Beaverton Pediatric Dentist

When your child needs dental care in Beaverton, finding a pediatric dentist who truly understands children’s unique needs makes all the difference. Every parent wants their child to feel comfortable and safe during dental visits while receiving the highest quality care possible.

At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, Drs. Tesha Waggoner and Audrey Mikkelson are dedicated to providing your child with a relaxing and comforting experience at the dentist. As moms themselves, they have put endless thought and care into making our dental office a place your child won’t fear or dread, but look forward to visiting! We see patients as early as 6 months after their first baby tooth, until they’re old enough to see their adult dentist.

Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists receive specialized training beyond general dentistry, focusing on the oral health needs of infants, children, and adolescents. This additional education includes child psychology, behavior management, and techniques for treating developing teeth and jaws.

Children’s dental needs differ significantly from adults. Their teeth are still developing, they may have difficulty sitting still during treatments, and they often experience anxiety about dental visits. A pediatric dentist understands these challenges and has the training to address them effectively.

The Importance of Early Dental Care

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early dental visits help establish a positive relationship with dental care and allow for early detection of potential problems.

Regular pediatric dental visits provide opportunities for preventive care, including professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. These preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of cavities and other oral health problems as children grow.

Our Comprehensive Services

We help your child develop positive dental habits at a young age, keeping their teeth strong and healthy as they grow. No matter the age, we work directly with your child to develop the best care plan for them to keep their smile bright and healthy.

Preventive Care

Prevention forms the foundation of pediatric dentistry. Regular checkups and cleanings help maintain healthy teeth and gums while allowing early detection of potential issues. During these visits, we provide thorough examinations, professional cleanings, and age-appropriate oral hygiene instruction.

We also provide comprehensive oral health education for both children and parents. Teaching proper brushing and flossing techniques with tools like our puppet Mr. Dragon helps make learning fun and engaging. We even offer toothpaste tasting sessions to help kids find grocery store brands they like.

Restorative Treatments

When cavities or other dental problems occur, our team provides gentle, effective restorative treatments. We offer a wide range of filling and pediatric crown options, including tooth-colored fillings and crowns. Our approach focuses on preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible while restoring function and appearance.

Habit Appliances

For children who need help breaking thumb-sucking habits, we offer blue grass appliances that go in the mouth. We recommend this treatment in conjunction with occupational and myofunctional therapy for the best results.

Emergency Care

Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly. We have an on-call dentist available to assist with urgent situations after regular office hours. If a tooth gets knocked out, remember that teeth can be stored in any type of milk, saline solution, or a tooth preservation kit until you can reach our office.

Creating a Comfortable Experience

Our entire practice is designed around making dental visits positive, comfortable experiences that children actually look forward to attending.

Child-Friendly Environment

Our office is designed with children in mind. We offer helpful tools such as weighted blankets, low lighting, and the ability to watch a movie during treatment. These accommodations help children of all abilities feel more comfortable and relaxed.

Our in-office dog, Meyers, is great with children of all abilities and often helps create a more welcoming atmosphere for young patients who might feel anxious about their dental visit.

Pre-Visit Preparation

We encourage parents to avoid over-preparing their child for the dentist. Instead, we offer pre-visit office tours for children who may feel anxious. We also provide social stories with pictures that walk children through what to expect during their visit.

Supporting Parents

During appointments, we encourage parents to be silent observers or helpers. We talk about letting kids go back for cleanings and treatment by themselves when appropriate. Our trained team uses proven distraction and coping techniques designed for children, and too many people trying to help can sometimes have the opposite effect.

Meet Our Team

Dr. Tesha Waggoner, DMD, graduated from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in 2014 and completed her pediatric dental training at OHSU in 2018. She maintains privileges at Providence St. Vincent Hospital for cases requiring general anesthesia. Dr. T lives in Portland with her husband Tony, her son Bruce, and their two labradoodles, CJ and Meyers.

Dr. Audrey Mikkelson, DMD, completed her Bachelor of Science at Oregon State University and earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at OHSU. She obtained her Master of Science in Dentistry and completed pediatric dental training at the University of Washington, where she also taught as an assistant professor before returning to Oregon. You can call her Dr. Mikkelson or Dr. Mikkey!

Both doctors are active members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and other professional organizations.

Community Involvement

We believe in supporting our community and are actively involved in local organizations that serve children and families.

Our practice participates in the Down Syndrome Network Oregon Buddy Walk every year, demonstrating our commitment to serving children of all abilities. We also support organizations like Smile Oregon for children with craniofacial conditions.

This community involvement reflects our belief that every child deserves access to quality dental care and the opportunity to develop a healthy, confident smile.

Making Dental Care Accessible

We believe that financial concerns should never prevent children from receiving quality dental care, and we work with families to make treatment affordable and accessible.

We accept most dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental Premier, and our team can help you understand your insurance benefits and coverage options. Our knowledgeable staff will verify your coverage before your appointment and explain what treatments are covered under your plan.

We also offer various payment plans to help families manage the cost of their children’s dental care. Our goal is to ensure that every child in our community has access to the preventive and restorative care they need for optimal oral health.

Supporting Families at Every Stage

From infancy through the teenage years, we provide guidance and support to help families maintain their children’s oral health at home.

For families with very young children, we provide guidance on establishing good oral health habits early. For children younger than 3, it’s important to still brush their teeth even if they resist, and we emphasize being encouraging and loving during this process.

We also offer educational resources and demonstrations to help parents feel confident about caring for their children’s teeth between dental visits. Our team is always available to answer questions about oral hygiene techniques, dietary recommendations, and developmental concerns.

Schedule Your Visit

Don’t wait to establish a dental home for your child. Early dental care sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Our experienced team is ready to welcome your family and provide the comprehensive care your child deserves.

Contact us today at (503) 292-9274 or use our contact form to schedule your child’s appointment. We look forward to helping your child develop positive dental habits in a comfortable, caring environment designed just for them.