317.699.6109   •   1818 N. Riley Hwy Ste. B, Shelbyville, IN 46176   •   Patient Portal  MAKE A PAYMENT
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Where Smiles Grow Up

Welcome to Emhardt Pediatric Dentistry! We specialize in the oral health of infants, children, adolescents and patients with special health care needs.

We focus on providing the highest level of comfort with a focus on care, prevention and oral health education.

We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicaid, and we are dedicated to serving Shelby County and the surrounding areas.                   

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CALL OUR OFFICE AT: 317-699- 6109 

Welcome to Emhardt Pediatric Dentistry.

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Preventive

We do our best to prevent cavities and gingivitis and focus on prevention and oral health education. Healthy habits like tooth brushing, flossing and healthy food choices are encouraged. When needed, treatments such as fluoride and dental sealants are recommended.
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Restorative

We combat tooth decay with advanced techniques and expertise to correct and restore function and anatomy. We focus on space maintenance and managing the developing occlusion with proper appliances and orthodontic referrals.
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Behavior Guidance

We focus on creating a comfortable environment for every child. As a team, we use age appropriate language, positive reinforcement, non-verbal communication, modeling, and the tell-show-do technique to alleviate anxiety.
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Sedation

We offer conscious sedation using nitrous oxide (laughing gas) as well as dental treatment under general anesthesia. These therapeutic options may be discussed with the doctor in order to identify the best way to treat your child.

We treat infants special.

The American Dental Society recommends a child should first visit a dentist at one year of age. Parents may say new place, new people, new experience – no way.

We say, no worries!

You see, we know more than teeth. We know children. How they think and how they feel. Best of all, we’re specially trained to make going to dentist a good experience. For children and their parents..

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Fact is, we treat every patient special

We don’t reserve our comfort treatment just for little ones. Every patient gets it. Every age, every visit and, in every way.

  • Special care for special needs. Dr. Emhardt and team are experienced working with children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism as well as other physical disabilities.
  • Technology. Our advanced training and equipment can help reduce appointment times, minimize discomfort and optimize results.
  • Sedation: More touch, Less ouch. Nobody wants to feel pain and we certainly don’t want to cause it.Patients have a choice of some of the most effective anti-anxiety and pain prevention methods including nitrous oxide.

 

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More Insurance to Help More Children.

We try to offer more insurance coverage choices, including Medicaid, so that no family has to do without quality dental care. We will work with you to estimate your dental benefits, submit insurance claims electronically on your behalf, and assist you in obtaining reimbursement from your employer-sponsored flexible spending program, if applicable.

Payment options

We accept Cash, Visa, Discover, Mastercard and American Express. 

Please call our office at 317-699- 6109 to check on your insurance coverage.

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Comprehensive Care

Our scope of services is designed for long term and consistent dental care for healthy maintenance.

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FIRST VISIT: AGE 1
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PREVENTIVE
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DIAGNOSTICS
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RESTORATION
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SURGICAL
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FAQs

What should I use to clean my baby’s teeth?
A toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime.

More: Dental Care For Your Baby

When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?
In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.

Are baby teeth really that important to my child?

Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.

How can I prevent decay caused by nursing?
Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child’s teeth. Take your child to a pediatric dentist regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The first dental visit should be scheduled by your child’s first birthday.
How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?

A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your pediatric dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health.

Toothpaste: when should we begin using it and how much should we use?

The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. Parents should use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Once children are 3 to 6 years old, then the amount should be increased to a pea-size dollop and perform or assist your child’s tooth brushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively.  Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.

What should I do if my child has a toothache?

If your child is suffering from a toothache, plain warm water (never hot or cold) with a teaspoon of table salt can help relieve the tenderness. They should rinse their mouth out with the salty water whenever they feel pain. A cold pack against the cheek may also reduce painful twinges. However, if over-the-counter pain relievers are ineffective and the ache fails to subside within 24-36 hours, get your child booked into a trusted pediatric dentistry office.

Is thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child’s teeth?

Depending on how long the thumb sucking or constant pacifier use continues, and how aggressively the child sucks a thumb or the pacifier, it can indeed be an oral health issue. Generally speaking, most children outgrow these behaviors or are able to be weaned off them successfully sometime between ages two and four. When children wean off the behaviors in this age range, long-term damage is unlikely.

How can I prevent decay caused by nursing?

Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child’s teeth. Take your child to a pediatric dentist regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The first dental visit should be scheduled by your child’s first birthday. Breastfeeding should be encouraged and continued as long as possible to enhance the child’s immune defenses, including oral immune defenses.