Resources

We strive to provide high quality dental care with the focus on creating a stress free, fun experience for the children. We hope your family finds these resources helpful!

Comfort, Happiness & Health

Our practice is committed to providing you and your family with safe, gentle, high-quality dental care. We understand that some children may feel anxious about visiting the dentist and we aim to be sensitive to the specific needs of each of our patients. Please review our First Visit Walkthrough and our FAQS section to help you prepare for your next visit.
Your First Visit
Our FAQs

Your First Visit

First Tooth

Make an appointment to see the dentist as soon as your child gets their first tooth.

Positive Attitude

The best preparation for your child’s first visit to our office is maintaining a positive attitude.

Short & Simple

We focus on getting to know your child & giving you some basic info about dental care.

Regular Checkups

6 month checkups are an important part of maintaining a healthy smile!.

When should I schedule my child’s first visit to the dentist?

We recommend that you make an appointment to see the dentist as soon as your child gets his first tooth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children be seen by six months after their first tooth erupts, or at one year of age, whichever comes first.

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 look for any potential problems with the gums and jaw. If recommended, we may complete a dental 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.
How can I prepare my child for his first dental appointment?
The best preparation for your child’s first visit to our office is maintaining a positive attitude. Children pick up on adults’ apprehensions and if you make negative comments about trips to the dentist, you can be sure that your child will fear an unpleasant experience and act accordingly. Show your child the pictures of the office and staff on the website. Let your child know that it’s important to keep the teeth and gums healthy, and that the doctor will help him do that. Remember that your dentist is specially trained to handle fears and anxiety, and our team excels at putting children at ease during treatment.
How long does a dental visit typically take?

We understand that your family has a busy schedule, so when you’re preparing for a dental visit, please remember that a cleaning appointment can last between 30 and 40 minutes.  An dental treatment appointment, such as a filling appointment, is typically scheduled for 30-60 minutes.

Pediatric Dental FAQs

We have extensive training and a passion for helping families with children with complex medical histories and special health care needs. Find the answers to some of our frequently asked questions. Not finding your answer? Feel free to contact our team!

Contact Us With Further Questions
Regular checkups are an important part of maintaining a healthy smile!
The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups and routine teeth cleanings to keep the teeth and gums healthy.
During your child’s visit, we will...
  • Answer any questions or concerns
  • Review the dental and medical history
  • Assess growth and development
  • Review oral hygiene with patient and parent
  • Look for cavities or any other signs of tooth decay
  • Inspect the teeth and gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease
  • Check for any problems that may not be seen or felt
  • Discuss a prevention plan for your child
  • Complete a dental cleaning
  • If indicated, take dental X-rays
  • Perform a fluoride treatment
Please bring your smile, but also don't forget...
How is a pediatric dentist different from other dentists?

All dental specialists (pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and others) begin by completing dental school and 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 expertise in childhood development and behavior. Because our office is geared toward young visitors, you’ll find that our staff, office design, and activities all work together to provide an especially friendly and comfortable environment for children. We also have extensive training and a passion for helping families with children with complex medical histories and special health care needs to establish a good relationship and stable dental 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.

Why do baby teeth need special care?
Your child’s first teeth play an important role in his or her development.  Your child’s general health is affected by the oral health of the teeth and gums. Primary teeth help your little one speak, smile, and chew properly. They also hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth. If a child loses a tooth too early (due to damage or decay) nearby teeth may encroach on that space, which can result in crooked or misplaced permanent teeth. 
At what age is it appropriate to use toothpaste to clean my child’s teeth?
Once your child has a few teeth, you can start using a non fluoride or training toothpaste or just water!When they turn 2 years of age, use a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste for each cleaning, and be sure to discuss toothpaste recommendations with our doctors so that we can provide fluoride recommendations based on your specific needs. You should brush your child’s teeth until he or she is ready to take on that responsibility, which usually happens by late elementary school age. 
What causes cavities?
Certain types of bacteria live in our mouths. When these bacteria come into contact with sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods left behind on our teeth after eating, acids are produced. These acids attack the enamel on the exterior of the teeth, eventually eating through the enamel and creating holes in the teeth, which we call cavities. 
How can I help my child avoid cavities?
Be sure that your child brushes his teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Flossing daily is also important, as 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 and carbohydrate rich foods and drinks, limit frequent 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.
What should I do if my child sucks his thumb?
A majority of children suck their thumbs or fingers as infants, and most grow out of it by the age of four, without causing any permanent damage to teeth. If your child continues sucking after permanent teeth erupt, or sucks aggressively, let us know and we can check to see if any problems are caused by the habit. We will assess growth and development at each check-up and can work with you for any specific recommendations we may have for your child. 
When should my child have dental X-rays taken?
We recommend taking X-rays when we can no longer clinically evaluate all areas of the teeth.  Once the baby teeth in back are touching each other, then X-rays are recommended on a scheduled basis for diagnosis purposes. Permanent teeth start coming in around age six, and X-rays help us make sure your child’s teeth and jaw are healthy and properly aligned. If your child is at a high risk of dental problems, we may suggest having X-rays taken at an earlier age. Each child is unique, so we will discuss whether we recommend x-rays at each appointment. 
Over-retained Baby Teeth "Shark Teeth"
Children typically start losing teeth between the ages of 5 and 7. This process begins when permanent teeth start to erupt and resorb the primary(baby) tooth, causing the baby tooth to become loose. However, sometimes the primary tooth is still there when the permanent tooth erupts giving your child a second row of teeth. We encourage our patients to continue to wiggle the baby teeth out on their own. However,  if the baby tooth no longer feels loose, or the gum tissue is becoming irritated please contact our office so we can discuss any specific recommendations for your child.
Insurance Providers

Our practice accepts most major insurance plans. Our team is knowledgeable about dental insurance so feel free to reach out with question so we can help you gain the most out of your benefits. Please bring your insurance card to each appointment, so we can keep your information current.

Testimonials

"I have been going to Dr. Kohler since I was little and now, I get to take my kids! I can confidently say she and her team are the best! From the moment you walk into the office, you’re welcomed into a warm, family-like atmosphere. The staff greets you with genuine smiles, and it's clear they love what they do and are truly happy to be there. They go above and beyond to make each visit exciting and enjoyable, and my children are always thrilled to see the dentist! I would highly recommend Dr. Kohler to anyone who is looking for a great pediatric dentist!"

- Allissa Bartling-Hottovy

“Dr. Sandman is a one of a kind dentist for our kids. We always feel we have plenty of time to ask our questions and for our kids to be thoroughly treated at their office. Never do appointments feel rushed or impersonal. Dr. Sandman is kind and gentle and tailors her approach to meet the needs of our littles. They look forward to dentist appointments and seeing “Dr. Lexi.” I cannot recommend her enough!”

- Logan S.

Visit Us

Located at 70th and A Street. Enjoy easy access and “front door” parking!

1660 S 70th St #200
Lincoln, NE 68506

(402) 488-8140

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