PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

• Introduction

Pediatric Dentistry

Why do kids love our office?

Has your child ever begged you not to leave the dentist? We see it every day.   It could be our gentle touch and special way with kids. Or it could be that our office is designed to make a special place for kids.  The moment they come into our fun office they are excited about the train table, the salt water fish tank and all the toys.  Our office is wide open so that kids never feel trapped and out of control.  We know that some children may be apprehensive of a dental office or may have had a bad experience in the past.  That's why Dr. Cynthia and her staff are specially trained to put them at ease. We teach your children the proper way to take care of their teeth and just as important, they learn that going to the dentist can be fun.

What Is A Pediatric Dentist (Pedodontist)?

In the same way that pediatricians are trained to meet a child's medical needs, pedodontists are uniquely qualified to protect your child's oral health using the most advanced techniques, and all in our fun and open treatment area. Pediatric dentists have an additional two to three years of training at university pediatric facilities in addition to four years of dental school and four years of college study. A child's and adolescents dentition and oral cavity are unique and require special knowledge and the most up-to-date treatments available for a wide variety of dental problems.  We also learn to complement a child's unique understanding of the world and to work with that understanding to create a positive experience.

What Dental Problems Could My Child Have?

Some dental problems begin very early in life. One concern is baby bottle tooth decay, a serious condition caused by a child going to bed with a bottle. Early childhood caries occures when a child has cavities at a young age.  If these cavities are not detected, they could progress into  an infection involving the roots of the teeth and the surrounding bone.  Another problem is gum disease. About 40 percent of children two to three years old have at least mild inflammation of gum tissues. Oral habits (such as digit sucking) should also be checked. A pediatric dentist ensures any irregularity in growth and development involving the teeth and surrounding bone are detected.  are discoveredChildren should be seen by a pediatric dentist by the first year of life.

Why Are Baby Teeth So Important?

Primary teeth are important because they help with proper chewing and eating, help in speech development, and add to proper digestion and chewing. A child who can chew easily, speak clearly, and smile confidently is a happier child. Healthy primary teeth allow normal development of the jaw bones and muscles, save space for the permanent teeth, and guide them into place. If a baby tooth is lost too soon, permanent teeth may come in crooked. Decayed baby teeth can cause pain, abscesses, infections, and can spread to the permanent teeth. Also, your child's general health can be affected if diseased baby teeth aren't treated. Remember, some primary molars are not replaced until age 10-14, so they must last for years.

What Should I Tell My Child About Their First Dental Visit?

We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way that you would before their first hair-cut or trip to the shoe store. This will not be the frightening experience you may remember from your youth. Your child is precious to us, and we will do everything possible to ensure that your child's dental visits are a pleasant and rewarding experience.

What About Preventative Care?

Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand-in-hand. At our office, we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest in sealant technology to protect your child's teeth. Sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child's lifetime of good oral health.

What About Sterilization?

Your health and peace of mind are always our primary concern; therefore, we use state-of-the-art sterilization procedures. After each patient's visit, the treatment area is thoroughly disinfected. We ultrasonically clean and heat-sterilize all non-disposable instruments. Our staff wears gloves and masks during procedures. Please feel free to ask us for information on the measures we take to ensure the safety of you and your children or a tour of our sterilization area.