Care at Crystal Dental
Children’s Dentistry
Positive, age-appropriate visits that help younger patients build confidence in dental care.
A thoughtful start for growing smiles
What is children’s dentistry?
Children’s dentistry covers preventive care, treatment and monitoring as baby teeth appear and are gradually replaced by adult teeth. Baby teeth help children chew and speak, and hold space for the adult teeth that follow. Early loss can allow nearby teeth to drift into the gap, leaving less room for the adult replacement. Because some baby teeth stay until around age 12, cavities in them need attention even though those teeth will eventually fall out.
Appointments assess teeth and gums, track development and give parents practical guidance on brushing, food and drinks, and oral habits. Depending on a child’s needs, care may include cleaning, treatment for decay or sealants that cover deep chewing grooves to help keep food and bacteria out. We also assess space after early tooth loss and whether a space maintainer—a small appliance that helps hold the gap open—is appropriate. At Crystal Dental, children are cared for by our general family dentists, with recommendations based on age, oral health and comfort.
When to arrange a visit
When should I take my child to see the dentist?
Care depends on your child’s needs and ability to participate. If more specialized care is appropriate, your dentist can discuss a referral.
- Your baby’s first tooth has appeared or their first birthday is approaching.
- Your child is due for an examination or preventive care.
- You have concerns about brushing, cavities, tooth development or oral habits.
Healthy teeth as children grow
Why is preventive care important for children?
Build healthy brushing habits
Young children need an adult’s help to clean their teeth effectively. We can discuss an age-appropriate toothbrush and the amount of fluoride toothpaste suited to your child’s age and cavity risk.
Protect vulnerable grooves with sealants
A fissure sealant covers grooves on a tooth’s chewing surface to help keep food and plaque out. Your dentist may recommend sealants for suitable teeth after assessing the surfaces and risk of decay.
Keep track of growing teeth
As adult teeth arrive, questions about cleaning, habits and development can change too. Regular assessments help keep your child’s care relevant as they grow.
What to expect
What to expect at their first visit, step by step.
01
Get to know your child
We discuss health history, brushing, food and drinks, and worries about dental visits. Let us know about communication needs when arranging the appointment.
02
Check their growing smile
The dentist examines the teeth and gums and considers development and cavity risk. Cleaning, X-rays or other care are recommended according to what is appropriate for your child.
03
Plan together
We explain any findings and the available next steps. You can ask about home care, preventive treatments and the timing of future visits before deciding how to proceed.
The Crystal Dental approach
Why choose Crystal Dental for children’s dentistry?
Family care, locally
Our family-owned practice serves Burnaby and Langley, welcoming children as part of care for the whole family.
Parents stay informed
We explain what we are recommending and make space for your questions, including what you can do between appointments.
Attention to the individual
Children approach new experiences differently. Sharing your child’s needs and previous experiences helps us plan their care and communicate with them.
Your care team
Four doctors. One family approach.
Dr. Bogdan Stanisavljevic
B.Sc., DMD
Dr. Goran Stanisavljevic
DMD, M.Sc., PhD · Co-founder
Dr. Dragana Stanisavljevic
DMD · Co-founder
Dr. Nicole Stanisavljevic
B.Sc. (Honours), DMD
FAQs
Children’s Dentistry: your questions.
Have another question? Contact our team and we will be happy to help.
When should my child first see a dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends a first assessment within six months of the first tooth appearing or by age one. Arrange an earlier visit if you notice a problem.
Why treat baby teeth if they will fall out?
Baby teeth support comfortable chewing and speech and keep space for the adult teeth developing underneath. If a baby tooth is lost too early, nearby teeth can drift into the gap and leave less room for the adult tooth to come through. Treating decay can help keep a baby tooth comfortable and in place while it is still needed. If a tooth is lost early, your dentist checks which tooth is missing, how much space remains and how close the adult replacement is to coming through. A space maintainer—a small appliance that helps hold the gap open—may be recommended, but not every missing baby tooth needs one. If one is used, it needs daily cleaning and regular checks as your child grows.
How can I prepare my child?
Describe the visit simply and calmly. Avoid promises about how it will feel (e.g., “This will only hurt a little”), as these can negatively affect your child’s expectations and overall experience. Tell us about any worries in advance so we can discuss how to introduce the appointment.
Should I still help with brushing?
Yes. Young children need an adult to brush or help them brush. Parents should continue to supervise, provide quality control and offer encouragement so children can build healthy, positive habits. Use a soft brush that fits their mouth, supervise toothpaste use and ask for advice as their skills develop.
Will my child need X-rays?
Only when the dentist determines they are useful for diagnosis or monitoring. The decision considers your child’s examination, developing teeth, symptoms, history and cavity risk.
How do I book, and can I ask about costs first?
Choose Burnaby or Langley on our Contact page and call, email, or text the office to arrange a visit. Our reception team will confirm your appointment. Ask about estimates and bring your current benefit information; see our insurance and payment page for more details.
Are your dentists pediatric specialists?
Children’s appointments at Crystal Dental are part of our general family dentistry services. A pediatric dentist has additional specialist training; if your child needs that level of care, we can discuss the next step.
Further reading: Canadian Dental Association: Your Child’s First Visit · Canadian Dental Association: Infant & Toddler Oral Care · Canadian Dental Association: Cleaning Children’s Teeth · American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Parent FAQ · AAPD and ADA: Pit-and-fissure sealant guideline · ADA MouthHealthy: X-rays
Your next visit
Let’s make time for your smile.
Choose the office that works for you. Our reception team will help arrange your appointment.