Business Details
10 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Pediatric Dental Care for Southern Illinois Children
Southern Illinois Pediatric Dentistry is dedicated to providing specialized dental care for children, emphasizing early preventive care and creating positive dental experiences. Our board-certified pediatric dentists combine advanced training with a child-friendly approach to ensure optimal oral health. With locations in Columbia, Edwardsville, and Godfrey, Illinois, we offer comprehensive services including routine check-ups, digital x-rays, sealants, restorative treatments, and emergency care. Our team prioritizes patient comfort through engaging amenities like in-chair movies and interactive play areas. We accept most major insurance plans and maintain affiliations with leading dental organizations to uphold the highest standards of care.Our dentists hold advanced academic appointments and have completed specialized residencies at institutions like Ohio State University and the University of Louisville. We emphasize establishing dental homes for children by age one, aligning with American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines. Our facilities feature modern technology such as digital radiography and treatment options under general anesthesia when necessary. We maintain hospital privileges for complex cases and provide after-hours emergency services. Our commitment to community extends to educational outreach and participation in local events.
Services
Routine Check-ups
Digital X-rays
Sealants
Restorative Services
Stainless Steel Crowns
Pulpotomies
Extractions
Space Maintainers
General Anesthesia Treatment
Emergency Care
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- Board-certified pediatric dentists with advanced residency training
- Specialized child-friendly environment with engaging amenities
- Digital radiography and modern treatment technologies
- Emergency dental care with after-hours availability
- Hospital privileges for complex pediatric dental procedures
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
What people say
Fun dental experience
Board-certified specialists
Advanced technology
Child-friendly approach
Emergency availability
Services
Routine Check-ups
Our preventive dental exams help maintain children's oral health through early detection of potential issues. We use interactive techniques to keep children comfortable while assessing teeth development, cavity risk, and gum health. Regular check-ups include personalized oral hygiene guidance for parents and children.
Digital X-rays
Digital radiography enables precise diagnosis of hidden dental issues while minimizing radiation exposure. We use this technology to detect cavities between teeth, monitor tooth development, and identify abnormalities in jaw structures. Panoramic imaging provides comprehensive views of developing dentition.
Sealants
Dental sealants protect permanent molars from decay by sealing deep grooves where food particles accumulate. This quick, painless procedure creates smooth tooth surfaces that are easier to clean, significantly reducing cavity risk in children's back teeth.
Restorative Services
We offer durable tooth-colored fillings and stainless steel crowns for repairing damaged teeth. Our restorative treatments prioritize both function and aesthetics, with crowns designed to exfoliate naturally along with primary teeth while protecting dental health.
Emergency Care
Our practice provides urgent dental care for injuries, infections, and severe toothaches. We offer after-hours availability for emergency situations and have hospital privileges for complex cases requiring treatment under general anesthesia.
People
Dr. Christine Wohlford
Owner, Pediatric Dentist
Board-certified pediatric dentist with a Master of Science degree from Ohio State University. Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in 2008. Established the practice in 2016 after completing a top-tier residency program.
Dr. Adam Snyder
Pediatric Dentist
Board-certified specialist with advanced training from the University of Louisville. Holds academic appointments at Southern Illinois University and Saint Louis University. Completed residency with focus on hospital dentistry and special needs patients.
Dr. Austin LaMay
Pediatric Dentist
Graduated Magna Cum Laude from SIU School of Dental Medicine in 2018. Completed residency at University of Illinois-Chicago with focus on pediatric sedation and special healthcare needs. Certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support.
Dr. Valerie Spivey
Pediatric Dentist
Board-certified dentist with seven years as Section Head of Pediatric Dentistry at SIU School of Dental Medicine. Published researcher on pediatric dental materials. Completed hospital-based residency in Brooklyn, NY with advanced behavior management training.
Questions
Can parents stay during dental exams?
Yes, we encourage parental presence during exams to help children feel comfortable and allow parents to ask questions directly.
How do you handle uncooperative children?
Our pediatric specialists use behavior management techniques developed through advanced training to create positive experiences for anxious children.
When should dental visits begin?
We recommend the first visit between 6-12 months of age to establish a dental home and begin preventive care early.
What makes pediatric dentists different?
Our dentists have two additional years of specialized training in children's oral development and behavior management beyond general dentistry.
Are emergency services available?
Yes, we offer after-hours emergency care for dental trauma, infections, and severe toothaches affecting children.
