Question 1

Why should I travel from Darien to New Canaan for a pediatric dentist?

Accepted Answer

While there are dental options everywhere, many families choose to make the short drive from Darien to our office because of our specialized focus and atmosphere. We are the only exclusive pediatric dental office in New Canaan, meaning every inch of our practice—from the waiting room to the treatment chair—is designed specifically for children.

Unlike general dentists who see adults and kids, our board-certified specialists have two to three years of additional training specifically in the oral health of children and those with special needs. The "mindset over cavity" approach we take ensures a positive emotional experience for your child, which is worth the few minutes of travel time.

Question 2

At what age should I bring my child for their first visit?

Accepted Answer

We agree with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommendation that a child should see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. Establishing a "Dental Home" early allows us to monitor growth and development, check for early signs of decay, and provide you with the tools to care for your infant’s oral health. These early "happy visits" are also crucial for desensitizing your child to the dental environment, making future visits much easier as they grow.

Question 3

My child is very anxious about the dentist. How do you handle fear?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety is very common, and we are experts at managing it. We use a method called "Tell-Show-Do," where we explain what we are going to do in simple, non-threatening language, show the child the instrument or material, and then do the procedure. Our office is designed to be distracting and fun, with TV monitors in every room.

For children who need extra help relaxing, we offer Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), which is a safe and effective way to reduce anxiety during treatment. Most importantly, we are patient. We never rush a child and always work to build trust first.

Question 4

Do you provide emergency dental care for Darien residents?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We know that dental emergencies—like a knocked-out tooth or a sudden toothache—don’t always happen during business hours. We are here for you when the unexpected occurs. If your child experiences a dental emergency, we encourage you to call our office immediately.

We provide prompt, compassionate care to alleviate pain and address the issue as quickly as possible. Having an established Dental Home with us makes handling these stressful situations much smoother, as we will already have your child's medical history on file.

Question 5

Do you treat children with special needs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, treating children with special needs is a core part of our mission. Dr. Simonis and Dr. Matos have extensive training and experience in providing care for children with a wide range of physical, developmental, cognitive, and sensory conditions. We understand that a standard dental visit can be challenging for these children.

We work closely with parents to customize the appointment to the child's specific needs, whether that means scheduling a visit during a quieter time of day, allowing for breaks, or utilizing specific behavioral guidance techniques. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and dignified environment for every child.

Call our office today to schedule your appointment!

Pediatric Dentist near Darien, CT

New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry, LLC

Comprehensive Services We Offer

About Darien, CT

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Darien Area Pediatric Dentist Practice

Why should I travel from Darien to New Canaan for a pediatric dentist?

At what age should I bring my child for their first visit?

My child is very anxious about the dentist. How do you handle fear?

Do you provide emergency dental care for Darien residents?

Do you treat children with special needs?