Sea Of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry — For Your Child’s Healthy Smile

By Amy Gutierrez

Do you remember your first visit to the dentist as a child? Back then, it was usually your parents’ dentist and some of them didn’t exactly treat kids with special care or consideration. Thankfully, times have changed and Dr. Lisa LaPresti, DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) of Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Wesley Chapel specializes in taking care of everything from teeth that haven’t even erupted yet and tiny toddler teeth to elementary school-age missing teeth and even your teenager’s winning smile.

With an office conveniently located between S.R. 54 and S.R. 56, about a mile north of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., Dr. LaPresti happily treats infants, children and teens from New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and all of the surrounding areas. 

“I pursued pediatric dentistry because I love working with children and I wanted to make a difference in their lives,” says Dr. LaPresti. “So many children have been traumatized at the dentist, and I wanted to provide them with an enjoyable experience to make them realize that going to the dentist doesn’t have to be a scary experience.” 

Dr. LaPresti graduated from West Virginia University in Morgantown in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She then earned her DMD degree from the University of Pittsburgh, PA, in 2003. Following graduation, Dr. LaPresti pursued her pediatric dental residency training in Cleveland, OH, where she spent two years training at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, which is affiliated with Case Western Reserve University (also in Cleveland). 

As a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the American Dental Association (ADA), Florida Dental Association, West Coast District Dental Association and Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. LaPresti has a wealth of experience and expertise in treating even the youngest of patients. She notes that as a pediatric dentist, she has an extra 2-3 years of specialized training after dental school, and is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. 

“Very young children, pre-teens and teenagers all need different approaches in dealing with guiding their dental growth and development, to help them avoid future dental problems,” Dr. LaPresti says. “The pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet these needs.”

Most parents don’t realize that once an infant begins teething, they should bring their child to see a pediatric dentist within the next few months. Dr. LaPresti agrees with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the ADA, and the AAPD, all of which recommend establishing a “dental home” for your child between the time their first tooth appears and their first birthday.

She says that children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care and at such a young age, parents can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. The fewer anxiety and dental issues to tackle during the initial visit, the better. Parents are invited to stay with their children during the initial exam, thus creating a very calming environment for their little ones.

A Primer On 

Primaries…

Dr. LaPresti also says that it’s very important to maintain the health of your child’s primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which can and often do affect developing permanent teeth. Primary, or baby teeth, are important for proper chewing and eating, providing proper spacing for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. She adds that primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. While the front four teeth last until age 6 or 7, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) normally aren’t replaced until ages 10-13.

She also notes that children’s teeth actually begin forming before birth. And, as early as 4 months old, baby’s first primary teeth to erupt through the gums — the lower central incisors (aka lower front teeth), followed closely by the upper central incisors (upper front teeth). 

Although all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, Dr. LaPresti says that the pace and order of their eruption varies. Of course, permanent teeth normally begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower front teeth. This process continues for many people until approximately age 21, with wisdom teeth beginning to erupt usually between the ages of 18-24. It’s easy to see why regular, routine pediatric dentistry check-ups can help ensure a smile that will be healthy for an entire lifetime. 

Dr. LaPresti knows that dental emergencies sometimes happen and she says that she usually can be available for mishaps like knocked out, chipped or fractured permanent teeth. 

…And One On X-Rays

Keeping your child’s mouth at optimal health is Dr. LaPresti’s priority, right down to the occasional need for X-rays. Some parents are concerned about X-rays and she wants you to feel confident that she understands your concern and is particularly careful to minimize the exposure of her patients to radiation. The AAPD reports that, with contemporary safeguards, the amount of radiation received in a dental X-ray examination is extremely small, especially with the use of lead body aprons to protect your child. In addition, dental radiographs represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and untreated dental problem. 

Dr. LaPresti says that today’s equipment filters out unnecessary X-rays and restricts the actual X-ray beam to the area of interest. High-speed film and proper shielding ensure that your child always receives a minimal amount of radiation exposure. 

Satisfied Sea of Smiles customer Michelle writes (at Facebook.com/SeaofSmilesPediatricDentistry), “My son has been going (to Sea of Smiles in Bradenton) for more than two years now and he loves it! He’s always excited when I say it’s time for his check up at the dentist. Dr. LaPresti is amazing!”

Dr. LaPresti opened her Bradenton Sea of Smiles office in 2012 after leaving a dental group for private practice. She then opened her Wesley Chapel location in June of this year because she, her husband and two children, Tyler (6) and Allie (3), reside in New Tampa. The Pittsburgh native is now happily raising her children in the Florida sunshine and enjoying time with area friends. She also is affiliated with the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce. 

Don’t wait to have your child seen by a dentist who is specifically trained to treat them. Sea of Smiles is offering a new patient special for just $99, which includes a dental exam & cleaning, bite wing (not full) X-rays and fluoride treatment. In addition, most major dental insurance plans are accepted. 

Call Sea of Smiles today to schedule an appointment. The Wesley Chapel office, located at 3737 Maryweather Ln., Ste. 101, can be reached by calling 528-8717. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For more info, visit SeaOfSmilesChildrensDentist.com or Facebook.com/SeaOfSmilesPediatric Dentistry.