FAQ
Frequently asked questions from parents
Short answers to the questions parents ask a pediatric dentist most often. Many of these are covered in more depth on the relevant topic pages.
Appointments and the first visit
When should my child first see a dentist?
As soon as the first baby tooth appears. Children insured under the German statutory system have early-detection examinations scheduled in defined age windows.
How often should my child come for a check-up?
Twice a year suits most children. Shorter intervals can make sense with a higher cavity risk, during the change of teeth, or with fixed braces.
Can I come into the treatment room?
Yes. With young children that is the norm.
How quickly can we be seen if my child is in pain?
Please call rather than write if there is pain. How soon an appointment can be found depends on how full the day already is, and can only be settled by phone.
Treatment
Do baby teeth really need treating?
Yes. They hold the space for the permanent teeth, they do their share of the chewing, and untreated inflammation can damage the developing tooth underneath.
Will my child need an injection?
Only when it is necessary. The usual approach is to numb the area with a gel first and to announce every step rather than springing it on the child.
What if my child won't cooperate?
Then less gets done and a fresh attempt follows at the next appointment. An appointment that stops early is not a setback; it is a step along the way.
Costs and insurance
What does statutory health insurance cover?
Early-detection examinations, an individual prevention programme from school age, sealing of the permanent first and second molars, and necessary treatment of decay are all part of the statutory catalogue. The exact scope is regulated nationally.
What do I have to pay for myself?
Additional services such as an extensive professional cleaning, or certain materials, are not always covered. Anything beyond the statutory catalogue has to be agreed in writing before treatment starts — ask about it if you are unsure.
Read more
About the first appointment: first dental visit. About dental anxiety: gentle dentistry for anxious children. About all treatments: pediatric dentistry.