Upton and Baker DDS - Wake Forest

Pediatric Treatment & Education in Wake Forest

Ongoing care from infancy to teenage years tailored for children and their parents or guardians.
Call 919-263-2143

The difference pediatric dentistry makes

It’s our goal to start children off on the right foot with kid-friendly pediatric dental care that builds a positive relationship between the dental team and the little patient and makes kids feel engaged and empowered to care for their own oral health. Happy, healthy habits set the tone for a lifetime of dental care that they actually look forward to.

Pediatric dental care accomplishes this from the very first appointment, through kid-friendly routine teeth cleanings and at every milestone your child reaches. We’re happy to support these little patients as they discover their new teeth, lose baby teeth, grow their adult teeth and for other commonly shared experiences like getting a filling (that isn’t so scary after all!) or opting for orthodontics as young adults.

Why is children’s dental care so important?

Believe it or not, some people ask why children’s dental care is so important because the primary teeth fall out anyway! Most children have their baby teeth by the age of 3. This first set of teeth begins to fall out by about the age of 6 and, except for wisdom teeth, most children have all their adult teeth by their early teens. Children gain and lose their primary teeth during their fundamental years and the state of their dental health has many long-reaching consequences.

Poor dental health hurts

Just like grown-ups, children are also at risk of tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, infection and gum disease. Without a frame of reference, children are capable of normalizing a lot of pain and discomfort but they still feel it all the same. If you notice your child avoids hot and cold foods and drinks or chewy food, or if you notice your child only chewing on one side of their mouth they may be trying to cope with dental pain or sensitivity.

Baby teeth set the stage for adult teeth

As the baby tooth loosens and falls out, the root is reabsorbed and the space left behind acts as a guide for the replacement adult teeth. If a baby tooth needs to be extracted prematurely it can cause problems like unexpected crowding or crooked adult teeth. Maintaining strong, healthy baby teeth and healthy supportive tissue and gums gives adult teeth their strongest start.

The cornerstone of confidence

A full set of healthy teeth is essential for children learning how to speak and smile. Children will also begin to form attachments and social skills from a very young age. Having dental complications, dental pain or sensitivity will impact how they are able to express themselves and how they are perceived by their peers.

Good eating habits for growing bodies

A wide variety of different foods is especially important for children and can be challenging enough for parents of picky eaters. Children experiencing discomfort and dental pain may find themselves avoiding crunchy, chewy or textured foods. Children may start a lifetime habit of eating on one side only or eating in the wrong part of their mouth or they might not want to eat very much at all.

Your child’s first appointment

For patients of all ages, our ultimate goal is your health, your comfort and your satisfaction. In pediatric dentistry, special consideration is paid to the challenges that our youngest patients face when they sit in the chair. We’ll keep a close eye on children-specific oral health markers and milestones and we’ll talk to your child in a kid-friendly way that makes them feel safe and engaged.

Show and Tell

Some kids are adventurous explorers with a million questions. Others feel bashful and careful or even anxious about new experiences. We want all kids to feel safe and engaged and to feel positive about visiting the dentist. The best way to meet their emotional needs is to have a conversation in kid-friendly terms. We’d like to start each appointment by hearing their thoughts and concerns and we’d like to explain what we plan to do during the appointment and answer any questions they have.

Gentle Examination

With special attention paid to children-specific oral health markers, we will gently examine your child’s gums, tongue, teeth and overall health. During our exam, we’ll keep an eye on the progress of their primary teeth and adult teeth. Our exam will reveal areas of concern or tricky spots that may need some extra attention at home or at future appointments.

Keeping you in the loop

After an exam, we’ll have some advice for both the young patient and their parent or guardian. Sometimes we have extra tips and tricks to help with brushing those hard-to-reach spots at home. We’ll let you know if there are any problem areas that we plan to keep an eye on and what to look out for between appointments. Together, we make a great team!

Contact us today

to schedule an initial consultation & exam.

Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pediatric dentists specialize in dental care for children from infancy through their teen years. They have the experience and training to care for the multitude of changes children’s mouths experience as they grow into their adult mouths.
Your child will start to cut their first teeth at around 6 months. It is recommended that children visit the dentist by the age of 1 or within 6 months of getting their first tooth. If you suspect something might be wrong or your child might be experiencing discomfort or pain, please book an appointment as soon as possible. It’s never too late for a child to have their first dental appointment.
Technically speaking, a pediatric dentist is concerned with the dental health of anyone who hasn’t reached the age of majority. Pediatric dentists specialize in care for patients from the ages of 6 months old to 18 years old.
The general rule of thumb for how often a child should visit the dentist is the exact same for adults. Generally speaking, every 6 months unless otherwise specified by a dentist. Some patients opt for every 3 months or 8 months depending on their personal needs and budget. You shouldn’t wait more than a year between appointments. If your child is experiencing any discomfort or pain, don’t wait, book an appointment now.

Google verified patient reviews

Keiko Nakamoto
2 months ago
Just had my second visit to Dr. Upton. On my first visit, Dr. and his assistant, Jessica, did a thorough evaluation of my situation. He asked me questions about my dental history and actually listened carefully to my concerns. Then he left to review my x-rays and options for treatment. When he returned, he gave me some options, which I REALLY appreciated. He even took into consideration my dietary habits and the fact I don't like prescription medications. Not even my physicians gave me that kind of concern!! Today I had my tooth pulled out and he took into consideration my financial situation and did it under local anesthesia, where my previous experience was done under general anesthesia. It was less expensive and totally tolerable. I'm glad that he considers the whole patient, the tolerance to pain, the budget and the treatment preferences. I also appreciate that he sat on a stool and spoke to me face to face. His office staff, Jessica, Megan and Priscilla are all equally attentive and considerate. Thank you everyone 💓! Yes, I would recommend their services to anyone in need of dental care.
More
Meg Coffey
5 months ago
Professional, courteous and thorough. Dr Baker and staff take time to explain what they’re doing, what options you have and check often in your comfort level during procedure. Very happy to recommend them to anyone in the market for dental services.
More
J C
1 year ago
I’m thankful that I found this dental practice. From the staff, upfront, to the dental assistant Kelly, and Dr. Baker, they have been absolutely wonderful. After having had previous experiences that were not ideal, I was reluctant to find a new dentist that I could trust. I read all the five star reviews for Upton & Baker and tried it out for myself, very happy that I did as they make you feel right at home. Dr. Baker is absolutely wonderful and fantastic and I can’t say enough good things about him. He’s Very professional and skilled, top to bottom. Cannot recommend him more highly. Dr. Baker is so thorough and informative, and lets you know every step of the way what’s going on so there are no surprises. Very calming, as well. Thank you!!
More
This was by far the best dental visit I have had in years. Priscilla was great assisting me with getting my appointment booked and offering me an earlier appointment when one came available. Bonnie was AMAZING!! She went very in depth in my cleaning and took the time to help me understand what she was doing and the benefits of each step, no dentist has ever taken the time to help me understand more about my gums and teeth like she did...very educational! Doctor Kevin Upton was great too, he is very friendly and personable. Will be booking all of my dentist appointments with them from now on. 10/10
More
Frances Given
9 months ago
I've been a patient of this practice for over forty years (even though we moved almost 17 years ago) and their consistent, thorough and friendly care can't be beat! Drs Upton and Baker, as well as, the entire staff have been and are always attentive, caring and never fail to provide the best dental care!
More
Keiko Nakamoto
2 months ago
Just had my second visit to Dr. Upton. On my first visit, Dr. and his assistant, Jessica, did a thorough evaluation of my situation. He asked me questions about my dental history and actually listened carefully to my concerns. Then he left to review my x-rays and options for treatment. When he returned, he gave me some options, which I REALLY appreciated. He even took into consideration my dietary habits and the fact I don't like prescription medications. Not even my physicians gave me that kind of concern!! Today I had my tooth pulled out and he took into consideration my financial situation and did it under local anesthesia, where my previous experience was done under general anesthesia. It was less expensive and totally tolerable. I'm glad that he considers the whole patient, the tolerance to pain, the budget and the treatment preferences. I also appreciate that he sat on a stool and spoke to me face to face. His office staff, Jessica, Megan and Priscilla are all equally attentive and considerate. Thank you everyone 💓! Yes, I would recommend their services to anyone in need of dental care.
More
Meg Coffey
5 months ago
Professional, courteous and thorough. Dr Baker and staff take time to explain what they’re doing, what options you have and check often in your comfort level during procedure. Very happy to recommend them to anyone in the market for dental services.
More
J C
1 year ago
I’m thankful that I found this dental practice. From the staff, upfront, to the dental assistant Kelly, and Dr. Baker, they have been absolutely wonderful. After having had previous experiences that were not ideal, I was reluctant to find a new dentist that I could trust. I read all the five star reviews for Upton & Baker and tried it out for myself, very happy that I did as they make you feel right at home. Dr. Baker is absolutely wonderful and fantastic and I can’t say enough good things about him. He’s Very professional and skilled, top to bottom. Cannot recommend him more highly. Dr. Baker is so thorough and informative, and lets you know every step of the way what’s going on so there are no surprises. Very calming, as well. Thank you!!
More
This was by far the best dental visit I have had in years. Priscilla was great assisting me with getting my appointment booked and offering me an earlier appointment when one came available. Bonnie was AMAZING!! She went very in depth in my cleaning and took the time to help me understand what she was doing and the benefits of each step, no dentist has ever taken the time to help me understand more about my gums and teeth like she did...very educational! Doctor Kevin Upton was great too, he is very friendly and personable. Will be booking all of my dentist appointments with them from now on. 10/10
More
Frances Given
9 months ago
I've been a patient of this practice for over forty years (even though we moved almost 17 years ago) and their consistent, thorough and friendly care can't be beat! Drs Upton and Baker, as well as, the entire staff have been and are always attentive, caring and never fail to provide the best dental care!
More
    Upton and Baker DDS - Wake Forest

    Request an Appointment Today

    Call 919-263-2143