Dr. Aaron is a board-certified pediatric dentist — a specialist who completed two to three additional years of residency training after dental school, focused entirely on children's dental development, behavior management, and anxiety-free care. General dentists treat patients of all ages and may see children, but they do not have the same specialized training in child psychology, developmental milestones, or the specific techniques used to help anxious or young patients feel comfortable. At Children's Dentistry of Redding, every aspect of our practice — from the design of our office to the way we communicate with children — is built specifically for kids.

Yes! We are currently welcoming new patients of all ages, from infants to teenagers. We encourage families to schedule their child's first visit around their first birthday, or as soon as their first tooth appears. Call us at (530) 222-2473 to schedule, or ask about our new patient process when you call.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child's first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. This early visit allows Dr. Aaron to monitor your child's oral development, identify any early concerns, and give you personalized guidance on home care. It also establishes a positive relationship with the dentist before any problems arise. Many parents are surprised to learn that dental decay can begin as soon as the first tooth appears — early visits mean early prevention.

Your child's first visit is designed to be gentle, low-pressure, and positive. Dr. Aaron will take time to get to know your child at their own pace. The appointment typically includes a gentle examination of the teeth, gums, bite, and jaw development; a cleaning of any visible teeth; a fluoride treatment if appropriate; and personalized guidance for parents on brushing technique, diet, and habits like pacifier use or thumb sucking. For very young children, the exam is often done with the child sitting in the parent's lap. There are no surprises and no scary instruments — just a warm, friendly introduction to dental care.

Yes — and this is one of the most important things parents need to understand. Baby teeth are not simply placeholders. They hold space in the jaw for the permanent teeth that will follow, support proper speech development, and allow children to chew a nutritious diet. Untreated cavities in baby teeth can progress to painful infections that affect the developing permanent tooth underneath. They can also cause the baby tooth to be lost prematurely, which leads to crowding and alignment problems that may require orthodontic treatment later. The good news is that when caught early, baby tooth cavities are very treatable — often without a filling.

At Children's Dentistry of Redding, we take a conservative approach to treating tooth decay. Very small, early-stage cavities — especially in baby teeth — may be treated with Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), a non-invasive liquid that can halt active decay without drilling. This is particularly helpful for very young children or those who are anxious. When a cavity has progressed to the point where it is causing structural damage to the tooth, a filling is appropriate. Dr. Aaron will always explain your options and recommend the least invasive treatment that will effectively protect your child's smile.

Children's Dentistry of Redding offers three levels of sedation to meet the needs of every child:

• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): The most commonly used option. Inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose, nitrous oxide produces a mild, relaxed feeling within minutes. Your child remains awake and able to communicate throughout the procedure.

• Oral Sedation with Versed (Midazolam): For children with more significant anxiety or those undergoing longer procedures, oral sedation with Versed provides a deeper level of relaxation. Your child will be drowsy but awake and breathing independently.

• General Anesthesia (GA): For children requiring extensive treatment — such as multiple cavities, complex restorations, or children with special needs who cannot cooperate with in-office treatment — general anesthesia may be the safest and most appropriate option.