Gentle care for growing smiles · Union, NJ
Children’s Dentistry in Union, NJ
Union Family Dental welcomes children for cleanings, exams, sealants, and gentle first visits. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth.
The essentials
What is children’s dentistry?
Children’s dentistry provides age-appropriate preventive care for developing teeth, gums, and jaws while helping children become comfortable with dental visits.
A child’s visit may include a gentle examination, cleaning, fluoride, digital X-rays when clinically appropriate, and sealants for cavity-prone grooves. Parents also receive practical guidance on brushing, diet, oral habits, and what to expect as permanent teeth emerge.
Michael Hogan, DDS, and the Union Family Dental team in Union, NJ adapt each appointment to the child’s age, confidence, and individual needs.
A comfortable first visit
What does treatment involve?
Most routine children’s visits take about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on age, cooperation, and the care needed.
Welcome
The team introduces the space and tools in simple, reassuring language and reviews concerns with the parent.
About 5 minutesGentle exam
Dr. Hogan or another provider checks the teeth, gums, bite, and development. X-rays are taken only when appropriate.
Usually 10 to 20 minutesPreventive care
The teeth are cleaned, and fluoride or sealants may be recommended based on cavity risk and tooth development.
Usually 15 to 30 minutesParent guidance
Review brushing, flossing, diet, oral habits, findings, and the recommended timing of the next visit.
Before you leave
Is it time to visit?
Is my child a good candidate?
Every child benefits from preventive dental care beginning when the first teeth appear and continuing through adolescence.
- Your child’s first tooth has appeared or their first birthday is approaching
- It has been about six months since the previous dental visit
- Your child has tooth pain, sensitivity, spots, swelling, or an injured tooth
- You need guidance about brushing, thumb-sucking, diet, fluoride, or sealants
A consultation allows the team to recommend care based on your child’s development and cavity risk.
Planning your child’s care
What does children’s dentistry cost?
The cost depends on the type of examination, whether X-rays are needed, and whether cleaning, fluoride, sealants, or other treatment is recommended. The team explains the plan and estimated fees before additional care.
Many dental insurance plans include routine children’s exams and cleanings as preventive benefits, although coverage and frequency limits vary. Union Family Dental can review your benefits and discuss payment options.
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Helpful answers for parents
Frequently asked questions
Early, positive dental visits help establish healthy habits and make future care more familiar.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by age one or within six months after the first tooth appears.
Digital dental X-rays use a low level of radiation and are taken only when the expected diagnostic benefit makes them appropriate for the child.
Use calm, positive language, avoid describing painful experiences, and present the visit as a normal part of staying healthy. The team will explain each step at an age-appropriate pace.
Sealants may be recommended for deep grooves in permanent back teeth, especially when a child has increased cavity risk. An exam determines whether they would be helpful.
Ready to get started?
Schedule your child’s dental visit
Book with Dr. Hogan or a member of the Union Family Dental team.