If you are wondering about the term ‘Pediatric Dentist’, I’m sure you still haven’t found the answer. Pediatric dentists are slightly different from the common the dentists who treat your teeth. They are like bone specialists who focus on the oral health and specialize in the needs of young infants and adolescents. They also look into the needs of special dental patients who need extreme attention.
But there are some theories that once a dentist specializes in the pediatric dentistry, he treats only children. The specialized training lasts for about two to three years after completion of the dental degree. Pediatric dentists during their training learn to handle children with extreme care. The specialization is focused especially on children. Since children’s dentitions are much more fragile, it becomes very important for dentists to take special training on handling them.
Children generally fear going to the dentist because they hate seeing those long forks and other sharp dental equipments. As it is, dentists suggest that it is important for all of us to visit the dentist at least twice a year. But not many people follow this routine because dental care is very expensive.
Right from early age, if you put children into the habit of visiting the dentist regularly, then the fear factor seizes and they get used to the treatment very easily. Now that you know what a pediatric dentist is, you should research on finding a good doctor and take your child to one immediately. The early treatment also ensures good formation of the teeth and you also get to know what treatment would suit your child. The shape and structure of the teeth changes due to different chewing habits of children. Some children never get over with the habit of thumb sucking and this leads to formation of protruding teeth. One must also look into such factors.
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Individual dental care is really important for a person’s general hygiene. But a visit to the dentist can fill some people with trepidation.
There are many types of dentist roles and here we look at a few of them.
Firstly there is the pediatric dentist. To become a pediatric dentist you must first get a dentist degree and then study for an extra two years to attain your pediatric dentistry license. Without this license you cannot practice nor profess to be a pediatric dentist. The pediatric dentist role is mainly the oral care of children and adolescents.
Second we have the special care dentist. To become a special care dentist you must study for 3 more years after your dentist degree. This role involves the oral care and treatment of those people that have special needs whether it is medical, physical, emotional or social needs.
Thirdly there is the forensic dentist. This role is slightly different as it involves being called upon to testify in court cases some of the time. These dentists tend to specialize in examining and evaluating evidence for legal cases.
These dentist’s can spend a lot of time checking dental records and dental structure to determine who certain people are when their identity is under question. They can also attain dental evidence in certain cases of malpractice.
Another dentist is the cosmetic dentist. This role involves the aesthetic side of dentistry. The cosmetic dentist tends to concentrate on shaping and forming teeth to give a more aesthetic look to a persons face. Their roles also include bleaching and whitening of teeth.
For the older people among us there is the geriatric dentist. These dentists’s normally diagnose and try to prevent any problems with the oral care of the elderly.
Last but not least we come to the veterinary dentist whose main concern is the oral care and treatment of the animal world.
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Smiles are the greatest asset of your personality. Showing off your new smile is a great way to improve your self-esteem. Our team is proud to share the hard work and determination required to make your child’s smile special. Our gratification comes from the smiling results of our patients..
We provide quality dental and orthodontics services. Our goal is to offer the highest standard of oral health care to our patients in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Our doctors and their team of skilled professionals work together to establish happiness, self-esteem, comfort and optimal dental health for each of our patients. We strive to be efficient and encouraging while creating beautiful smiles.
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Dentistry for Children
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We believe early dental care can promote a lifetime of healthy smiles for your child. Our dentists are pediatric dental specialists. Together with our skilled and nurturing staff, we will provide a positive dental experience and help equip your child with the knowledge necessary for good oral hygiene. To ensure that your child grows up with a healthy smile, we offer a full compliment of services including sealants, fluoride treatments, tooth-colored fillings and regular check-ups.
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Braces for Children, Teens & Adults
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We take pride in our ability to provide personalized orthodontics for children, teens and adults! We have orthodontic specialists that will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan catered to your specific needs and desires. Whether you prefer the traditional, time-proven metal braces or are looking for a more aesthetic course of treatment using Clarity™ braces or Invisalign®, we are able to help you. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
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Initial exam
A new patient examination includes a thorough evaluation of the current conditions of the patient’s teeth and mouth and provides a diagnosis for treatment. An explanation of diagnosis and a treatment plan is then recommended.
Periodic Exam
A continuing patient oral examination done at regular 6-month preventative appointments to evaluate, diagnose, and record information needed for treatment.
X-ray
X-rays are taken at new patient exams and between 6 months and 1 year during periodic exams at cleaning appointments. X-rays are used to diagnose inter-proximal decay (between teeth) that is not evident during a visual exam. They are also used to check the formation of permanent teeth, possible crowding and eruption problems, and to check for abscesses.
Cleaning & Fluoride
Prophylaxis (cleaning) involves scaling and polishing, including complete removal of calculus, soft deposits, plaque, stains, and polishing tooth surfaces. Fluoride application helps prevent carries.
Sealant
Sealants are recommended as a preventative procedure to prevent the start of decay in the groove areas (chewing surface) of primary and permanent molar and bicuspid teeth. The sealant is a resin material. At preventative appointments sealants are checked and replaced when necessary.
Amalgam Restoration
Amalgam (silver filling) is used in the restoration of decayed or broken down teeth. This material is mostly used in primary teeth.
Composite Restoration
Composite (resin filling) is used in the restoration of decayed or broken down teeth. This material is mostly used in permanent teeth but can also be used in primary teeth if requested. Composite restoration is comparable to amalgam in strength and longevity.
Pulpotomy
A pulpotomy is the removal of nerve tissue inside the tooth that has become infected due to decay or infection (abscess). The tooth is medicated and completely covered with a crown.
Stainless Steel Crown
Stainless steel crowns are used to cover a tooth completely when there is not enough tooth structure remaining after the removal of decay to hold an amalgam restoration. They are mostly used for primary molar teeth but can be used for permanent molar teeth up to the mid teen years when a permanent crown can be done.
Extractions
The removal of a tooth is done when the tooth is not restorable by either severe decay, large fracture, or failed pulpotomy. Teeth may also be removed at the request of an orthodontist before starting ortho treatment.
Interceptive Ortho Appliance
Interceptive ortho appliances can be either a removable or fixed cemented type. They are very effective in making more room in the mouth for the permanent teeth by expanding the upper and/or lower arches.
Space Maintainer
A space maintainer is recommended for a prematurely lost primary tooth. It’s function is to hold the space open until the time the permanent tooth is about to erupt and prevent the movement of the adjoining teeth into that space.
Nitrous xide/Oxygen Sedation
Nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation is the mildest form of sedation used for slightly anxious dental patients. They breathe the nitrous oxide gas (happy air) through a scented nosepiece that will place the patient in a more relaxed state. The patient is They fully aware of their surroundings and the effects do not last past their dental visit.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is used on the moderately apprehensive patient or with very young children. The oral sedation used is versed. It relaxes the patient more than the nitrous oxide but does not render them unconscious. There are very specific instructions about its use and administration, which are fully explained before the treatment appointment. The effects last about six hours after administration.
IV sedation
I.V. sedation is recommended for the extremely anxious patient or those who may not be able to emotionally tolerate traditional dental treatment (physical or psychological ailments). We use two licensed and highly respected anesthesiologists in our office who will administer the IV sedation. They are fully monitored during the entire procedure and they bring all the necessary safety equipment that would be found in a hospital to the office. Most insurance policies do not make an allowance for any of the above types of sedations. The charge for IV sedation is a separate fee and must be paid in full at the time of service.
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What should I do if they knock out a tooth?
Baby tooth—These teeth are not re-implanted. Call with any questions or concerns you have, but the only way to save the tooth is under their pillow for the tooth fairy.
Permanent tooth—These teeth can be re-implanted, but time is of the essence. Call the office and alert us as to what has happened and then get to the office as soon as possible. The tooth must get back in the mouth within 1 hour to have any kind of chance of success. Do not handle the tooth by the root because we don’t want to disturb the gum cells on them, which are vital to the tooth re-attaching in the socket. Keep the tooth moist, either in a glass of milk or water on the way to the dentist.
What is the best toothpaste to use?
Despite what all the advertising on TV tries to tell you, they all work equally well. The key to good hygiene is to brush as long and well as possible. Therefore, whichever toothpaste they like the best, and thus will brush the longest with, that is the one I would use. As for toothbrushes, the only thing to remember is to always use a soft brush. It doesn’t matter what the shape or design is, as long as it is soft.
When should I get my child off the bottle?
Prolonged bottle use is the biggest cause of cavities in young children. It is recommended to be off a bottle by 1 year old at the latest. Bottles allow for frequent drinking, and that is how they cause problems. Therefore, once you get off a bottle and switch to a sippy cup, it is equally important that you don’t let your child walk around all day with the cup in their hand, unless it is filled with water, or you will have the same cavity problems that bottles cause.
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We will also clean, floss, and give a fluoride treatment to the teeth. Parents are welcome to accompany their child to the treatment area for all cleaning visits.
After the treatment is over, the doctor will discuss your child’s oral health condition with you, and you may ask all the questions you may have in regards to caring for your child’s teeth.
Treatment Visits
We do not use any form of sedation or gas in children’s dentistry. If you feel you would like that for your child or the doctor feels it is necessary for the safety of your child, we will refer you to the appropriate dentist for that form of treatment. If your child needs to be numb, we will use topical anesthesia applied with a Q-tip to provide some surface anesthesia before administering a local anesthetic such as Lidocaine™ to numb the tooth to be worked on.
Your child may eat before the visit, unless instructed otherwise. Please be aware that your child will be numb for 2 to 3 hours after the visit. During that time they may drink, including milkshakes, smoothies, soup, etc. But, they may NOT EAT while numb, even soft foods, to lessen the chance of biting their lips, cheek, or tongue. When their mouth wakes up, they may resume a normal diet.
During pediatric dentistry treatment visits, the child is always brought back alone. This allows us to have the child’s full attention while we are explaining what we will be doing. It also allows us to work as quickly and efficiently as possible. Parents and siblings may wait in the reception area until treatment is complete.
Most treatment appointments last around 30 minutes. Since the child will be lying on their back all this time, we suggest not putting their hair in a ponytail for our female patients.
The doctor will have discussed all of your child’s treatment needs at the time of their check-up. However, we want you to be as comfortable and knowledgeable as possible, so if new questions come up, please feel free to ask about any concerns you may have.
If possible, please call to discuss these issues before the day of your appointment. We want to answer all of your questions, but there have been times when a parent asks so many questions at the time of the appointment that we no longer have time to do the planned treatment, and need to reschedule the appointment.
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Pediatric FAQ’s
When should my child first see a dentist?
No later than their first birthday. It is best to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist as soon as their first tooth appears.
When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?
As soon as possible! Use an age appropriate toothbrush and clean your baby’s gums. Once teeth appear, brush twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
Are primary (baby) teeth really important?
Yes! Primary teeth help maintain good nutrition by allowing your child to chew properly. They are also an important part of speech development and help save space for permanent teeth to grow in.
More Info From AAPD
We use the latest materials and techniques to ensure your child receives the most up-to-date preventative and restorative treatments available. We take pride in offering the latest in technology including advances in sterilization/infection control, digital radiography and pediatric restorative materials to ensure your child is receiving the highest quality dental care available. Through new modern cutting edge technology, we can help maintain and improve your child’s health better than ever.
Sterilization and Infection Control
Today, more than ever, people are aware of what is needed to maintain a clean environment. The last thing a parent should worry about is infection control. Our office utilizes the latest state-of-the-art sterilization as your child’s safety is always our primary concern. Our Steri-Center ensures optimal cleanliness using technology that surpasses the industry standard.
Digital Dental Radiographs and Cavity Detecting Intraoral Cameras
With advances in computer-aided dentistry, we now provide our patients the latest diagnostic imaging, also known as digital radiography. We are now able to evaluate your child’s teeth more thoroughly than ever with up to 90% less radiation exposure compared to normal dental X-ray films. Since computers process digital X-rays, they are environmentally friendly with no chemicals or waste. Thus, providing better protection to our patients and staff. Digital X-rays also have the ability to be computer enhanced and magnified, in addition, the new caries detecting intraoral camera will allow for better education and understanding for our patients resulting in greater confidence in treatment.
Advances in Dental Materials and Techniques
From your child’s first dental appointment, it will be our goal to emphasize and teach proper oral health care in order to prevent any dental disease. We will use the latest in pediatric dentistry to protect teeth early on to prevent any future dental problems. If treatment is indicated, we will strive to provide your child with the most advanced technology and treatment options available. Our dentists regularly attend continuing education courses to stay on the cutting edge of pediatric dentistry.
Total Comfort Dentistry
Our care provides for your child’s comfort and well-being during dental procedures. Our office offers nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” oral conscious sedation and intravenous sedation/general anesthesia. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the use of these dental aids, please feel free to discuss them with us. We want you to feel comfortable with the methods of care in our office.
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Pediatric FAQ’s
When should my child first see a dentist?
No later than their first birthday. It is best to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist as soon as their first tooth appears.
When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?
As soon as possible! Use an age appropriate toothbrush and clean your baby’s gums. Once teeth appear, brush twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
Are primary (baby) teeth really important?
Yes! Primary teeth help maintain good nutrition by allowing your child to chew properly. They are also an important part of speech development and help save space for permanent teeth to grow in.
More Info From AAPD
What To Expect At The First Visit
A comprehensive oral examination, caries risk assessment, radiographs, (only when needed), prophylaxis and topical fluoride treatment.
A program of preventive home care including brushing, flossing, diet and the importance of fluorides.
Information about early childhood caries, which may be due to inappropriate nursing habits or inappropriate use of sippy cups.
The latest facts about finger thumb and pacifier habits, and timeline of orthodontics.
What you need to know about preventing injuries to the mouth and teeth.
Information on growth and development.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends regular dental visits for children at 1 year of age!
Let the first tooth remind you that it’s time to see your pediatric dentist.
Preparing Yourself And Your Child For Their Visit
If this is their first trip to the dentist, a parent will play a large role in preparing their child for their visit. Children are keen and can see if you are nervous or display any anxiety.
You can help to make their first trip to the dentist enjoyable and positive in what we do. A few tips include using positive language around your child when discussing his/her first visit and role playing with your child such as counting teeth together. Children’s books and videos are available at most bookstores to also help with your first visit. Your child’s dental visit should be an important and fun adventure that if you are relaxed and positive about this experience, it will help them be positive, too.
What We Will Cover In Your First Visit
The first visit will start with a review of your child’s medical and dental history and an initial examination, which includes “counting his/her teeth.” After a comprehensive examination of your child, any dental findings will be directly discussed with you. Dental X-rays (pictures) are taken, if necessary, to ensure a thorough examination followed by oral hygiene instructions to emphasize proper oral health care.
All aspects of a preventive dental health program including diet, hygiene and fluoride will also be discussed.
If your child is 3 or older, a cleaning and polishing of their teeth will usually follow along with fluoride application. For optimal communication, we will explain each of our procedures in terms your child can understand. We want to make your child’s first appointment a positive experience in order to set the tone for future appointments. If any dental findings indicate preventative or restorative treatment, than subsequent appointments may be scheduled.
Why Is It Important To Begin Dental Care So Early?
It is always better to make a first dental appointment before your child has a dental problem. By starting an early prevention program, future dental problem can be avoided. Often times, if tooth decay is detected early enough, there are therapies available that can be used to reverse or minimize their growth. Furthermore, by introducing your child when little dental treatment is needed, he/she comes away a better patient with a more positive attitude about dentistry.
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Pediatric Dentists
I’d want to see what was going on. At least through 1 way glass, if not in the room, so I know nothing bad is going on.
When I was little, my mom took me to a pediatric dentist. She was told the same thing, parents aren’t allowed to go back. She understood that, thought it made sense. What she didn’t know, was that after they came and took me from the waiting area, where all was calm and serene, I went through a corridor, and as I got closer to the back, I could hear the other kids screaming and crying. You couldn’t hear anything out in the waiting area. The parents had no clue.
They took me back to a chair, and worked on my teeth. I had to have been like 3 or 4 yrs old. Some big dentist dude with huge man hands, was convinced his hands would fit in my little mouth. It hurt. Bad. He scolded me for being a baby. One time, I don’t remember how, but I know they hurt me. They scolded me for being a baby. That made me cry worse. After they were done, they wouldn’t let me go back to my mom until I had not only quit crying, but all visible signs of me crying were gone. I had to sit in a separate area back there, playing with the special toys that they reserved for just that situation. Once I looked happy again, they gave me my 5 cent toy, and took me back to Mom, all happy and smiling.
Mom never knew how bad it was. After all, by the time they brought me back to her, I was happy and smiling playing with my prize. When she’d go to take me back, I’d beg her not to, but was too young to vocalize what they had done to me. I just knew they were bad, and that wasn’t explanation enough for Mom.
I’m 35 and still have major dental anxiety from that terrible place. When I take my son to the dentist, I don’t go back with him, as I think they have a point. But… I will sneak back and look in on him, as I see fit, and if that’s a problem I won’t be bringing him back.
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When I was a child we just went to the dentist. I remembered being terrified, but no one seemed to mind. We were just expected to go, be quiet and cooperative and behave. Today our children go to the pediatric dentist and it is a party for them. The children are welcomed, they have toys or games for them to play. When one of our sons was little, this was several years ago, they dentist had water games to hold and play with. These little games had hoops to place over the dolphins nose, little basketballs to shoot into the hoops, this was done with a stream of water from a button at the bottom. He loved going to the pediatric dentist and would ask when it was time to go.
Another son enjoyed going to the dentist because they had a game system in their office. This was before we had one of our own. It was a great day when dentist day came along. The procedures of today are so painless and quick that the children don’t seem to mind. They are treated with compassion, with respect and welcoming. There is nothing to fear, it is simply just dentist day and when you are through it is time to choose a toy out of the treasure box. Our one son is 16 and yet still grabs a treasure before he leaves with a little twinkle in his eye. Sometimes it simple isn’t worth being big.
Dentistry has come a long way. With laser x-rays, fillings that don’t require Novocaine, machines that can detect decay way before it hardly leaves the surface, teeth that are properly cared for and seen by the regularly rarely decay anymore. Sealants are put into place as soon as permanent teeth are in place to stop decay. We can plan on keeping our teeth until we die. Children are pandered to, taken care of and entertained so they actually do look forward to going to the dentist.
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Most parents know that the day will soon come to take their baby for the first dental appointment. It is an unavoidable part of life. Unfortunately, many parents fear this day and they often unknowingly install that fear in their toddler at the same time. There is no reason to be afraid though. A good pediatric dentist will have your child smiling and laughing within no time at all. It is important that a baby’s teeth be looked at by one year of age. Though this may seem silly to some, particularly if your child only has a few teeth, it is indeed a necessity.
According to the AAPD, “Over 40% – 50% of children will be affected by tooth decay before age 5.” This can be caused by a number of issues such as letting a baby sleep with a bottle, letting young children drink excessive amounts of sugary juice or offering beverages such as soda, which contain high levels of citric acid. It can also be caused by insufficient dental hygiene; this is usually neither the fault of the youngster or parent, it is simply hard to properly care for emerging teeth. Your pediatric dentist can guide you in the correct procedures.
Feeling anxious prior to an appointment is common. There are many things involved in dentistry that are noisy, create vibrations, or simply have a frightening look. Try to avoid using any words that are likely to make your child uncomfortable, such as ‘pain’, ‘hurt’, ‘needle’ or ‘drill’. Even if you are trying to reassure your little one that they will not experience any of these things, the mere mention of the words is enough to make children nervous.
In fact, keeping the conversation about the upcoming pediatric dentist visit light and lively is a better idea. Also, be sure not to mention it too often. One discussion of what to expect, and then a simple reminder the day before the appointment, is plenty for a little one to take in. If your child has questions, be sure to answer them, but do not over do the explanations. If you talk about the visit more than necessary, suspicion will creep in to their imaginative little minds!
Your pediatric dentist will know how to converse with your children on their level. He will make the visit fun and encourage good oral hygiene in terms that they can understand. The office staff will also be used to working with children and they will be prepared to help you with any questions or concerns that come up.
If looking for a pediatric dentist, we provide comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs.
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