Welcome To
Explorer Pediatric
Dentistry
Explorer Pediatric Dentistry
Explorer Pediatric Dentistry is a state of the art facility designed to provide a soothing and comforting atmosphere. We have the highest standards of patient safety, therefore, our office is allergen free, latex free, mercury free and BPA free. When x-rays are needed, only low-radiation digital x-rays are used. Because we are concerned with the overall health of our patients, we believe in providing a healthy office environment to encourage healthy mouths. To be conscious of our earth, we participate in the Good DEED Program in conjunction with the Ohio Dental Association and the Ohio EPA to reduce the environmental impact of dental offices.
About
Mission
Our Mission is to provide quality, compassionate care for the pediatric and special needs population.Vision
Our Vision is to help our patients develop a lifetime of good oral health starting with our informative, fun and gentle dental experience in a mindful, kind and caring environment.Dr. Julie Rudgers
Dr. Julie Rudgers Croft grew up in Norton, Ohio. After high school, she moved to Chicago to attend DePaul University. Always having a love for children, she spent her college years working as a nanny. After achieving Bachelor’s degrees in Studio Art and English, she became a graphic designer for eight years. Desiring a change of careers, Dr. Julie attended dental school at the University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC). Upon completion, she was welcomed into the pediatric residency at UIC. Her post-doctoral training focused on caring for all children, with an emphasis on patients who are physically, medically or developmentally compromised or challenged. She earned a Master’s Degree in Oral Sciences while pursuing her certificate of specialty in Pediatric Dentistry.
In her free time, Dr. Julie enjoys spending time with her husband, Jay, and her daughters Maeve and Rory. Together, they enjoy travelling, music, and art.
Services Offered
Dr. Julie is highly and specially trained in treating children and patients with special needs. We see children from infancy through their teenage years, offering a range of dental care services in a safe environment.
Preventive Care
An exam is performed to assess your child’s oral health. It can include a gentle cleaning (even on your lap!) and discussions about growth and development.
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry restores teeth to proper health. It can include repairing or replacing missing and damaged teeth. These procedures are focused on keeping healthy functionality and can include BPA-free White fillings and White Pediatric Crowns.
Sedation Dentistry
Dental treatment can be scary for children. Dr. Julie makes every effort to put your child at ease. Sedation can allow all treatment to be completed in one appointment while your child is asleep.
Endodontics
Endodontics refers to a focused treatment of the inside of the tooth, also called the pulp and root canals where the nerve and blood supply are located. On grown-up teeth these are root canal procedures. On baby teeth they can be pulpotomies or pulpectomies.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery can mean the removal or extraction of baby teeth and or permanent teeth. Impacted teeth, infected teeth, teeth that can not be saved with restorative dentistry, and overcrowded teeth may need to be taken out.
LASER DENTISTRY / TONGUE AND LIP TIE PROCEDURES
Soft tissue laser is used to complete revisions to soft tissues. From infants who are just hours old to older children, tongue and lip ties can prevent problems. The laser is used to release the tight frenum or frenulum. Tongue and lip ties can help the overall health of the child.
Why a Pediatric Dentist?
Children’s oral health is a priority. For the same reason you take your child to the pediatrician, you should take your child to a pediatric dentist: Good Health. A healthy mouth leads to good overall health, well-being, and quality of life.
Your Child’s
First Dental Appointment
New experiences can be scary for our new little patients and for new parents too! But oral health is vital for a child’s development, and according to the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) “The first examination is recommended at the time of the eruption of the first tooth and no later than 12 months of age.”
Typically, pediatric dentists see children from age of 6 months until the age of 18 – At Explorer Dentistry, we are committed to making your child’s dental visit a pleasant and enjoyable one. We will help you prevent and treat certain issues like misaligned teeth, teething problems, cavities, infections, or behavior issues.
