A dental home for the whole family generations of Charleston patients have been coming here for years.
One Dental Home for the Whole Family
Generations of Charleston families
Many of our patients started coming here when their kids were small, and now their kids bring their kids. That kind of continuity is rare in dentistry, and it is one of the things we are most proud of. When a family comes back for a cleaning, the team often knows the kids’ names, the trips they have taken, and what was going on at the last visit.
What family-friendly looks like here
A child’s first dental visit should be calm and positive. We take our time, explain what is going to happen, and let the visit unfold without pressure. Our hygienists know how to make a kid feel at home in the chair. For parents who want their own cleaning at the same visit, we are often able to coordinate appointments so the whole family is in and out together.
A special note about kiddos
We see families and we love it, but we are not a pediatric specialty office. For very young children with significant anxiety or behavioral needs that require sedation or specialized pediatric care, we refer to a trusted local pediatric dentist who is built for that work. We will tell you honestly which kind of office is the right fit for your child.
What is family dentistry at Tatum Dentistry?
Family dentistry means we welcome patients of all ages kids, teens, parents, and grandparents and we work to be a true dental home for the whole family. At Tatum Dentistry, we have been here for decades and many of our families have been coming here just as long. We are not a pediatric specialty office, but we are a warm, welcoming general practice that families love.
Does it hurt for kids to come to the dentist?
A routine cleaning and exam should not hurt for kids or adults. We take our time, explain everything, and use nitrous oxide if it helps a child feel more at ease. If a child needs more involved treatment than we can comfortably handle, we will refer to a pediatric specialist who is set up for it.
How long does a family appointment take?
A child’s cleaning and exam usually runs about 30 to 45 minutes; an adult cleaning is usually 60 to 90 minutes. We can often schedule family members back-to-back or at overlapping times to make the visit efficient. Tell us what you are trying to coordinate when you call and we will do our best to make it work.
See Why Charleston Loves Us
➔ Two kind and highly-skilled dentists
➔ Decades of experience
➔ A team that’s been together a long time
➔ Personal care with your comfort in mind
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child have their first dental visit?
The American Dental Association recommends a first visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth coming in. The first visit is usually short and focused on getting your child comfortable with the chair, the team, and the experience. We make it easy.
Can I bring multiple family members on the same day?
Often yes. Tell our front desk what you are trying to coordinate and we will do our best to schedule family members back-to-back or at overlapping times. Many of our families like to knock everyone’s cleanings out in one trip.
Discover Fun Dental Tips & Tricks!
From Our Blog We write about smile makeovers we have done, what to expect from veneers, why whitening should come first, and how to know which option fits your goals.
