My child knocked out a permanent tooth — what should I do right now?

Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root. If it's dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or saline — not water, and don't scrub it. If your child can keep the tooth in their cheek pouch or in a cup of milk, do that. Get to a dentist or ER within 30 minutes — the faster a knocked-out permanent tooth is replanted, the better the chance of saving it. Call our office on the way.

How do I fix a poking orthodontic wire at home?

Cover the poking end with orthodontic wax to stop the irritation. If the wire end is sticking out behind the last bracket, you can use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push it flat against the tooth, or use a clean nail clipper to snip the very end if it's safe to reach. Call our office to come in for a proper trim — we'll make it comfortable in 5 minutes.

First Visits

When should my child first see the dentist?

By age one, or within six months of the first tooth coming in — whichever is earlier. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all agree on this timing. The first visit is more about parent education and getting your child comfortable than about cleaning teeth.

ARKids · Insurance · Cost

What does ARKids cover at the dentist?

ARKids covers comprehensive pediatric dental care: cleanings every six months, exams, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, extractions, crowns on baby teeth, and orthodontic evaluations. ARKids First-A covers more (including most orthodontic treatment if medically necessary) than ARKids First-B. We accept both at Super Smiles, and the I-19 Pathway is the same plan whether your family is on ARKids, has private insurance, or pays cash.