What To Expect At The First Visit
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We know that bringing your baby or child to their first appointment—whether for a dental checkup or a tongue- or lip-tie evaluation—can feel emotional. It’s natural to feel worried, uncertain, or even a little overwhelmed.
At Sawgrass Pediatric Dentistry and Sawgrass Untied, our mission is simple: to make your child’s first visit comfortable, reassuring, and filled with hope.
Here’s what you can expect the moment you walk through our doors.
A Gentle, Thorough Evaluation
At your child’s first visit, our Pediatric Dentist will gently check their oral health and development, which may include:
Tongue and lip function
Latch/feeding (if relevant)
Teeth, gums, and bite alignment
Growth and spacing concerns
For babies, your Pediatric Dentist may gently observe a feeding session to see how the tongue and lips move during nursing or bottle feeding. For older children, the evaluation may focus more on growth, teeth, and bite alignment. No matter the age, our team explains everything in simple, reassuring language so you and your child know what to expect.
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Discussing Gentle Treatment Options
If care is recommended, our dental team will:
Explain what they see and what it means
Review all available options (preventive, restorative, or tie release)
Walk you through how to prepare for care and aftercare
Share resources for feeding, speech, or ongoing dental health
Our goal is to help you feel informed and confident—not overwhelmed.
Comfort Comes First
We know first visits can feel big—for kids and parents alike. That’s why we:
A calm, child-friendly environment
Breaks whenever your child needs them
Gentle, reassuring language
Support for nervous parents or kidserns
Our goal is to make every visit positive and stress-free.
Parents as Partners
The best care happens when families feel informed and included. That’s why we:
We listen carefully to your concerns
Provide clear guidance you can trust
Share practical at-home care tips
Offer ongoing support as your child grows
We believe the best care happens when families feel informed and included.
When to Begin Pediatric Dental Care
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by age one or when the first tooth appears.
Early visits help prevent cavities
Establish healthy routines early
Ensure your child’s growth and development are on track
Starting early builds confidence and helps children feel comfortable in the dental chair.
Getting Established
Whether you’re:
New to the Carolina Forest or Myrtle Beach area,
Looking to switch providers, or
A native family seeking trusted pediatric care—
We’re honored to welcome you into the Sawgrass family and provide care that grows with your child.
Making Kids Feel Safe and Brave
Dr. Ryan and our team:
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Use gentle voices and calm, friendly energy
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Go at your child’s pace—no rushing
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Celebrate bravery with smiles and high-fives
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Make the visit feel more like a chat than a medical appointment
Our goal is simple: to help your child—and you—feel safe and understood.
Expert Care Right Here in Carolina Forest
Families in our community have always trusted Sawgrass for pediatric dentistry. But when it came to laser tongue- and lip-tie treatment, many had to drive hours away.
Now, you have:
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Gentle laser releases available locally from a pediatric dental team you already know and trust
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Comprehensive care for both everyday dentistry and tongue- and lip-tie evaluations
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Compassionate providers who truly care about your child’s journey
With Sawgrass Pediatric Dentistry and Sawgrass Untied, your family’s needs are met close to home.
