Athens Dentistry for Children

Athens Dentistry for Children, affectionately known as Athens Smile Tree, is a well-established pediatric dental practice located at 1355 Resurgence Dr, Watkinsville, GA 30677, serving the communities of Athens, Watkinsville, and Oconee County, Georgia, and beyond. Since its establishment in 2007, the practice has been committed to providing specialized and compassionate dental care for infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special healthcare needs. The practice prides itself on creating a welcoming and positive environment for young patients, aiming to make dental visits a comfortable and even enjoyable experience. Their philosophy, encapsulated by the "Athens Smile Tree" moniker, is rooted in nurturing healthy smiles from a young age, laying a foundation for lifelong oral health. The team consists of highly qualified professionals, including Board Certified Pediatric Dental Specialists such as Dr. Michelle Harmon and Dr. Melissa Shaw, who have undergone extensive additional training beyond general dentistry to cater specifically to the unique needs of children. Dr. Shaw, for instance, grew up in Oconee County and has a special interest in treating children with craniofacial disorders. Athens Dentistry for Children offers a comprehensive range of pediatric dental services. These include routine check-ups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments, which are emphasized for preventative care. They also provide fillings, striving for conservative and natural-looking restorations, often using tooth-colored materials. For anxious patients or certain procedures, they offer various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. A key aspect of their approach is minimally invasive treatment options, such as Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) and Hall crowns, which can treat cavities without the need for drills or local anesthetic in many cases. They also utilize laser dentistry for procedures like cavity treatment, gum reshaping, and frenectomies (for tongue and lip ties), often reducing the need for numbing medicine. Beyond clinical treatments, patient and parent education is a cornerstone of their practice. They provide anticipatory guidance on dental development milestones, dietary counseling, and oral hygiene practices at each visit. The team is dedicated to explaining treatment plans, costs, and benefits clearly, ensuring parents are well-informed. They also assist with insurance claims and offer flexible financing options. Athens Dentistry for Children's commitment extends to being an integral part of the local community, as reflected by their doctors living and raising their families in the area. They adhere to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's recommendation for a child's first dental visit by age one, emphasizing early intervention and the establishment of a "dental home" for continuous care.