A Dental Home Your Whole Family Can Count On
Starting your child’s dental care early sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. At Parkview Dental in Pembroke, ON, Dr. James Munro has been caring for families across Renfrew County since 1976. Generations of Pembroke families have trusted Dr. Munro with their children’s smiles, and many of those children now bring their own kids to our office.
Children’s dentistry at Parkview Dental isn’t a separate program or a special add-on. It’s woven into everything we do. Dr. Munro takes time with every young patient, explains what’s happening in plain language, and moves at a pace that keeps kids comfortable rather than overwhelmed.
If your child is approaching their first visit or is overdue for a checkup, there’s no better time to get started. Our friendly Pembroke dental team makes the process simple from the first phone call. Call Parkview Dental at (613) 735-2336 to schedule your child’s visit. We welcome families from Petawawa, Cobden, Deep River, and Chalk River, ON.
Why Choose Parkview Dental for Your Child’s Dental Care
The iTero Scanner — A Better Experience for Children
One of the most stressful parts of a dental visit for many children is traditional X-ray equipment. The positioning, the bite wings, the discomfort — it can turn an otherwise smooth appointment into a difficult one.
At Parkview Dental, we use the iTero intraoral scanner in place of traditional impression methods. The iTero scanner is a small, handheld wand that captures a precise 3D image of your child’s teeth and gums in minutes. There’s no gagging, no uncomfortable tray, and no radiation from conventional film X-rays.
- Fast and comfortable: The scanning process is quick and far easier for children to tolerate than traditional methods
- Highly accurate: The 3D rendering gives Dr. Munro a detailed view of tooth structure, gum health, and jaw development
- Great for anxious kids: Removing the most stressful part of imaging makes the whole appointment feel more manageable
- Ideal for tracking development: Sequential scans over time give Dr. Munro a detailed record of how your child’s smile is changing
What Is Children’s Dentistry?
Children’s dentistry covers the full range of preventive, diagnostic, and restorative dental care provided to patients from infancy through their teenage years. The goal is to protect developing teeth, catch problems early, and build the kind of positive relationship with dental care that prevents anxiety and neglect in adulthood. At Parkview Dental, Dr. Munro provides this care within a general and family dentistry setting, treating children and their parents under one roof.
Children’s Dental Services at Parkview Dental
Dr. Munro provides a comprehensive range of services designed to keep children’s teeth healthy at every stage of development.
Dental exams and teeth cleanings: Routine visits catch decay, gum changes, and developmental issues before they become bigger problems- Digital imaging with iTero scanner: Our intraoral scanner provides detailed, accurate imaging without the discomfort of traditional X-ray positioning
- Fluoride treatments: Applied during routine visits to strengthen enamel and reduce cavity risk
- Dental sealants: Thin protective coatings placed on back molars to block the grooves where decay most commonly starts
- Dental fillings: Tooth-colored composite fillings that restore decayed teeth comfortably and discreetly
- Oral hygiene education: Age-appropriate guidance for both children and parents on brushing, flossing, and diet
- Orthodontic assessments: Early identification of bite or alignment concerns, with referrals when specialized care is needed
Dental examsBenefits of Regular Children’s Dental Visits
Consistent dental care during childhood pays dividends that last a lifetime. Here’s what regular visits to Parkview Dental provide for your child.
- Early cavity detection: Small areas of decay treated with a simple filling today won’t become a painful extraction tomorrow
- Enamel protection: Fluoride treatments and sealants add a measurable layer of defense during the years teeth are most vulnerable
- Habit guidance: Dr. Munro and our hygiene team coach children on brushing and flossing techniques that actually work for their age and dexterity level
- Reduced dental anxiety: Children who visit the dentist regularly from a young age are far less likely to develop fear or avoidance as adults
- Developmental monitoring: Dr. Munro tracks how your child’s teeth are coming in, flagging any concerns about spacing, eruption timing, or bite development
- Parent education: You leave every visit with practical, specific information about your child’s oral health and what to watch for at home
Who Should Bring Their Child to Parkview Dental
Children’s dental care at our Pembroke office is appropriate for a wide range of patients and situations.
- Infants approaching their first birthday, when the first dental visit is generally recommended
- Toddlers whose first teeth have erupted and need professional monitoring
- School-age children are due for routine teeth cleanings and dental exams
- Children with dental anxiety who have been avoiding care
- Kids involved in sports who may benefit from a custom mouthguard
- Teenagers needing orthodontic assessment or wisdom tooth monitoring
- Children with special health considerations that affect their oral care needs
Preparing Your Child for Their Dental Visit
A little preparation goes a long way toward making your child’s first — or next — visit to Parkview Dental a positive one.
Keep Your Language Positive
Avoid words like “hurt,” “shot,” or “drill” when talking about the dentist. Instead, frame the visit as a chance to keep their smile strong and healthy.
Time the Appointment Well
Book your child’s visit at a time of day when they’re typically rested and cooperative — not during naptime or right before a meal.
Read Books or Watch Shows About the Dentist
Familiar characters navigating a dental visit can make the experience feel normal and even exciting for younger children.
Let Them Bring a Comfort Item
A favorite toy or stuffed animal is always welcome in our office.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Plan a small reward for after the visit. Praise the behavior, not just the outcome, and let your child know you’re proud of them for going.
Children’s Dentistry Costs and Financing
The cost of children’s dental care depends on the services provided during each visit. Routine exams and cleanings typically run $75 to $200 without insurance. Additional treatments such as fluoride applications ($20 to $50), sealants ($30 to $60 per tooth), and fillings ($75 to $300 per tooth) vary based on complexity.
- Most major insurance plans accepted: Our team files paperwork on your behalf to maximize your family’s benefits
- Preventive dental services are often covered at 80 to 100%: Most plans prioritize coverage for cleanings, exams, and fluoride
- CareCredit financing available: Spread treatment costs over time with flexible payment options
- Transparent pricing: We review costs with you before any treatment begins
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child have their first dental visit?
Most dental associations recommend the first visit around age one or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Earlier visits give Dr. Munro the chance to monitor development, educate parents on home care, and establish a relationship with your child before any treatment is ever needed.
How often should children visit the dentist?
Every six months is the standard recommendation for most children. Kids with a history of cavities, enamel issues, or other risk factors may benefit from more frequent visits. Dr. Munro will recommend the right schedule for your child specifically.
My child is terrified of the dentist. Can you still help?
Absolutely. We have significant experience helping anxious children have positive dental experiences. Between Dr. Munro’s patient, one-on-one approach and our sedation options, most children do far better than their parents expect. Call us, and we’ll talk through the best approach before you even book the appointment.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
At Parkview Dental, we use the iTero intraoral scanner as our primary imaging tool, which avoids conventional X-ray radiation. When traditional X-rays are clinically necessary, modern dental X-rays use very low radiation levels considered safe for children.
What causes cavities in children?
Cavities develop when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and produce acids that erode tooth enamel. Frequent snacking, sugary drinks, poor brushing habits, and skipped dental visits are the most common contributing factors.
Does my child need dental sealants?
Sealants are a proven, effective way to protect the grooves on back molars — the area most prone to decay in children. Dr. Munro will assess whether your child is a good candidate based on their cavity history and tooth anatomy.