FAQ

Why should my child see a pediatric dentist?

Pediatric dentists have received specialty training in treating children. This training includes experience in the use of behavior management techniques and training in the growth and development of children. Our office is designed to be child friendly and offers an environment in which many children feel comfortable and enjoy. By creating this type of atmosphere, children are typically more cooperative and positive about visiting the dentist.

When should my child see a pediatric dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children establish a dental home by one year of age or within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth. This is especially important for parents as it offers them a time for questions and counseling with the dentist. Dental decay can develop as soon as teeth emerge into the mouth. We use this appointment as a time to discuss diet, nutrition, dental development, and oral hygiene. By establishing a dental home at this early age, you have a source of contact in the event your child sustains a dental trauma or other emergency.

What can my child expect at the initial visit?

Our goal at the initial visit is for the child and parent to become acquainted with our office and staff, to develop a plan for necessary treatment, and for the parents to meet with the dentist and ask any pertinent questions. For most children 2 ½ years and under an exam by the dentist may be all of the treatment that is performed. For those over 2 ½ and who are able to cooperate, a cleaning, fluoride application, exam by the dentist, and age appropriate X-rays will most likely be done. Following this appointment, we will set up any subsequent appointments for dental work to be performed.

May I go back with my child?

All of our dentists agree with the philosophy that children generally cooperate much better without the parent present. Without the parent in the room, we are able to gain their full and undivided attention. They are therefore much more likely to listen to and follow our directions while they undergo dental treatment. We ask that you please respect this philosophy and understand that if the dentist feels that your assistance would be helpful, we will not hesitate to call for you.

Will my child have X-rays taken?

X-rays, or dental radiographs, assist the dentist with visualizing parts of the teeth that are not visible when looking directly into the mouth. For our younger patients we usually attempt to take X-rays of the front teeth. For our older patients we will attempt bitewing X-rays which allow us to visualize the surfaces between the teeth and the depth of any decay that may be present. Around 6 years of age and every 3 years thereafter we will take a panoramic X-ray which allows us to visualize the development of permanent teeth and any pathology that may be present.

What is the purpose of fluoride?

Fluoride is a topical treatment that is used in the dental office and may be used at home if your child is having a problem with dental caries. While most public water systems contain a sufficient amount of fluoride for our teeth to remain strong, some children may benefit from more frequent use of fluoride. Fluoride application is designed to help prevent dental caries, and in some instances can arrest decay in its early stages. This is accomplished by strengthening the enamel of the tooth.

What is “baby bottle caries”?

Children as young as 1 year of age can develop a rampant form of dental caries commonly referred to as “baby bottle caries.” Though the name of this pattern of decay suggests that the cause is from a bottle or “sippie cup,” it is the content of the container that is often the cause of decay. Drinks with high sugar contents lead to an acidic environment in the mouth. These acids rapidly destroy tooth structure and lead to significant tooth decay, the upper front teeth are usually affected first. As it continues, the decay eventually progresses to the molar areas. As a parent you should never place your child to bed with anything to drink besides water. In addition, try to limit your child’s intake of drinks with high sugar content to mealtimes and dilute these drinks with water.

Why are baby teeth important to save?

Baby teeth have many functions. First, healthy teeth allow for proper chewing of food. Good nutrition is important for growing children, and healthy, functioning teeth allow for this. Second, baby teeth hold the space necessary for permanent teeth to erupt. This applies primarily to the teeth in the back of the mouth. Early loss of baby teeth, particularly the molars, often requires the placement of a space maintainer. Space maintainers are metal appliances that are cemented onto back teeth that hold the space open where a baby tooth was extracted prematurely until the permanent tooth erupts into place. Essentially, the best space maintainer is the tooth itself, so we prefer to save the baby teeth whenever possible.

What types of behavior management are used?

Our office uses several different methods of behavior management. For most of our patients, nitrous oxide and local anesthesia are all that is needed. Nitrous oxide is a very mild gas that the child breathes via the nose to help them relax. It is very safe, and the effects are virtually gone by the time the child leaves the dental chair. Local anesthesia is the “sleepy juice” that allows the tooth to fall asleep, preventing the child from feeling any of the work that is being done. Local anesthesia causes the cheeks and tongue to feel numb, so please take care that your child does not bite their cheek after leaving the office. The numbness will persist for the next 1 ½ or 2 hours.

For some of our patients we will have an extra assistant in the room to comfort the patient and hold their hands. This is also our kind way of keeping a child from reaching for any sharp dental instruments thereby injuring themselves during a dental procedure. Some patients may have a difficult time keeping their mouths open throughout the appointment, so on occasion we may also need to use a mouth prop to help them to remain open so that we can safely complete the dental procedures. Your child’s health and safety are our primary concern, and we take great care to ensure that their dental experience is as enjoyable as possible.

Which doctor will see my child?

We have four pediatric dentists in our practice and an orthodontist. All of our dentists have completed specialty training after completing dental school, and we all share similar treatment philosophies. Unless you request a certain dentist your child may be scheduled with any of our doctors. We are more than happy to accommodate any preferences that you or your child may have. Feel free to let us know of any such preferences so that we may make a note in your child’s record and honor your request.

Does my child need braces?

At each six-month check-up visit, your child’s bite is evaluated. If it is determined that your child is ready to begin any kind of orthodontic treatment, we will inform you at this time. For your convenience, we have a full-time orthodontist in house who would be glad to evaluate, explain, and treat any of your child’s orthodontic needs.

Facebook AAO ADA Invisalign Damon