At Elger Dental, we love treating children and showing them that going to the dentist can be fun!

Children's Dentistry

We are pleased to provide quality dentistry for everyone in your family, including children.

Our office begins seeing children at a young age to promote healthy oral habits from the start. We also work with parents on techniques and education, so they have the tools to help their children achieve and maintain healthy smiles.

Your Child's First Visit

At your child's first visit, we will help familiarize them with our dental office so they feel safe and comfortable. We will show them their teeth in the mirror, take them for a ride in the dental chair, and brush their teeth. That way, everything is already familiar to your child when we start dental cleanings and other regular care.

Preventive Care

We believe all great dental health begins with an excellent preventive routine. That is why we work with parents to create a successful home care regimen including brushing and flossing, avoiding sugary treats, and eating a good diet that promotes healthy teeth and gums.

Our dental team complements excellent home care with routine examinations and cleaning appointments. We also offer additional preventive treatments such as fluoride and sealants to keep your child's teeth healthy and strong.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr. Nicole Elger DMD

Dr. Nicole Elger is passionate about making a meaningful impact in her patients’ lives through compassionate, comprehensive dental care. A graduate of Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, she earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, followed by an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) and an Implant Fellowship, all from SIU-SDM. She is currently working toward completing the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine's mastery program to better serve patients diagnosed with sleep apnea.

Dr. Elger’s favorite aspect of dentistry is the opportunity to share her knowledge with ...

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Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a plastic coating that we apply to your child's teeth to prevent decay. If your child is at high risk for decay or has particularly deep grooves in their teeth, we can apply dental sealants to keep food and bacteria from settling in those grooves and causing cavities.

Dental sealants are less expensive and less invasive than fillings. They can last for up to five years and can be replaced once they wear off.

Gentle Treatments

For most kids, some dental treatment is eventually necessary. We are both compassionate and gentle in our approach to treating children.

We know how important it is to make sure children are comfortable and don't experience dental anxiety. When we treat children, we speak to them in language they understand and let them know what we will be doing. That way, their treatment is more effective and less scary.

If you would like to schedule an appointment for your child, give us a call. We are pleased to serve your entire family and to provide you with excellent, personalized dental care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you see kids in your office?

We know that convenience is important for today’s busy families. That is why we offer dentistry for the whole family including your children. We begin seeing kids at a young age to make sure they have a healthy dental foundation.

Children's Dentistry Technology

Digital X-Rays

Modern digital dental x-rays benefit patients in a number of ways:

Digital x-rays expose patients to considerably less radiation than conventional film x-rays.
Digital x-rays require almost no time for development, reducing time spent waiting in the dental chair.
Digital x-rays allow for incredibly precise and accurate images for timely diagnoses.
Digital x-rays are securely stored in your digital file and can be securely sent to your insurance company or specialists, when necessary.

Because no chemicals are needed for developing and no space is needed for film storage, digital x-rays are better for the environment.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

Blogs

May 12, 2025

Why Save Baby Teeth?

My child’s baby tooth needs a filling? Isn’t it just going to fall out?? Why do we need to fill it?

Great question!! I hear this question often! Let’s look at why restoring baby teeth is an excellent decision!

Take a look at this child’s smile:

See all that space?? We LOVE spacing in kids mouths!! Why you ask?? Because baby teeth are SMALLER than big teeth! When this child loses all his baby teeth, they will have room for their big teeth to come in!