Children's Dentistry for Travis Air Force Base families
We are proud to care for the military families and civilian employees of Travis Air Force Base. Frequent moves mean many Travis families need a dentist who can get them established quickly, transfer records smoothly, and deliver efficient care like same-day crowns that fits a demanding schedule. Ask our front office about coordinating benefits with your dental plan.
A child's first impressions of the dentist last a lifetime, so we keep early visits short, friendly and pressure-free. Kids age 3 and up can sit in the big chair, count their teeth with the hygienist, feel the "tickle brush" polish, and pick a prize on the way out. We explain each step in kid language before we do it and never force a fearful child through a visit. Most children are surprised by how easy it is, and that confidence carries into adolescence and adulthood.
Preventive care is the heart of children's dentistry. Regular cleanings remove plaque from spots small hands miss. Fluoride varnish strengthens developing enamel and reverses early decay before it becomes a cavity. Dental sealants, a thin protective coating brushed into the deep grooves of the back molars, block the food and bacteria that cause most childhood cavities. Together these simple steps prevent the majority of decay we would otherwise treat.
When a cavity does develop, we treat it with tooth-colored fillings that blend in with baby and adult teeth alike. We monitor growth and development at every visit, watching for crowding, bite problems, thumb-sucking effects and early loss of baby teeth, and we will tell you when an orthodontic evaluation makes sense. Parents are welcome in the treatment room, and we coach the whole family on brushing technique, flossing, and the diet habits that matter most.
Dr. Lance Carter is a general dentist who enjoys treating children. Pediatric dentistry is a recognized specialty; children under 3, children with complex medical or behavioral needs, and children who require sedation or general anesthesia for treatment are best served by a pediatric dental office, and we refer those families promptly.
Why Travis Air Force Base patients choose this treatment here
- Positive, unhurried first visits that build lifelong confidence
- Fluoride varnish and sealants to prevent most childhood cavities
- Tooth-colored fillings that blend in
- Growth and bite monitoring with honest guidance on orthodontic timing
- Parents welcome in the treatment room
- Same office and schedule as the rest of your family
What happens at your visit
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Welcome visit: a tour, a chair ride, a tooth count and a polish
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Exam and X-rays only when appropriate for age and risk
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Cleaning and fluoride varnish
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Sealants on erupted permanent molars, usually around ages 6 and 12
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Home-care coaching for kids and parents
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Six-month recall to keep the habit going
Why make the drive from Travis Air Force Base
We treat kids in a general family practice, which has real advantages: your child sees the same familiar team year after year, watches a parent or sibling model a calm visit, and transitions seamlessly to adult care without ever "aging out" of a pediatric office. Our hygienists are experienced with young patients and adjust pace and language to each child. Dr. Carter is direct with parents about what is worth treating now, what can be watched, and when a specialist would serve your child better. We are in network with Delta Dental of California, Cigna, MetLife and Dental Benefit Providers, and pediatric preventive services are covered generously by nearly every plan.
Questions from Travis Air Force Base patients
How far is children's dentistry treatment from Travis Air Force Base?
Travis Air Force Base is about 10 miles from our office by way of Air Base Parkway and Interstate 80. Plan on about 15 to 20 minutes.
When should my child first see a dentist?
The American Dental Association recommends a first visit by the first birthday. We see children beginning at age 3; for infants and toddlers we recommend a pediatric dental office and are glad to suggest one.
Are dental sealants worth it?
Yes. Sealants on permanent molars reduce cavities in those teeth dramatically for years and are covered by most plans for children.
What if my child is scared?
We go slowly, explain everything in kid terms, and never force a visit. Parents are welcome chairside. If a child cannot be treated comfortably, we will recommend a pediatric dentist.
Read the complete Children's Dentistry guide including aftercare, cost and insurance details.
Dr. Lance Carter is a general dentist licensed by the Dental Board of California. Services on this page that are associated with a recognized dental specialty are provided by a general dentist who is not a licensed specialist in that field. When a case is better served by a specialist, we say so and coordinate the referral.
General education only, not a diagnosis. Outcomes vary by patient. Please schedule an exam to discuss your situation.