Dr. Barbee enjoys working with children, and he offers a multitude of treatment options to his patients. By serving children and establishing a trusting relationship, he believes he is creating dental patients for life.
Prior to opening his Bowling Green practice, Dr. Barbee completed his residency through the Baylor University College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas, where he worked with special needs children at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital and Childrens Medical Center.
In addition to being a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Barbee is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, placing him among the professions elite. He is also a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Kentucky Dental Association and Pennyrile Dental Society.
A native of Florida, Dr. Barbee lives in Bowling Green with his wife Kelli, who is also a dentist, and their two children, Madeline and Nathan. He enjoys running and playing softball in his church league.
Dr. Barbee is a member of the American Dental Association, Kentucky Dental Association and Pennyrile Dental Society. She continues her devotion to dental excellence by regularly earning continuing education credits and taking pediatric dental courses.
Dr. Barbee lives in Bowling Green with her husband and their two children, Madeline and Nathan. She is active in her church community and enjoys running, scrapbooking and spending time with her children.
Permanent teeth will begin to grow around age 6, and except for wisdom teeth, are all present between ages 12 and 14. The next teeth to grow in are the 12-year molars and finally the wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth typically begin breaking through at age 17 and on. The total number of permanent teeth is 32, though few people have room for all 32 teeth. This is why wisdom teeth are usually removed.
Your front teeth are called incisors. The sharp fang-like teeth are canines. The next side teeth are referred to as pre-molars or bicuspids, and the back teeth are molars. Your permanent teeth are the ones you keep for life, so it is vital that they are brushed and flossed regularly and that periodic check-ups by a dentist are followed.
A. The American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and professional cleaning. Our office also recommends a minimum of two visits per year.
A. One of our staff members will compile your medical and dental history during your first visit. We will then examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, make X-rays of your teeth as needed and complete a TMJ (temporomandibular or jaw joint) exam. After we review your dental profile, we will discuss a diagnosis with you. If treatment such as a root canal (endodontics), braces (orthodontics) or oral surgery is needed, we will plan to treat you in our office or refer you to a specialist. We will discuss your options for treatment and fee payment and help you determine the best plan to fit your needs.
During regular follow-up visits, we will examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, clean your teeth and make plans for treatment, as needed. We will discuss any pain or problems you may be experiencing and answer any questions you may have.
A. Painless dentistry is a means of ensuring your total experience in our office is as stress-free and pain-free as possible. We will discuss treatment options that may require no local anesthetic and whenever possible, alleviate pain by the means most comfortable to you.
A. Yes. We accept many types of dental insurance and will process your claim for you upon receipt of your co-payment. We offer a low-interest rate payment plan and also accept most major credit cards.
A. There are several methods available for bleaching the teeth: in-office, overnight or daily. One session of in-office bleaching generally lasts one and a half to two hours, and you can read or relax during the treatment. For overnight bleaching, we make an impression of your teeth and create a mouthguard that fits your bite. Each day you fill the mouthguard with a small amount of bleaching gel and wear it overnight or for a few hours during the day. The overnight bleaching process takes approximately two weeks.
Other over-the-counter daily bleaching products are available, but it is important to use any bleaching product only under the supervision of a dentist. To achieve the whitening results you desire, the ADA recommends that you seek the professional advice of a dentist, including examination and diagnosis of the cause of tooth discoloration, before you begin any bleaching program.
A. We have many different procedures that can help these problems. Porcelain veneers are designed to look like your natural teeth and are individually and permanently attached to the fronts of your existing teeth. Veneers can be positioned to close gaps. Bonding utilizes a composite material made of plastic to fill in areas of your teeth and correct chipping and shape problems. Both porcelain veneers and bonding are color-matched to the rest of your teeth.
Most do. Dr. Barbee has found that some special children are very susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease or oral trauma. Others require medication or diets detrimental to dental health. Still, other children have physical difficulty with effective dental habits at home. The good news is,dental disease is preventable! If dental care is started early and followed conscientiously, every child can enjoy a healthy smile.
A first dental visit by thefirst birthdaywill start your child on a lifetime of good dental health. Dr. Barbee will take a full medical history, gently examine your childs teeth and gums, and then plan preventive care designed for your childs needs.
Yes!Your child will benefit from the preventive approach recommended for all children effective brushing and flossing, moderate snacking and adequate fluoride. Home care takes just minutes a day and prevents needless dental problems. Regular professional cleanings and fluoride treatments by Dr. Barbee are alsovery beneficial. Sealants can prevent tooth decay on the chewing surfaces of molars where four out of five cavities in children occur.
Absolutely!Dr. Barbee has had 3 years of advanced training beyond dental school. His education as a specialist focuses on care for children with special needs. In addition, Dr. Barbees office is designed to be physically accessible for special patients. Pediatric dentists, because of their expertise, are often theclinicians of choicefor the dental care of adults with special needs as well.
Some children need more support than a gentle, caring manner to feel comfortable during dental treatment. Restraint or mild sedation may benefit your special child. If a child needs extensive treatment, Dr. Barbee may suggest providing care at a local hospital. Dr. Barbee has a comprehensive education in behavior management, sedation and anesthesia techniques. He will select a technique based on the specific health needs of your child, then discuss the benefits, limits and risks of that technique with you.