Welcome to Nutley Pediatric Dentistry! Our Office is a place where children feel at home and start the journey for a lifetime of good oral health. Dr. Fred Appelbaum recognizes that the dental needs of young children are very specific and that all children have special emotional needs as well. Our practice has experience and compassion to tend to both aspects. We build trust and confidence with our patients and are dedicated to educate parents and caregivers -- a combination that leads to fantastic results.

Insurance

Dr. Appelbaum is a renowned pediatric dentist with almost 30 years experience. He has earned his undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and went on to earn his Doctor of Dental and Oral Surgery degree and his certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery. In addition, he has participated in over thirty continuing education courses and other professional development opportunities throughout the years.

Pediatric dentists deal exclusively with infants and children and have advanced knowledge of the particulars of childhood dental disease. After Dental School, they receive two to three years of additional training, including anesthesia, pharmacology and child psychology. Dr. Appelbaum takes holistic approach to treatment, meaning we are dedicated to the long-term oral health of your child. We realize this goal by motivating children- getting them involved and excited about care of their teeth. We talk to parents about the special things they can do at home to help their children recognize the importance of daily oral health care. Lastly, we gently treat the problems that do occur and work to prevent new ones form happening.

The enamel on baby teeth is not as tough as adult teeth, therefore young children need extra care to avoid decay. Oral care should begin even before teeth erupt to ensure a pattern of good oral habits. In particular, it is highly recommended to avoid extended exposure to surgery liquids. Bi-annual, regular dental checkups will keep decay in check.

Many parents wonder why baby teeth need to be treated if they are ultimately going to fall out. Decay-causing bacteria do not adhere to gums. It will, however, adhere to the twenty primary teeth a child will have by the age of three. Untreated decay will intensify and the tooth may ultimately require more complex treatment, or even extraction. In addition, permanent teeth use the baby teeth as a guide.

Specifics About Prevention and Treatment

It is best to schedule your child's first visit to our office between the ages of 12-18 months, or when the upper front teeth and lower four front teeth have come into the mouth. Before the first visit, a health questionnaire and patient information form needs to be completed. During the first visit, Dr. Appelbaum will examine your child's mouth and jaws to get an indication of how the teeth are forming. Dr. Appelbaum will explain any problems that exist and the dental care ( both in our office and at home) needed to treat and prevent such instances. Your child's teeth will be cleaned and x-rays if necessary, will be taken. Further treatment may occur at this visit or at a follow-up visit.

We understand children add a new dimension to our lives. We therefore offer convenient appointments and flexible office hours. We work with each family to accommodate your special needs.

We ask that, should you need to reschedule your appointment, please contact our office 48 hours in advance. We would like to be able to offer that time to another patient. (Unfortunately, if we are not given enough notice, we will need to charge your account for missed appointment.)

Please do not hesitate to call us if you feel your child is experiencing a dental emergency (pain, swelling, lost filling, knocked out or fractured teeth.) You can reach us through our main number at all times: (973) 667-5507.

To get the best possible benefit from your insurance, please bring proper documentation. We are happy to, as a service, submit your insurance claims for you. Typically, insurance covers only a portion of the cost of care. It is the responsibility of the patient's family or caregiver to pay the remaining portion at the time of treatment.