Your Kid doesn’t have to be scared of the Dentist. Here’s how we prove it.
| Quick answer: Children should see a dentist by age one, or within six months of their first tooth whichever comes first and then every six months after. At Smiles of Frisco, Dr. AJ, with 15+ years of experience, treats kids and adults in the same family practice, with Saturday appointments 9 AM–7 PM and walk-ins for emergencies. Families come to us from Frisco, Prosper, Little Elm, The Colony, McKinney, Plano, Allen, and Celina.This guide covers when to start, what a visit costs, what happens in the chair, whether your child needs a specialist, and how to prepare them so the first visit isn’t the scary one. |
Your child’s first dental visit sets the tone for how they feel about dental care for life. A good first experience builds confidence. A stressful one plants a fear that can follow them into adulthood. That’s why choosing the right pediatric dental care in Frisco matters more than most parents realize and why we do the first visit slowly, on your child’s terms.
When should my child first see a dentist?
| By age one, or within six months of the first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. |
That feels early to most parents. There’s a good reason for it. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, help kids chew and speak clearly, and are prone to cavities far earlier than parents expect. Starting early means we catch small problems before they turn painful.
Does my child need a pediatric specialist, or is a family dentist fine?
| Honest answer: It depends on your child. For most healthy kids, a family dentist who’s great with children is all you need. For complex needs, a board-certified pediatric specialist is the right call and we’ll refer you. |
| Pediatric specialist | Family dentist (Dr. AJ) | |
|---|---|---|
| Treats | Infants → ~age 18 | Every age, same office |
| Best for | Complex needs, special needs, severe anxiety needing general anesthesia | Routine kids’ care checkups, cleanings, sealants, fillings plus the whole family |
| Insurance | Often a separate office & paperwork | One office, one plan check, everyone |
Dr. AJ: “If your child needs a specialist, I’ll tell you and I’ll refer you that’s part of the job. But for most healthy kids getting checkups, cleanings, sealants and the occasional filling, you don’t need two offices and two waiting rooms. You need someone patient who your kid actually likes.”
If your child has significant special healthcare needs or needs sedation beyond nitrous, a board-certified pediatric dentist is the better fit, and we’re glad to point you to one in the DFW area. For everyone else, our family dentist in Frisco TX approach keeps the whole household under one roof.
How much does a kids dental visit cost in Frisco TX?
| Without insurance, a routine visit (exam + X-rays + cleaning) runs roughly $150–$350. With most plans, preventive care for kids is usually covered at 100%. |
| Service | Typical cost without insurance | With most plans |
|---|---|---|
| Exam + cleaning + X-rays | $150–$350 | Usually 100% covered |
| Fluoride treatment | $20–$50 | Usually 100% for kids |
| Sealant | $30–$60 per tooth | Usually 100% under 14 |
| Filling (tooth-colored) | $100–$300 per tooth | 50–80% covered |
Ranges are national averages, not our fee schedule.
Smiles of Frisco accepts Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, United Healthcare, Humana, Guardian, and BlueCross BlueShield. We verify your benefits before the appointment so there are no surprises. Call (469) 598-1042 with your plan and we’ll tell you what the visit costs before you book.
What actually happens at a kids’ dental visit?
First visit or routine checkup, here’s the flow:
The welcome. We introduce ourselves to your child directly, not just to you. Kids respond to being treated as the patient, not an accessory.
The exam. Dr. AJ checks teeth, gums, jaw development, and bite. For little ones, this is often done with your child sitting in your lap.
The cleaning. Gentle removal of plaque and early buildup, plus a polish for older kids.
X-rays (if needed). Low-dose digital X-rays catch cavities between teeth that aren’t visible to the eye taken only when your child’s age and history call for it.
Fluoride. A quick, painless varnish that strengthens enamel. Takes about two minutes.
Your questions. Every visit ends with real answers like diet, brushing, teething, and pacifier habits not a generic pamphlet.
For nervous kids, we lean on the tell-show-do method and never surprise a child with a tool or a sensation. Ask us about our Comfort Menu for anxious kids options like headphones, blankets, breaks anytime.
Common kids’ dental treatments (and why they matter)
Dental sealants
Sealants are thin protective coatings painted onto the back molars where cavities most often form. Here’s the number that matters: sealants prevent about 80% of cavities in those teeth for 2–4 years, at $30–$60 per tooth vs $100–$300 for a filling on the same tooth. Most kids benefit as soon as their permanent molars come in, around age 6–7.
Fluoride treatments
Fluoride strengthens enamel and makes teeth more resistant to the acid that causes decay. It’s one of the most evidence-backed preventive tools in dentistry, and the in-office varnish is quick and painless.
Tooth-colored fillings
When a cavity does form, treating it early prevents pain and further decay. Our composite fillings match the natural tooth, so nothing looks out of place.
Emergency care for kids
Knocked-out tooth. Broken tooth. A toothache at 7 PM on a Saturday. We keep same-day slots and welcome walk-ins for emergency dental care in Frisco. Call the office and we’ll get your child seen fast.
What if my child hates the scraping and the noise?
A lot of dental fear in kids and adults comes from the scraping sound and the cold water. We offer teeth cleaning without scraping: a gentler, warm-water cleaning method with no metal scrapers. For a sensitive kid, it can be the difference between dread and “that wasn’t bad.”
How do I prepare my child for the first visit?
Most dental anxiety comes from not knowing what to expect. Set the stage:
- Talk about it with neutral words. Say the dentist will “count their teeth” and help them stay healthy. Avoid hurt, needle, or pain.
- Read a picture book about it the night before it normalizes the experience.
- Book their best time of day. Morning, rested and fed, beats a tired-and-hungry afternoon.
- Stay calm yourself. Kids read parental nerves accurately. Your confidence is the most powerful tool in the room.
- Let the team lead. Once you’re in the chair, step back and let us build rapport. It’s what we’re trained for.
How often should kids see the dentist?
| Every six months or twice a year for most children. |
Kids at higher cavity risk (frequent juice, grazing all day, past cavities) may need visits every three to four months. Dr. AJ gives every family a personalized schedule. There’s no one-size-fits-all here.
Why Frisco families choose Smiles of Frisco
One family, one dentist. Your child, your teenager, and you all see Dr. AJ. No separate kids-only office across town, no two sets of paperwork.
Dr. AJ’s approach. NYU-trained, 15+ years, and a Frisco reputation for patience and warmth. Parents describe him as the dentist that makes their kids actually want to come back.
Saturday and evening hours. We’re open Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri and Sat, 9 AM-7 PM because families have school, sports, and work all week.
Insurance made simple. Most major plans are accepted, benefits are verified before every visit, and there is no surprise billing.
Fear-free from day one. From how we talk to kids to the pace we set, every decision is made to help your child feel safe.
What Frisco parents say
I went in for a root canal treatment with Ajay and look forward to the crown placement soon.
Also got a cleaning done — the hygienist was detailed and shared great tips for future care.
Overall, a very positive experience with a great facility and wonderful staff!
Dr. Ajay listens to your concerns, takes a very conservative approach to treatment (which i really appreciate), and provides options for treatment so you understand the pros and cons.
My wife is extremely happy with the results, and we truly appreciate the compassionate and thorough approach. Highly recommend Dr. Ajay and the Smiles of Frisco clinic to anyone looking for excellent dental care!
The dental assistant, Ashley, is also very knowledgeable and helpful, which made my visits even more pleasant. The clinic’s hours are very convenient, with availability on evenings and weekends, making it easy to schedule appointments around my busy schedule.
Overall, I am extremely satisfied with the high-quality service, affordable prices, and the professionalism of the entire team. Great team, great services!
The office was clean, and the entire process was painless. Very impressed with the quality of care and attention to detail.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for reliable dental care.
Frequently asked questions
Is Smiles of Frisco a pediatric-only dentist?
No and for many families that’s a benefit. We’re a full family practice, so Dr. AJ treats children and adults. Your child, your teen, and you can all see the same trusted dentist in one place.
At what age should a child first visit the dentist in Frisco TX?
By age one, or within six months of the first tooth — whichever comes first. Early visits build positive associations and let us catch developmental concerns early.
How much does a kids dental visit cost without insurance?
A routine visit (exam, cleaning, X-rays) typically runs $150–$350 nationally. Sealants are $30–$60 per tooth and fillings $100–$300 per tooth. With most plans, preventive care for kids is usually 100% covered. Call us with your plan for an exact estimate before you book.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes. We use low-dose digital X-rays and take them only when your child’s age and history call for it. The radiation is very low, and skipping needed X-rays can let cavities between teeth grow unseen.
Do baby teeth cavities really need to be filled if they fall out anyway?
Often, yes. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and help with chewing and speech. An untreated cavity can cause pain, infection, and problems for the adult tooth underneath. Dr. AJ decides case by case.
How much toothpaste should my child use?
A rice-grain smear for kids under 3, and a pea-size amount for ages 3–6. Children under 6 often swallow toothpaste, so supervise brushing and keep the amount small.
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
For a permanent tooth: keep it moist in milk or saliva (don’t scrub it) and get to a dentist within about 30 minutes. For a baby tooth: don’t try to reinsert it. Either way, call us right away we keep same-day emergency slots.
My child grinds their teeth, is that normal?
Usually, yes. Grinding can start as young as 18 months and often subsides once the adult teeth come in. Mention it at your visit, and Dr. AJ will check for wear and rule out other causes.
Does Smiles of Frisco treat children with dental anxiety?
Yes. The whole team is trained in gentle, fear-free techniques, and we have comfort options like headphones, blankets, and breaks anytime. For significant anxiety, ask about sedation options when you book.
Do you offer emergency pediatric dental care in Frisco?
Yes, same-day appointments and walk-ins for knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, and severe toothaches. Call (469) 598-1042.
What insurance do you accept for children?
Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, United Healthcare, Humana, Guardian, and BlueCross BlueShield, among others. We verify your benefits before the visit so there are no surprises.
Book your child’s appointment at Smiles of Frisco
Your child’s dental health starts with one appointment. The sooner you start, the simpler it stays.
Smiles of Frisco — 400 Stonebrook Pkwy Suite 401, Frisco, TX 75036
📞 (469) 598-1042
Open Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat — 9 AM to 7 PM. Yes, Saturdays. Walk-ins welcome for emergencies.
We accept Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, United Healthcare, Humana, Guardian, and BlueCross BlueShield — and we verify your benefits before the visit, so there are no surprises.
Families from Frisco, Prosper, Little Elm, The Colony, McKinney, Plano, Allen, and Celina bring their kids to Dr. AJ. Yours is welcome too.
Call (469) 598-1042 [ Book online ]
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