Pediatric Dentistry In South Bend, IN

At Tulip Tree Dental Care, pediatric dentistry is about more than bright, healthy smiles. Dr. Hurcomb wants to make sure your child’s visit is rewarding and fun, so there’s no fear of “next time”. Our entire kids dentistry team at our South Bend, IN pediatric dental office takes the extra time to earn the trust of both you and your child, to make sure each trip to the dentist is a pleasant, calm experience.

Nicole L. Hurcomb, DDS laughing with one of her younger patients who comes in for pediatric dentistry services at the South Bend, IN office of Tulip Tree Dental Care.We encourage you and your child to ask questions and are always happy to address any concerns you have as a parent. We offer empathetic oral health education and use simple explanations to answer your child’s questions and reassure them.

If your child is anxious, ask us about our sedation dentistry options that could make their appointment more relaxing.

Your Child's First Visit To Tulip Tree Dental Care

As a parent herself, Dr. Hurcomb understands that you want the best for your child. At Tulip Tree Dental Care, we focus on providing the highest quality pediatric dental care possible. It’s completely normal for a child to be unsure or nervous about their first dental visit, but at Tulip Tree Dental Care, they don’t have to be! Our practice is designed to make your child comfortable and excited to visit the dentist.

We can start seeing your child for regular checkups and teeth cleaning appointments after their first birthday!

Pediatric Dental Checkups

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) advises that children be seen for a checkup every 6 months. These visits allow Dr. Hurcomb to closely monitor new changes in your child’s mouth and ensure that you, as a parent, have the information you need to promote continued oral health in your child.

Dr. Hurcomb may suggest additional checkups if your child is more susceptible to cavities, or if your child is showing signs of orthodontic problems.

Laughing Gas

If your child is anxious, has special needs, or just needs extra help staying calm and comfortable, Dr. Hurcomb may recommend laughing gas. Laughing gas is a completely safe way to help children receive the dental care they need without anxiety or fear.

Once the dental treatment is over, the gas will be completely out of their system after just a few minutes. Laughing gas is widely considered to be low risk for both children and adults. At Tulip Tree Dental Care, our goal is to always care for your child’s dental health in the safest way possible.

Teeth-Strengthening Mineral Application

Dental teeth-strengthening mineral treatments are proven to be safe and effective in decreasing the amount of cavities in children. Dr. Hurcomb often recommends this treatment along with dental sealants to help protect your child’s teeth. This teeth-strengthening mineral acts as a shield for the tooth’s outer enamel and can actually reverse early dental decay in some children.

Protective Pediatric Dental Sealants

Protective dental sealants are thin coats of plastic painted onto your child’s back teeth to protect their deep grooves and depressions from accumulating bacteria and food particles. Studies show that 88% of cavities in American school-aged children are caused by food and bacteria being caught in their rear molars.

At Tulip Tree Dental Care, we typically apply a protective sealant to your child’s back teeth, premolars and molars. The sealant will last for several years, but we will continue to check it during your child’s regular dental appointments.

Space Maintainer

Your child might need a space maintainer if they lose a tooth early or have a baby tooth extracted. If your child needs a space maintainer, Dr. Hurcomb will custom make it to fit your child’s mouth. It will keep the space where the baby tooth was lost open in order to allow the permanent tooth to come into place.

Baby teeth are vital to the healthy development of adult teeth and facial structure. If a space maintainer is not used, your child’s other teeth can shift into the open space and more invasive orthodontic treatment might be needed.

Interceptive Orthodontics

Does your child suck his or her thumb? Has early tooth loss caused the shape of their bite to change?

Our early bite assessments allow us to help your child avoid bite complications later on, such as impacted teeth or overbites. This can prevent the need for extensive orthodontic treatment as they grow older.

Tongue Tie Release Surgery (Frenectomy)

Your child’s tongue is an important part of their oral structure. It affects the position of the teeth, periodontal tissue, swallowing, speech development and nutrition. “Tongue Tie” is a condition where the tissue on the underside of the tongue that connects to the floor of their mouth is too short, limiting the tongue’s range of motion.

In infants, a tongue tie can make it difficult to breastfeed, and in young children, a tongue tie can cause problems with speech development. Treatment for this condition is a simple procedure, and early intervention is key to your child making a full recovery.

Questions About Our Kids Dentistry Services?

Is your child due for a preventive pediatric dental checkup? Call Tulip Tree Dental Care to schedule their appointment with Dr. Hurcomb today!

Many people have a fear of visiting the dentist. We offer laughing gas to help you or your child relax during your visit to our South Bend dentist office.

Your Insurance Benefits are Expiring in
Days, Hours, Minutes and, Seconds.
Call Now to Book an Appointment!

Contact Tulip Tree Dental Care

    New Patient?

    Office Hours

    Monday:
    8:00am - 5:00pm
    Tuesday:
    9:00am - 6:00pm
    Wednesday:
    8:00am - 12:00pm
    Thursday:
    8:00am - 3:00pm