Aurora families juggling school drop-offs at Ponderosa Elementary and after-school activities at Utah Park know the challenge of fitting dental care into a packed schedule. Our office at Peoria and Iliff has been part of the Dam East and Heather Gardens community since 1972, offering children’s dentistry that fits into your family’s rhythm—not the other way around.
As part of our comprehensive family dental care in Aurora, CO, we believe in establishing a “dental home” early, ideally by age one. This isn’t just about cleaning teeth; it’s about building trust, monitoring development, and preventing complex orthodontic issues before they start.
Advanced Pediatric Care Built for Aurora’s Active Families
Living in Aurora means active childhoods—soccer at Cherry Creek State Park, swimming at the Utah Park pool, and playground tumbles that occasionally involve teeth. We don’t just count cavities; we look for developmental red flags that impact long-term health.
Interceptive Orthodontics: Early Growth Monitoring
Space maintenance becomes critical when a primary molar is lost early, whether from deep decay or a fall on the playground. Without intervention, surrounding teeth drift, blocking permanent teeth and creating orthodontic problems that follow kids through Overland High School and beyond.
We screen for airway and habit issues common in Colorado’s high-altitude environment:
- Mouth breathing exacerbated by altitude
- Thumb-sucking and tongue-thrust habits that reshape the jaw
- Gentle habit-breaking appliances that guide growth back on track
Restorative Materials That Prioritize Safety
Our clinical protocols center on biocompatibility:
- BPA-free composites for all fillings—safe for developing systems
- Resin infiltration for chalky white spots (common after braces), arresting decay without drilling
- Zirconia crowns for visible teeth, offering aesthetics without sacrificing durability
- Stainless steel for posterior molars where function is paramount
The Aurora Water Factor
Aurora water averages 0.72 ppm of naturally occurring fluoride, and it’s also moderately hard. This mineral content accelerates tartar buildup on the lingual surfaces of lower front teeth—a phenomenon we call “Aurora calcification.” Our hygiene team uses specialized ultrasonic technology to manage this gently, keeping gums healthy without aggressive scraping.
Convenience for S Peoria St Families
We know that traversing S Peoria St or E Iliff Ave during rush hour is a challenge. Our practice is strategically located to fit into your existing “parent loop.”
School-Adjacent Scheduling
Minutes from Overland High and Prairie Middle School, a short drive from Ponderosa Elementary. We offer before-school and after-school appointments that don’t disrupt the academic day.
The “Sibling Block” Appointment
Stop juggling multiple providers. As a comprehensive family practice, we schedule siblings together—or even parents at the same time—saving you multiple trips down I-225.
Emergency-Ready for Active Kids
From knocked-out teeth at the Jewell Wetlands bike trails to soft tissue injuries from sports, we prioritize same-day emergency visits for local families.
What to Expect During Your Child’s Visit
Step 1: The “Happy Visit” Introduction
For children under two, the first appointment focuses on acclimation. We educate parents on cleaning infant gums, discuss eruption timelines, and answer questions in a low-pressure environment. This builds trust before any clinical work begins.
Step 2: Comprehensive Exam & Developmental Screening
We evaluate more than cavities. Our team assesses airway function, checks for tongue-tie or lip-tie that impacts feeding and speech, and monitors jaw development. X-rays follow ALARA principles (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)—typically bitewings once yearly to detect interproximal decay.
Step 3: Customized Comfort Options
Every child is unique. Our “Comfort Menu” includes:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild anxiety—safe, rapidly reversible, reduces gag reflex
- Conscious sedation for younger children or higher anxiety, administered under strict AAPD guidelines with continuous vital monitoring
Join Generations of Aurora Families Who Trust Aspenwood
Our reviews speak for themselves—4.9 stars from over 1,660 Google reviews. Families across Heather Gardens, Dam East, and the surrounding Cherry Creek area have trusted us with their smiles for over five decades.
New Patient Special: Ask about our $440/year Child Complete Membership for uninsured families—comprehensive preventive care with full transparency.
Location: 2900 S Peoria St, Suite C, Aurora, CO 80014 (Corner of Iliff & Peoria)
Request Your Child’s Complimentary Consultation
Serving families in Aurora, Heather Gardens, Dam East, and the Cherry Creek corridor.
Parents Always Ask
When should my child have their very first dental appointment?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth erupting. This early “Happy Visit” at our Peoria St office focuses on parent education and acclimation, not treatment.
What’s the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist like Aspenwood?
Pediatric dentists limit their practice to children. As a family dentist, we offer continuity of care—we don’t “graduate out” your child at 18. We treat them from their first tooth through their college years and beyond, maintaining a complete health history in one location.
Is dental sedation safe for young children and toddlers?
Yes, when administered by trained professionals. We evaluate every child’s health history and airway before recommending sedation. Our team is trained in pediatric safety protocols to ensure a controlled, positive experience.
How can I prevent “bottle rot” or early childhood caries?
Never put your child to bed with a bottle containing milk, formula, or juice. Sugars pool around teeth during sleep. If they need a bottle to settle, use water. Also, wipe gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings.
Why fix baby teeth if they’re just going to fall out anyway?
Primary teeth serve as guides for permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay, surrounding teeth drift, blocking the permanent tooth and causing severe orthodontic issues. Untreated decay can also lead to abscesses that damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.
What should I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?
Time is critical. Find the tooth, handle it by the crown (not the root). Rinse gently with milk if dirty—do not scrub. Try to reinsert it into the socket. If that’s not possible, store it in milk or the child’s saliva and get to our Peoria St office immediately.
How often are dental X-rays necessary for children?
We follow ALARA principles. Generally, bitewing X-rays are taken once yearly to detect decay between teeth that visual exams can’t see. Panoramic X-rays are typically taken around age 7-8 to check for proper development and congenitally missing teeth.