Frequently Asked Questions

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by age one, or within six months of the first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. Early visits help establish a comfortable relationship with the dentist and allow Dr. Boyd to catch any concerns before they become problems.

The first visit includes a warm welcome, a review of your child's health history, a thorough oral exam, a professional cleaning (if age-appropriate), and a conversation with Dr. Boyd about findings and next steps. The focus is on building trust and making your child feel comfortable, not just completing a checklist.

Please bring your insurance card or Medicaid ID, a photo ID for the parent or guardian, a list of any current medications or medical conditions, and any previous dental records if available. Arriving a few minutes early to complete paperwork helps the visit start smoothly.

Use simple, positive language. Avoid words like "hurt," "shot," or "drill." Tell your child the dentist will count their teeth and help keep their smile healthy. Scheduling morning appointments when children are rested helps, and children's books about dentist visits can normalize the experience.

Yes. Dr. Boyd provides pediatric dental care through adolescence. Many of our patients first came to us as toddlers and continue seeing Dr. Boyd through their teenage years.

Yes. We accept most dental insurance plans. We recommend calling our office before your visit so we can verify your specific coverage and answer any questions about benefits, co-pays, or deductibles.

Yes. We accept most Medicaid plans for pediatric dental care in Texas. If you are unsure whether your child's Medicaid plan is accepted, please call our office and we will help you verify.

Yes. We accept CareCredit, a healthcare financing option that allows families to spread the cost of treatment over time. Ask our front desk team for details or visit carecredit.com to apply before your visit.

We are happy to discuss payment options with you. Please call our office so we can walk you through what treatment may cost and what payment arrangements are available. We want access to care to be as clear and manageable as possible.

Our entire team is trained in pediatric behavior management and child-centered communication. We use techniques like tell-show-do, positive reinforcement, and a calm, unhurried environment to help most children feel comfortable. For children who need additional support, nitrous oxide and other sedation options are available.

Nitrous oxide (often called laughing gas) is a colorless, odorless gas mixed with oxygen and administered through a small nose mask. It helps children relax without putting them to sleep. It is one of the safest and most widely used forms of sedation in pediatric dentistry. Effects wear off quickly after the mask is removed.

Dr. Boyd evaluates each child individually. If your child has significant dental anxiety, special health care needs, requires lengthy treatment, or has had difficult experiences in the past, sedation may be discussed as an option. The decision is always made collaboratively with parents. Call us to talk through your child's specific situation.

Yes, when performed by a trained pediatric dentist following established safety protocols. Dr. Boyd follows the sedation guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Your child's complete health history is reviewed before any sedation is recommended.

Yes. Primary teeth hold space for permanent teeth, support jaw development, aid in chewing and speech, and can affect permanent teeth if they become infected. An untreated cavity in a baby tooth can lead to pain, abscess, and complications for the developing permanent tooth beneath it.

If it is a permanent tooth, handle it by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to reinsert it in the socket if possible. If that is not possible, keep the tooth moist in milk or your child's saliva and call our office immediately. Do not attempt to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth.

The frequency of dental X-rays depends on your child's age, cavity risk, and clinical findings. We use low-radiation digital X-rays and take them only when there is a clinical reason to do so. Dr. Boyd follows the X-ray guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back molars — the teeth most vulnerable to cavities. They are quick, painless, and can prevent decay for years. Dr. Boyd recommends sealants when permanent molars erupt and will discuss whether they are appropriate for your child at their regular exam.

Call our office. For pain between appointments, children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen (following the appropriate dosage for their weight and age) can help temporarily. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum. If there is visible swelling around the face or jaw, seek care promptly.

We are open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Call our office at (254) 771-2515 during business hours. Our front desk team will find a time that works for your family.

Yes. We welcome new patients and their families. Call our office to schedule your child's first appointment.

We ask that you give us as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. This allows us to offer the time to other families. Please call the office to make any changes to your appointment.

In most cases, yes. We believe parental presence supports children's comfort, and we welcome parents to be part of the visit. Dr. Boyd will let you know if there are any situations where it is better for the child to be seen alone, and will always explain his reasoning.