FAQ’s

Pain-free Dentistry
Solea is the first CO2 dental laser system cleared by the FDA for hard and soft tissue procedures. Solea offers a unique wavelength guided by sophisticated computers to deliver virtually painless dental procedures for both teeth and gums from simple cavity prep to complex surgeries. Not only is the laser virtually painless, it is also doesn’t have the vibration that children don’t like of the drill.

The majority of hard- and soft-tissue procedures in our office are done with no anesthesia, and soft-tissue procedures are done with virtually no bleeding. Blood-free and anesthesia-free procedures represent a major leap forward in dentistry, as we are able to execute multi-quadrant dentistry and soft tissue procedures in a single appointment. What does that mean for our patients? You are now able to receive the care you need in a fraction of the time—and pain—you were accustomed to from traditional drills. Solea is also far less invasive than using a traditional handpiece, which makes healing time following a procedure much shorter.

​​​​​​​Contact Us
If you’re ready to experience blood-free anesthesia-free dental procedures, call our office today to schedule an appointment!

A frenectomy is simply the removal of a frenum (tongue/lip tie) in the mouth. Frenectomies can be safely and efficiently released with a soft tissue laser.

When should my baby be evaluated for a tongue tie or lip tie?
Dr Poplin sees babies as early as a few days old for tongue and lip ties. The earlier the better for both mom and baby. Often times a mom’s symptoms are overlooked as many healthcare providers don’t see a nursing mom’s symptoms as an issue caused by the baby’s ties.

Is it going to be an instant fix for my baby and myself?
Typically moms notice an instant improvement after the frenectomy procedure. Dr. Poplin recommends for moms to work with a lactation consultant to help facilitate the best overall outcome possible.

​​​​​​​Read more about the benefits of a frenectomy. If your child is in need of a frenectomy, contact Dr. Poplin today for your consultation.

Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder that affects both children and adults. You may also hear it referred to as OSA or Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Just like adults, pediatric sleep apnea in children occurs when the soft tissues in the throat soften and collapse during sleep, blocking the airway.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

• Snoring, coughing, or choking
• Restless sleep
• Mouth breathing
• Pauses in breathing
• Sleep terrors
• Bed wetting

Not all children with sleep apnea snore, but their disturbed sleep can result in:

• Poor performance in school
• Learning problems
• Trouble concentrating
• Hyperactivity
• Behavioral problems

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Austin, TX

• Removal of tonsils and adenoids
• Certain allergy medications
• Positive airway pressure (CPAP)
• Customized oral device

It’s imperative to talk to your pediatrician about these symptoms as soon as possible. If your child is always irritable or has trouble learning, pediatric sleep apnea may be the cause. Untreated sleep apnea in children can also result in a failure to thrive, facial and jaw abnormalities, and heart problems.

Contact Us
If you have questions about pediatric sleep apnea treatment, please contact our Austin, TX dental office. Dr. Poplin will be happy to work with your pediatrician to ensure that your child receives the appropriate treatment.

Dental Care Starts Early
At Poplin Pediatric Dentistry, we’d like to see children for their first visit as soon as they have all their baby teeth. We love working with kids to make sure they have a positive experience every time they visit our Austin dental office. Getting your child started on a lifetime of good oral health care habits is one of the best things we can do for them.

The goal of the first visit is for us to meet them and let them see that going to the dentist is fun. We’ll give them a ride in the chair, count their teeth, and show them how to brush. If indicated, we will take x-rays and pictures to get a baseline for future treatment.

We Build Trust With Your Child
We understand how important it is that we gradually get your child used being around us in the office environment. Dr. Poplin and our professional team take all the time necessary to treat your children with the special attention they need to help them feel safe and secure.

​​​​​​​As parents, we know that you probably have concerns about your child’s first trip to the dentist. Please do not hesitate to contact our Austin dental office, and we’ll be happy to arrange a visit so you can get to know Dr. Poplin and our caring team.

We understand that a visit to the dentist can be as challenging for you as it is for your child. At Poplin Pediatric Dentistry, we respect your concerns and allow one parent to be with their child during their appointments.

Your Child’s Comfort Is Our Priority
When preparing your child for a dental visit, we encourage you to be positive about visits to the dentist. Don’t be too specific about what will happen during dental visits because it’s easy for a child to get confused and overwhelmed by too much information. When you bring them for their visit, we will introduce them gradually to the sights, sounds, and equipment we use.

No matter what your feelings are about dentists, avoid speaking to your child in negative terms. Keep any negative feelings to yourself because kids will pick up on things even when you think they’re not listening. Don’t make a big deal out of the visit, either. If they sense that you’re nervous or apprehensive, they’ll respond in the same way.

​​​​​​​We’re Here For You
Our team is dedicated to helping our young patients achieve great oral health that will last a lifetime. We have the experience and training necessary to put your child at ease and help them see dental care as a positive thing.

Please contact our Austin dental office if you have questions about your child’s oral health needs.

Starting at birth, children with disabilities are often at risk of developing oral diseases. When you’re looking for a dentist for your child, it’s essential to find a professional who can work easily with your child’s unique dental needs. Dr. Jared Poplin is board certified in Pediatric Dentistry, and his extensive experience in the field includes working with patients with special needs.

Your Child’s Risk for Oral Disease
The first step is to identify your child’s risk for cavities, gum disease, and other oral problems. Dr. Poplin will use this information which we will use to create a treatment plan to address their specific needs.

We advocate a proactive approach to your child’s oral health care, including correct oral hygiene habits at home, dental exams, and teeth cleanings at our Austin, TX dental office at least twice a year. We will answer your questions and provide the information you need to manage your child’s oral health care effectively.

With Dr. Poplin’s years of experience in working with thousands of children, he has learned how to help those who may not understand what’s happening. He encourages you to share with us any particular techniques that you have found useful that help your child remain calm and receptive.

Call Us to Arrange a Dental Appointment
If you’re seeking pediatric dentistry for your special needs child in Austin, TX, please call us to schedule a dental appointment. You can be confident that Dr. Poplin has the skill and training necessary to help your son or daughter receive the safe, appropriate care they need.

Dr. Poplin and our team will make it a priority to take care of you if you have a dental emergency. If it’s during business hours, a caring member of our team will make three kids in the pool | Emergency Dentistry in Austin TX | Poplin Pediatric Dentistryarrangements to see you as soon as possible.

A dental emergency that involves your child can be stressful and unnerving for both of you. Your main concern is to make sure your child gets relief while being cared for by compassionate professionals. Our goal is to do everything we can to make sure your child gets the care they need as soon as possible.

Toothache
Cleanse the affected area of the tooth. Rinse the mouth carefully with warm water or try gently using dental floss to remove any food that may be stuck between teeth. If the pain still continues, please give us a call. Do not place aspirin or heat on the gum or on the aching tooth. If there is any swelling of the face, cold compresses can be applied. Please call your dentist or physician immediately.

Chipped or Broken Permanent Tooth
Call Poplin Pediatric Dentistry as soon as possible. Immediate action can save the tooth if it is a severe break. Carefully rinse with water and apply a cold compress to minimize swelling. If you can, find and save broken tooth fragments and bring them with you to our office.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. DO NOT try to clean the tooth with soap or to handle it unnecessarily. Check the tooth for any breaks, and if it’s intact, try to gently place it back in the socket and hold it in place by gently biting on gauze. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, put the tooth in a cup with milk or the patient’s saliva. Getting to the dentist immediately is essential for preventing loss of the tooth.

Cut Lip, Cheek, or Tongue
Place a cold compress on the injured area to help reduce swelling. If there is any bleeding, apply gentle but firm pressure with a piece of gauze or cloth. If you cannot control the bleeding with simple pressure, call your doctor or visit an emergency room.

Baby Tooth Knocked Out, Fractured, or Chipped
You should NOT try to place the tooth back in its socket. This is not usually a severe emergency and treatment usually is not necessary, but please call our office and let us know. If your child has fractured or chipped a tooth, contact us as soon as possible to see if treatment is necessary.

Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw
Stabilize the jaw so it does not move and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Severe Blow to the Head
Take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately. Any head trauma should be evaluated prior to any dental evaluation.

Dental Emergency Appointments
If it is during business hours, a caring member of our team will make arrangements to see you as soon as possible. For after-hour emergencies, please call our main number and you will hear instructions for getting in touch with Dr. Poplin or one of our doctors who is on call.

Dental emergencies are very common with children. Our team is highly experienced in dealing with these types of situations, and we can assure you that your child’s comfort is our top priority.

Waiting until your child is in pain is not just bad for their dental health. It also plants the idea that visits to the dentist hurt. We encourage you to keep up with regular dental visits so that your child gets used to seeing us under positive circumstances.

​​​​​​​If it’s time for your child’s next dental exam, please contact our Austin dental office to schedule an appointment.

As parents, we want to do everything to keep our kids safe, so sedating your child may sound intimidating. But the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has deemed that sedation options like nitrous oxide are safe for use by children to minimize their dental anxiety.

We’re Trained to Provide Safe Sedation
In addition to his training as a children’s dentist, Dr. Jared Poplin has studied sedation methods extensively. He is qualified to provide safe children’s sedation in Austin, TX, by utilizing nitrous oxide.

But for most children, nitrous oxide is enough to put them at ease and help them feel safe and secure. Your child won’t go to sleep, but they will feel very calm and happy. Parents appreciate nitrous oxide because of the comfort it provides and the fact that there are no drowsy side effects.

Your Child Is Safe in Our Care
Many adults who are anxious dental patients got that way because of an unpleasant experience with a dentist as a child. We can assure you that at Poplin Pediatric Dentistry, we will never let that happen to your son or daughter.

​​​​​​​If you think your child can benefit from safe children’s sedation in Austin, TX, please contact our dental office to arrange an appointment.

What is a Space Maintainer?
If a child loses a baby toot too early, a space maintainer can be used to keep the space open for an adult tooth to come in. This keeps your child’s teeth in the proper position and can prevent your child from needing more extensive orthodontic treatment when they are older.

Wearing a Space Maintainer
Typically a space maintainer will be left in place until the permanent tooth erupts where the missing tooth is. This is usually around 10-12 years old. The length of time where a child is required to wear a space maintainer varies greatly and just depends on your child’s dental needs. The best way to learn how long your child will have to wear their space maintainer is to discuss it with Dr. Poplin.

​​​​​​​Contact Us
If your child has recently lost a baby tooth prematurely, either from trauma or decay, then they might require a space maintainer. Contact Poplin Pediatric Dentistry in Austin, TX to schedule an appointment to discuss it with Dr. Poplin and his team.

Orthodontic Evaluations Start Young

The American Association of Orthodontists suggests scheduling an evaluation as soon as we notice any potential orthodontic problems, but no later than age seven. This is the optimal time to begin planning your child’s orthodontic treatment. Treating your child at the appropriate point in their development will ensure beautiful results with the least amount of time and expense.

For some children, early screening may detect the need for immediate treatment, since some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if found early. In other cases, treatment may be months or years away, but screening will help you develop a relationship with our office. Alternatively, early screening may suggest that no treatment is needed, putting your mind at ease.

Even if your child’s teeth look straight, there may be potential problems that need to be evaluated by a pediatric dentist.
Here are a few potential problems to look for:

• Mouth breathing/snoring

• Difficulty speaking

• Difficulty in biting or chewing

• Teeth grinding or clenching

• Thumb or finger sucking

• Open bite

• Crossbites

• Narrow palate

If any of these issues are a concern, please contact Poplin Pediatric Dentistry to schedule an evaluation appointment. It may be one of the best things you can do for your child to ensure a happy and healthy smile.

The answer to this question is no, it does not. Early orthodontics involve guiding the growth and development of the jaw structures and sometimes moving teeth. This will usually require appliances like expanders, but could also utilize braces on a few teeth.

Early Orthodontics in Austin, TX
Your pediatric dentist will begin evaluating your son or daughter for early orthodontic treatment around the age of seven years old. Most children won’t need orthodontic treatment until around the age of twelve. However, for kids who suffer from severe overbites, underbites, or crowded teeth, early orthodontics can be very beneficial because it allows your dentist to take advantage of the natural growth that takes place during this time.

The goal of early orthodontic treatment is to give your child the best outcome for a straighter, more beautiful smile in the most straightforward manner. Taking care of these issues early can limit or sometimes eliminate the need for braces in the future.

​​​​​​​Contact Us
If you have questions about your child’s dental health, and whether or not they will need orthodontic treatment in the future, your Austin pediatric dentist, Dr. Jared Poplin is happy to discuss your concerns with you. Contact Poplin Pediatric Dentistry today for more information.

We'll gladly file a dental insurance claim on your behalf. It's crucial for patients to understand that dental insurance plans typically do not cover 100% of the fees. Instead, they generally cover between 50% to 80% of the average total fee, with variations depending on the plan specifics. Factors such as the amount paid for coverage or the specific contract between the employer and the insurance company often determine the percentage covered.

Prior to scheduling your appointment, we strongly advise reaching out to your dental insurance provider to verify if Poplin Pediatric Dentistry is included in your network. Should we be out of network with your plan, there's no need to fret! We can still file a claim on your behalf.

To ensure a smooth process, we kindly request that patients submit all intake forms, including insurance information, before their appointment. Should you have any inquiries regarding our insurance procedures, please don't hesitate to contact our office. We're here to assist you every step of the way!

At Poplin Pediatric Dentistry, we are proud to serve children with a wide range of special needs, including autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, sensory processing disorder, and developmental delays, among others. Our team has extensive experience and training in working with children with special needs, allowing us to cater to their unique requirements with sensitivity and expertise.

We understand that visiting the dentist can be challenging for children with special needs, which is why we strive to create a compassionate and supportive environment for every child who walks through our doors. Our team takes the time to build trust and rapport with your child, ensuring they feel comfortable and safe throughout their visit. We work closely with parents and caregivers to understand their child's individual needs and tailor our approach accordingly.

Unlike many other lasers, The Solea Laser is a cutting-edge technology that significantly enhances the dental experience for our patients, making trips to the dentist more comfortable and complex procedures more efficient. Particularly beneficial for children, this advanced laser system allows for numerous procedures without the use of needles and drills.

The versatility of the Solea Laser extends to various applications, such as cutting soft and hard tissues more efficiently, treating gum disease and inflammation, addressing snoring and sleep apnea, detecting cavities, preparing teeth for fillings, crowns, and onlays, performing teeth whitening, and relieving tooth sensitivity.

Dr. Poplin chooses the Solea laser over traditional dental techniques for several reasons. In surgical procedures, lasers cut tooth, tissue, or bone more efficiently, reducing bleeding and often eliminating the need for sutures.

The benefits of laser dentistry include shorter treatment times and fewer visits, quicker recovery and faster healing, minimal pain, and a reduced need for anesthesia. Importantly, laser dentistry is safe for patients of all ages, even children.

The Solea even sterilizes as it works, killing viruses and bacteria and reducing aerosols by 99.9%! When doing soft tissue procedures there’s rarely any bleeding at all, enabling Dr. Poplin the best visualization possible to do the best job. This amazing technology is now available to your family to foster a great dental experience.

As Central Texas's most experienced Solea Laser dentist, Poplin Pediatric Dentistry leads the way in adopting and utilizing lasers to enhance the patient experience. Dr. Poplin's expertise extends beyond his practice, as he is actively involved in educating other dentists about the advantages of laser dentistry. Additionally, he is often selected to participate in professional conferences and meetings, where he shares his insights and expertise in this revolutionary field.

No. We do not charge any additional fees for using this technology. We are committed to providing the most comfortable and highest level of care possible to our patients.

We use 3-D imaging for precise treatment planning, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and improving patient understanding. This is particularly crucial for procedures like dental implants, extractions, and orthodontic treatments, where accuracy is paramount.

The advanced technology enhances diagnostic accuracy by offering a comprehensive view of the teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures. This aids in early detection of issues like impacted teeth, cysts, tumors, or structural abnormalities.

​​​​​​​The benefits include precision in treatment plans, efficient diagnostics, a comprehensive view of oral structures, and better patient education.

Absolutely, we take radiographs, or X-rays, as part of our comprehensive dental care. Ensuring your child's safety is our top priority, which is why we follow a specific radiograph protocol designed to minimize radiation exposure. Our meticulous approach includes the use of lead aprons with thyroid collars, safeguarding the most radiation-sensitive tissues. Furthermore, we adhere to a minimalistic approach, only taking the necessary number of radiographs.

We understand the importance of addressing any safety concerns you may have, and we're more than willing to modify our protocol in alignment with your specific needs. Our goal is to work collaboratively with you to ensure your child maintains a healthy and happy smile while prioritizing their well-being.

Embarking on your child's dental care journey is a wonderful step in nurturing a lifetime of healthy smiles! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests scheduling that first dental visit when your little one's first tooth makes its debut, or by their first birthday at the latest.

​​​​​​​This early start isn't just about check-ups; it's a chance for us to share friendly guidance on oral development, proper hygiene practices, and preventive care. By beginning this journey early, we aim to create a positive experience that not only promotes good oral health habits but also ensures your child's smile stays bright and happy for years to come.