Frequently Asked Questions
Young child being held during a friendly pediatric dental visit

Questions Parents Ask Us Most

These are the questions we hear most often, pulled straight from real conversations with Woodlands-area parents. If you do not see your question here, every service page goes deeper on its specific topic, or you can call us directly at (281) 681-9880.

Young child being held during a friendly pediatric dental visit
Frequently Asked Questions

Questions parents ask us every day.

Getting Started

Is Wheeler Pediatric Dentistry accepting new patients?

Yes. Wheeler Pediatric Dentistry welcomes new patients of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Call (281) 681-9880 to get your child on the schedule.

Learn more about becoming a new patient

When should my child have their first dental visit?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by your child's first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth erupting, whichever comes first. It is never too late to start if your child is older.

Learn more about the first dental visit

What happens at my child's first appointment?

For infants and young toddlers, the first visit is a lap exam: your child sits in your lap while Dr. Jon examines the teeth and gums. For older children, the visit includes a cleaning, exam, and a conversation with Dr. Jon about what to expect going forward. Parents are with their child the entire time.

Learn more about the first dental visit

Cost and Insurance

Does Wheeler Pediatric Dentistry accept insurance?

Wheeler Pediatric Dentistry is a fee-for-service practice. We file claims with all major insurance companies on your behalf. Most plans reimburse a meaningful portion of the cost, and the remaining out-of-pocket amount is typically modest. Call us and our team will walk you through what to expect with your specific plan.

Learn more about preventive care

Is Wheeler PD more expensive than an in-network dentist?

Not necessarily. The out-of-pocket difference per visit is typically modest. For families who use preventive care consistently, the total cost of care at Wheeler PD over time is frequently lower than a restorative care approach.

Learn more about preventive care

Anxious Kids and Special Needs

My child is terrified of the dentist. Can you help?

Anxious kids are something Dr. Jon has handled for over 20 years. We use Tell-Show-Do before every procedure, so nothing happens by surprise. Parents stay chairside throughout. The Solea laser eliminates traditional shots in most procedures, removing the thing most kids dread.

Learn more about pediatric dentistry | Learn more about the Solea laser

Does Wheeler Pediatric Dentistry treat children with autism, ADHD, or other special needs?

Yes. Dr. Jon Wheeler and the Wheeler Pediatric Dentistry team have more than 20 years of experience caring for children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, anxiety disorders, and other special health care needs. We schedule longer appointments, keep the same provider every visit, adapt every step to your child, and offer a dedicated quiet room as an alternative to our open treatment area when that helps.

Learn more about special needs dentistry

Can I stay with my child during the appointment?

Yes, always. Parents are invited into the treatment area for every appointment at Wheeler Pediatric Dentistry. You are not in the waiting room. You are part of the visit.

Treatment and Technology

What is the Solea laser, and does my child still need a shot?

Solea is a dental laser that replaces the traditional drill and, in most cases, the anesthetic injection. Wheeler Pediatric Dentistry eliminates over 1,000 shots per year using Solea. In most cases, your child will not need a traditional injection at all.

Learn more about the Solea laser

Is fluoride safe for my child?

Yes. Fluoride safety is one of the most thoroughly researched topics in pediatric dentistry. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association both recommend professional fluoride treatments for children.

Learn more about fluoride

Do dental sealants really prevent cavities?

Many cavities in children form on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Sealants seal off those grooves, making it much harder for decay to start. A sealant applied at the right time can reduce the chance of needing a filling later.

Learn more about sealants

Does my baby need a dental visit if they only have a couple teeth?

Yes. Decay in baby teeth progresses quickly, and catching it early makes treatment simpler and less costly. The first visit also gives Dr. Jon the chance to guide you on diet, fluoride, and home care.

Learn more about infant oral care

Emergencies

My child knocked out a tooth. What do I do?

Call (281) 681-9880 immediately. For a permanent tooth: pick it up by the crown, not the root, and try to reinsert it or keep it in milk. For a baby tooth: do not try to reinsert it. Wheeler Pediatric Dentistry offers same-day emergency appointments for all patients, including new patients.

Learn more about dental emergencies

Does Wheeler PD see new patients for dental emergencies?

Yes. Same-day emergency appointments are available for all patients, including new patients who have never been seen at Wheeler Pediatric Dentistry before.

Location and Service Area

Where is Wheeler Pediatric Dentistry located?

Wheeler Pediatric Dentistry is located at 6707 Sterling Ridge Drive, Suite F, in The Woodlands, TX 77382.

Learn more about our Woodlands location

Do you see patients from outside The Woodlands?

Yes. Wheeler Pediatric Dentistry welcomes families from Spring, Tomball, Creekside Park, Magnolia, Conroe, and surrounding communities throughout Montgomery County.

See all communities we serve

Still Have a Question?

Call us at (281) 681-9880. A real person on our team will answer it, not a script.