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Miscellaneous
Post-op Instructions
Filling
Following your child's filling appointment if an anesthetic has been used, the lips, tongue and cheek may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. Children can very easily bite their lips or tongue while being numb.
It is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity after the filling appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Over the counter Ibuprofen (Motrin) or Tylenol work well to alleviate the tenderness. Once the numbness is completely worn off, if your child feels that the filled teeth come in contact prior to the rest of the teeth contact our office for an adjustment.
Your child may chew with composite (tooth colored) fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office. If you chose the silver fillings instruct your child not to eat on that side for the next eight hours since silver fillings take longer to achieve their complete set strength.
Extractions
After tooth extraction, it's important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Advice your child to bite on the provided gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. You may have to do this several times. If bleeding still persists, biting on a moist tea bag wrapped in gauze may help control the oozing from the surgical site. Tea has an ingredient that promotes blood clotting.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Make sure your child does not rinse vigorously or suck on straws. Avoid hard and chewy foods and do not brush the teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit strenuous activity for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
Failure to comply with the above instructions will result in dislodgement of the clot and severe throbbing pain at the extraction site, since the bone is now exposed to the oral environment. After the tooth is extracted your child may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Give pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office if the medication does not seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to give them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone.
It is important to resume normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your child's teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean. After a few days your child will feel fine and can resume normal activities. If your child has heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.
Fluoride Application
Following your child's cleaning appointment, a topical form of fluoride will be applied onto teeth either in the form of gels or foams. It may be delivered using fluoride trays or may be simply painted onto teeth.
In order to increase the bio-availability of fluoride ions and increase its uptake, advice your child not to eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after application. Also avoid milk and milk products for the rest of the day since calcium in the milk will bind to the fluoride and decrease its bio-availability.
Space Maintainer
Your child has been fitted with a space maintainer in order to maintain the space following extraction of the baby tooth, to allow the permanent tooth to take its place.
The space maintainer has been cemented in place with permanent cement. Your child can resume normal function after an hour following cementation.
In a few years when the permanent tooth is trying to make its way through and you see the white cusp of the tooth through the gum tissue, contact the office for an appointment to remove the space maintainer.
If the spacer maintainer for some reason becomes loose before the permanent tooth makes its way through, contact the office for recementation of the spacer maintainer.
Pulp therapy / Pulpotomy
Your child's tooth required pulp therapy since the decay had progressed to involve the nerve or pulp tissue inside the tooth.
Due to the use of a local anesthetic your child's lips, tongue and cheek will be numb for several hours. Advice your child not to eat on the affected side till the numbness is gone, which may be a couple of hours. Your child may have some pain and tenderness on the treated tooth. Give the prescribed pain relievers and antibiotics as directed by your dentist.
Observe the tooth for any gum boil or swelling. If a swelling develops contact our office immediately.
CLOSE - Post-op Instructions |
FAQ
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
Coming Soon
Preventative Care
When should I begin brushing my child’s teeth?Begin daily brushing as soon as the child’s first tooth erupts. A pea size amount
of fluoride toothpaste can be used after the child is old enough not to swallow
it. By age 4 or 5, children should be able to brush their own teeth twice a day
with supervision until about age seven to make sure they are doing a thorough job.
However, each child is different. Your dentist can help you determine whether the
child has the skill level to brush properly.
Proper brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces. When
teaching children to brush, place toothbrush at a 45 degree angle; start along gum
line with a soft bristle brush in a gentle circular motion. Brush the outer surfaces
of each tooth, upper and lower. Repeat the same method on the inside surfaces and
chewing surfaces of all the teeth. Finish by brushing the tongue to help freshen
breath and remove bacteria.
Flossing removes plaque between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing
should begin when any two teeth touch. You should floss the child’s teeth until
he or she can do it alone. Use about 18 inches of floss, winding most of it around
the middle fingers of both hands. Hold the floss lightly between the thumbs and
forefingers. Use a gentle, back-and-forth motion to guide the floss between the
teeth. Curve the floss into a C-shape and slide it into the space between the gum
and tooth until you feel resistance. Gently scrape the floss against the side of
the tooth. Repeat this procedure on each tooth. Don’t forget the backs of the last
four teeth.
How do I Prevent Cavities?
Good oral hygiene removes bacteria and the left over food particles that combine
to create cavities. For infants, use a wet gauze or clean washcloth to wipe the
plaque from teeth and gums. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle filled
with anything other than water. See "Baby Bottle Tooth Decay" for more information.
For older children, brush their teeth at least twice a day. Also, watch the number
of snacks containing sugar that you give your children.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends six month visits to the pediatric
dentist beginning at your child’s first birthday. Routine visits will start your
child on a lifetime of good dental health.
Your pediatric dentist may also recommend protective sealants or home fluoride treatments
for your child. Sealants can be applied to your child’s molars to prevent decay
on hard to clean surfaces.
How do I make my child's diet safe for his teeth?
Healthy eating habits lead to healthy teeth. Like the rest of the body, the teeth,
bones and the soft tissues of the mouth need a well-balanced diet. Children should
eat a variety of foods from the five major food groups. Most snacks that children
eat can lead to cavity formation. The more frequently a child snacks, the greater
the chance for tooth decay. How long food remains in the mouth also plays a role.
For example, hard candy and breath mints stay in the mouth a long time, which cause
longer acid attacks on tooth enamel. If your child must snack, choose nutritious
foods such as vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cheese which are healthier
and better for children’s teeth.
What is a sealant and how does it help prevent decay?
A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces
(grooves) of the back teeth (premolars and molars), where four out of five cavities
in children are found. This sealant acts as a barrier to food, plaque and acid,
thus protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth.
How long do sealants last?
Research shows that sealants can last for many years if properly cared for. So,
your child will be protected throughout the most cavity-prone years. If your child
has good oral hygiene and avoids biting hard objects, sealants will last longer.
Your pediatric dentist will check the sealants during routine dental visits and
can recommend reapplication or repair when necessary.
How are sealants placed?
The application of a sealant is quick and comfortable. It takes only one visit.
The tooth is first cleaned. It is then conditioned and dried. The sealant is then
flowed onto the grooves of the tooth and allowed to harden or hardened with a special
light. Your child will be able to eat right after the appointment.
What are the benefits of fluoride?
When used in appropriate amounts it encourages "remineralization," a strengthening
of weak areas on the teeth such as the pits and the fissures on the teeth. Fluoride
occurs naturally in water and in many different foods, as well as in dental products
such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, gels, varnish and supplements. Fluoride is effective
when combined with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene.
How do I determine if my child needs fluoride supplements?
Children between the ages of six months and 16 years may require fluoride supplements.
The pediatric dentist considers many different factors before recommending a fluoride
supplement. Your child's age, risk of developing dental decay and the different
liquids your child drinks are important considerations. Bottled, filtered and well
waters vary in their fluoride amount, so a water analysis may be necessary to ensure
your child is receiving the proper amount.
What’s the Best Toothpaste for my Child?
Tooth brushing is one of the most important tasks for good oral health. Many toothpastes,
and/or tooth polishes, however, can damage young smiles. They contain harsh abrasives
which can wear away young tooth enamel. When looking for a toothpaste for your child
make sure to pick one that is recommended by the American Dental Association. These
toothpastes have undergone testing to insure they are safe to use.
Remember, children should spit out toothpaste after brushing to avoid getting too
much fluoride. If too much fluoride is ingested, a condition known as fluorosis
can occur. If your child is too young or unable to spit out toothpaste, consider
providing them with a fluoride free toothpaste, using no toothpaste, or using only
a "pea size" amount of toothpaste.
What is dental fluorosis? How does it affect my child’s teeth? How can it be prevented?
Fluoride is an element, which has been shown to be beneficial to teeth. However,
too little or too much fluoride can be detrimental to the teeth. Little or no fluoride
will not strengthen the teeth to help them resist cavities. Excessive fluoride ingestion
by preschool-aged children can lead to dental fluorosis, which is a chalky white
to even brown discoloration of the permanent teeth. Many children often get more
fluoride than their parents realize. Being aware of a child’s potential sources
of fluoride can help parents prevent the possibility of dental fluorosis.
Some of these sources are:
- Too much fluoridated toothpaste at an early age
- The inappropriate use of fluoride supplements
- Hidden sources of fluoride in the child’s diet
Two and three year olds may not be able to expectorate (spit out) fluoride-containing
toothpaste when brushing. As a result, these youngsters may ingest an excessive
amount of fluoride during tooth brushing. Toothpaste ingestion during this critical
period of permanent tooth development is the greatest risk factor in the development
of fluorosis.
Excessive and inappropriate intake of fluoride supplements may also contribute to
fluorosis. Fluoride drops and tablets, as well as fluoride fortified vitamins should
not be given to infants younger than six months of age. After that time, fluoride
supplements should only be given to children after all of the sources of ingested
fluoride have been accounted for and upon the recommendation of your pediatrician
or pediatric dentist.
Certain foods contain high levels of fluoride, especially powdered concentrate infant
formula, soy-based infant formula, infant dry cereals, creamed spinach, and infant
chicken products. Please read the label or contact the manufacturer. Some beverages
also contain high levels of fluoride, especially decaffeinated teas, white grape
juices, and juice drinks manufactured in fluoridated cities. Another source of fluoride
can be found in soft drinks at fast food restaurants, when blending the syrup and
carbonation with the city water supply.
Parents can take the following steps to decrease the risk of fluorosis in their
children’s teeth:
- Use baby tooth cleanser on the toothbrush of the very young child
- Place only a pea sized drop of children’s toothpaste on the brush when brushing
- Account for all of the sources of ingested fluoride before requesting fluoride supplements from your child’s physician or pediatric dentist
- Avoid giving any fluoride-containing supplements to infants until they are at least 6 months old
- Obtain fluoride level test results for your drinking water before giving fluoride supplements to your child (check with local water utilities)
What is topical fluoride?
Topical fluoride is applied on cleaned tooth surfaces to strenghten teeth and help
fight decay.
Children who benefit the most from fluoride are those at highest risk for dental
decay. Riskfactors include a history of decay, high sucrose carbohydrate diet, orthodontic
appliances and certain medical conditions such as dry mouth.
Does Your Child Grind His Teeth At Night? (Bruxism)
Parents are often concerned about the nocturnal(night time) grinding of teeth (bruxism).
Often, the first indication is the noise created by the child grinding on their
teeth during sleep. Or, the parent may notice wear (teeth getting shorter) to the
dentition. One theory as to the cause involves a psychological component. Stress
due to a new environment, divorce, changes at school; etc. can influence a child
to grind their teeth. Another theory relates to pressure in the inner ear at night.
If there are pressure changes (like in an airplane during take-off and landing when
people are chewing gum, etc. to equalize pressure) the child will grind by moving
his jaw to relieve this pressure.
The majority of cases of pediatric bruxism do not require any treatment. If excessive
wear of the teeth (attrition) is present, then a mouth guard (night guard) may be
indicated. The negatives to a mouth guard are the possibility of choking if the
appliance becomes dislodged during sleep and it may interfere with growth of the
jaws. The positive is obvious by preventing wear to the primary dentition.
The good news is most children outgrow bruxism. The grinding gets less between the
ages 6-9 and children tend to stop grinding between ages 9-12. If you suspect bruxism,
discuss this with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist.
Why do children indulge in Thumb Sucking?
Sucking is a natural reflex and infants and young children may use thumbs, fingers,
pacifiers and other objects on which to suck. It may make them feel secure and happy
or provide a sense of security at difficult periods. Since thumb sucking is relaxing,
it may induce sleep.
How does Thumb sucking affect a child’s dentition?
Thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of the permanent teeth can cause
problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment. How intensely
a child sucks on fingers or thumbs will determine whether or not dental problems
may result. Children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely
to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs.
Do children eventually give up the habit?
Children should cease thumb sucking by the time their permanent front teeth are
ready to erupt. Usually, children stop between the ages of two and four. Peer pressure
causes many school-aged children to stop.
Do Pacifiers help break the habit?
Pacifiers are no substitute for thumb sucking. They can affect the teeth essentially
the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs. However, use of the pacifier can be
controlled and modified more easily than the thumb or finger habit. If you have
concerns about thumb sucking or use of a pacifier, consult your pediatric dentist.
How can I help my child stop
the habit?
Below are some suggestions-
- Instead of scolding children for thumb sucking, praise them when they are not
- Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure. Focus on correcting the
cause of anxiety, instead of the thumb sucking
- Children who are sucking for comfort will feel less of a need when their parents
provide comfort
- Reward children when they refrain from sucking during difficult periods, such as
when being separated from their parents
- Your pediatric dentist can encourage children to stop sucking and explain what could
happen if they continue
- If these approaches don’t work, remind the children of their habit by bandaging
the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night. Your pediatric dentist may recommend
the use of a mouth appliance
Tongue Piercing – Is it Really
Cool?
You might not be surprised anymore to see people with pierced tongues, lips or cheeks,
but you might be surprised to know just how dangerous these piercings can be.
There are many risks involved with oral piercings including chipped or cracked teeth,
blood clots, or blood poisoning. Your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection
is a common complication of oral piercing. Your tongue could swell large enough
to close off your airway!
Common symptoms after piercing include pain, swelling, infection, an increased flow
of saliva and injuries to gum tissue. Difficult-to-control bleeding or nerve damage
can result if a blood vessel or nerve bundle is in the path of the needle.
So follow the advice of the American Dental Association and give your mouth a break
– skip the mouth jewelry.
How can I educate my teenager
on the ill-effects of tobacco use?
Tobacco in any form can jeopardize your child’s health and cause incurable damage.
Teach your child about the dangers of tobacco.
Smokeless tobacco, also called spit, chew or snuff, is often used by teens who believe
that it is a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. This is an unfortunate misconception.
Studies show that spit tobacco may be more addictive than smoking cigarettes and
may be more difficult to quit. Teens who use it may be interested to know that one
can of snuff per day delivers as much nicotine as 60 cigarettes. In as little as
three to four months, smokeless tobacco use can cause periodontal disease and produce
pre-cancerous lesions called leukoplakias.
If your child is a tobacco user you should watch for the following that could be
early signs of oral cancer:
- A sore that won’t heal
- White or red leathery patches on the lips, and on or under the tongue
- Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue; or a change
in the way the teeth fit together
Because the early signs of oral cancer usually are not painful, people often ignore
them. If it’s not caught in the early stages, oral cancer can require extensive,
sometimes disfiguring, surgery. Even worse, it can kill. Help your child avoid tobacco
in any form. By doing so, they will avoid bringing cancer-causing chemicals in direct
contact with their tongue, gums and cheek
What is the Best Time for Orthodontic Treatment?
Developing malocclusions, or bad bites, can be recognized as early as 2-3 years
of age. Often, early steps can be taken to reduce the need for major orthodontic
treatment at a later age.
Stage I – Early Treatment: This period of treatment encompasses ages 2 to
6 years. At this young age, we are concerned with underdeveloped dental arches,
the premature loss of primary teeth, and harmful habits such as finger or thumb
sucking. Treatment initiated in this stage of development is often very successful
and many times, though not always, can eliminate the need for future orthodontic/orthopedic
treatment.
Stage II – Mixed Dentition: This period covers the ages of 6 to 12 years,
with the eruption of the permanent incisor (front) teeth and 6 year molars. Treatment
concerns deal with jaw malrelationships and dental realignment problems. This is
an excellent stage to start treatment, when indicated, as your child’s hard and
soft tissues are usually very responsive to orthodontic or orthopedic forces.
Stage III – Adolescent Dentition: This stage deals with the permanent teeth
and the development of the final bite relationship.
How can I protect my child’s
teeth from sport injuries?
When a child begins to participate in recreational activities and organized sports,
injuries can occur. A properly fitted mouth guard, or mouth protector, is an important
piece of athletic gear that can help protect your child’s smile, and should be used
during any activity that could result in a blow to the face or mouth.
Mouth guards help prevent broken teeth, and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or
jaw. A properly fitted mouth guard will stay in place while your child is wearing
it, making it easy for them to talk and breathe.
Ask your pediatric dentist about custom and store-bought mouth protectors.
X-ray Use and Safety
Coming Soon
Calming an Anxious Child
Coming Soon
Sealants
Coming Soon
Fluoride
Coming Soon
General Anesthesia
Coming Soon
Nitrous Oxide
Coming Soon
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Technology
- Dental Radiographs
Dental radiographs or x-rays are an important part of a complete dental exam. A complete set of 18 x-rays for adults and 10 x-rays for children are usually taken at the initial dental exam. Thereafter 6-8 x-rays called checkup x-rays are taken every 6 -12 months depending on the individual needs. X-rays are essential diagnostic tools for finding hidden interproximal cavities, cysts, tumors, impacted wisdom teeth, determining eruption times of permanent teeth by the extent of root formation and presence of supernumerary teeth (extra teeth).
Digital Radiography, offers some positive advantages over typical film X-rays. The most remarkable is the reduction of radiation exposure, by as much as 80%, which makes dental X-ray taking safer and minimizes concerns about radiation exposure. You should know that 2 dental x-rays deliver 5,600 times less radiation to an unborn child than an upper GI series, 80 times less radiation than a chest x-ray, and 4 times less radiation than a normal day of background radiation playing in the sun. Dental x-rays are necessary and both safe and effective.
Digital imaging has been used by the medical community to make diagnostic information more accessible and more valuable. It is now available for dental offices. These dental x-rays are taken using electronic sensors that send the image directly to a computer. This image is displayed on a LCD monitor, can be enlarged, and can help the patient visualize and understand the doctor's treatment recommendations more easily. It also faciliates the doctor's diagnostic ability in "zooming in" and enlarging a specific area of the x-ray. The digital image only takes 10-15 seconds to appear on the monitor. A side benefit is that digital X-ray is also environmentally friendly. The sensors used do not contain lead foil, like conventional dental film, that needs to be recycled or disposed of as hazardous waste. Also, there are no chemicals or water involved in generating an image, reducing pollution and water consumption.
Digital X-ray generates pictures that are diagnostically equivalent to film based images. Many image enhancement tools allow many viewing options. They allow zooming, brightness and contrast control, reversing, colorization, and other features that can be used to assist the dentist in diagnosing dental problems. The images also can be transmitted electronically for either insurance purposes or to another doctor involved in treatment.
Kids really enjoy being able to actually see their X-rays on the computer screen. It helps them to understand their condition better and gets them involved in treatment. By placing a large image of an x-ray on a monitor that the child can see, we can begin to include the child in the diagnosis. It is a great teaching tool.
Taking the image:
A small, flat sensor is placed in the patient's mouth next to the teeth. The sensor is connected to a computer by a thin wire. Next, an X-ray beam is sent through your teeth and into the sensor, which records the image of your teeth and sends it to the computer. The sensor can then be repositioned to capture other sections of the mouth.
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- Sterilization and Patient Safety
Our office uses state of the art sterilization to ensure patient safety. Sterilization and disinfection are the basic steps in instrument processing and surface asepsis. Sterilization refers to the use of a physical or chemical procedure to destroy all forms of microorganisms, including the highly resistant spores.
We use Rapid Steam Autoclave at 275. F(35psi), for 15-20 minutes.
First, the instruments are prepared for the sterilization process. Patient debris and fluids are removed by placing the instruments in 3.2% glutaraldehyde for 40 minutes .Following this pre-disinfection step the instruments are transferred to an ultrasonic cleaner for another 15 minutes .Then the instruments are rinsed, dried, placed in self sealing sterilization pouches and sterilized in the autoclave. Instruments which can not be heat sterilized, are immersed in 2% glutaraldehyde for 10 hours to cold sterilize.
We use Biological, Chemical and Mechanical indicators to monitor our sterilization process.
Using bacterial spores to monitor the sterilization process is referred to as biologic monitoring (or spore-testing), and the bacterial spores used for monitoring the sterilization process are referred to as biologic indicators (BIs). Of the three methods, biologic monitoring is regarded as the most valid for monitoring the sterilization process, for it uses live, highly resistant bacterial spores. We biologically monitor our sterilizer once a week to ensure complete sterilization using spore strips and keep accurate records for our monitoring. These strips are enclosed in a glassine envelope and processed through the sterilizer. They are then sent to our spore testing center where they are tested for live spores.
Chemical monitoring involves using chemical indicators (CIs) that change color or form when exposed to specific high temperatures or to the sterilizing conditions within a sterilizer. This is referred to as chemical monitoring (or process monitoring). We use sterilization pouches that have special marking that change color when subjected to sterilizing temperatures.
Mechanical monitoring involves observing and recording the physical aspects (e.g., temperature, pressure, or time) of the cycle when the sterilizer is being operated. Our Sterilizer is serviced regularly to ensure proper functioning.
Barrier Controls - As recommended by OSHA and CDC our office staff wears protective eyewear, mask, and new gloves for each patient. For each patient light covers, head rest covers, suction tips, air water syringe tips , bibs and any item used that cannot be sterilized are discarded..
Disinfectants - These are used on chairs, counter tops, and other surface areas in all treatment rooms after each use.
Our goal is to provide the highest level of safety and comfort for our staff and patients. We are committed to staying current with the latest in infection control and sterilization guidelines. You can feel confident that your child's health is protected in our office.
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Preventive Care
- Brushing
All children need to brush their teeth at least two times a day, at night before bedtime, and in the morning after breakfast. By disturbing and removing the plaque formation twice a day, parents can minimize or eliminate their children's potential for decay. For younger children a parent should brush their teeth using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. As the child gets older and you see they have the dexterity and patience to properly take care of their teeth, you may give over the task. But do periodically monitor their care. Toothpaste should be approved by the American Dental Association. Toothbrushes should be the proper size, smaller is better than bigger, and always use a soft nylon brush in a circular manner. This will prevent toothbrush abrasion, excessive wear of the enamel at the gum line. Also a toothbrush should be replaced when it is worn, bristles splayed, or after more serious colds, infection, Strep throat, etc.
Infants - Gum pads and teeth should be wiped off with a gauze or washcloth.
Toddlers - Parents should brush their teeth twice a day with a very small amount of toothpaste. Toothpaste has quite a bit of fluoride in it. If the child is allowed to swallow it, this can cause white or brown spots to occur on the developing permanent teeth. Use toothpaste sparingly with young children.
3-6 year olds - Let them brush, supervise them, and do the final brushing to make sure all surfaces of the teeth are cleaned. Also you need to floss their teeth as they get older as the posterior teeth get closer and tighter over time. Make sure they can rinse their mouth so toothpaste doesn't get swallowed.
6 and older - Continue supervision until you are sure they can brush and floss properly.
Your dentist may recommend the use of disclosing agents which help reveal the presence of plaque on teeth. Swishing with these agents before and after brushing will disclose the missed areas and motivate your child.
Close Brushing
- Flouride Treatment
What is Flouride
The fluoride ion comes from the element fluorine. Fluoride, either applied topically to erupted teeth, or ingested orally (called systemic fluoride) during tooth development, helps to prevent tooth decay, strengthen tooth enamel, and reduce the harmful effects of plaque. Fluoride also makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage is even visible.
Where is fluoride found?
Topical Fluoride is found in products containing strong concentrations of fluoride (i.e., toothpastes, mouth rinses), fluoridated varnishes and/or gels either topically applied by a dentist or other oral health professional, or prescribed as an at-home regimen (particularly for persons with a high risk of dental caries).
Systemic Fluoride can be ingested through public and private water supplies, soft drinks, teas, as dietary supplements, some bottled water supplies. Once ingested, systemic fluoride is absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract and distributed and deposited throughout the body via the blood supply.
What health risks are associated with fluoride uses?
In general, fluoride consumption is safe. Health risks associated with Fluoridation usually are limited to misuse and over concentration. To avoid misuse and over concentration: Avoid drinking overly fluoridated water - results of this may cause teeth to become discolored, and may cause the enamel of the teeth to look spotted, pitted, or stained (a condition known as dental fluorosis). Avoid swallowing toothpaste and other dental hygiene products.
Call the local water department and/or the health department to evaluate the fluoride level in your local drinking reservoir. Children are especially vulnerable to dental fluorosis as their developing teeth are more sensitive to higher fluoride levels. Consult a pediatric dentist or other oral health care professional if you notice changes in the condition of your child's teeth.
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- Dental Sealants
Sealants protect the occlusal surfaces, inhibiting bacterial growth and providing a smooth surface that increases the probability that the surface will stay clean. The ultimate goal of sealants is penetrating into the pit and fissures of the tooth and sealing them from bacteria.
Indications for Use
Traditionally, sealants are thought of as a preventive measure for children and teenagers when they are in their "cavity prone years". Patients who have xerostomia (decreased salivation), are undergoing orthodontic treatment, show evidence of incipient caries, or who are prone to caries should be evaluated as candidates for sealant placement. Primary molars also can benefit from the placement of sealants.
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- Space Maintainer
Space maintainers are appliances made to custom fit your child's mouth to maintain the space intended for the permanent tooth when it decides to come in. They do this by "holding open" the empty space left by a lost tooth by preventing movement in the remaining teeth until the permanent tooth takes its natural position in the child's mouth. This treatment is much more affordable and much easier on your child than to move them back later with orthodontic procedures. Think of space maintainers as insurance against braces.
Why are they important to children's dental care?
Well, baby teeth usually stay in place until "pushed out" by a permanent tooth that takes its place. Unfortunately, some children lose baby teeth too early. A tooth may be knocked out accidentally or be removed due to severe disease. When this occurs, a space maintainer may be required to prevent future dental problems. Space maintainers encourage normal development of the jaw bones and muscles, and save space for the permanent teeth and help guide them into position.
How can losing a baby tooth too early cause problems for permanent teeth?
Well, teeth are strange in that regard. Teeth attempt to "fill" any space available to them. If your child loses a baby tooth to early, the remaining baby teeth may tilt, drift, or move up or down to fill the gap. When this happens, they fill the space intended for the permanent tooth, and the permanent tooth can come in crowded or crooked. And this condition, if left untreated, may require extensive (and expensive) orthodontic treatment (braces or even surgery).
Space maintainers require any special care?
Yes, they do, and you as a parent can help. Make sure your child avoids Hard/Sticky foods (suckers, caramels, gum, popcorn, etc.). Teeth should be brushed after each meal and clean the teeth with bands especially well. Once a day, a fluoride mouthwash should be used to help prevent decalcification of the teeth around the band and wire. Do not try to bend the wire for any reason with finger or tongue. Notify our office immediately if the bands come loose or the space maintainer is damaged in any way. If a tooth erupts under the wire this also needs to be checked.
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- Regular Dental Checkup
In order to avoid lengthy procedures & maintain a healthy disease free mouth we recommend recare every 6 months. This allows us to detect early signs of disease & provide appropriate treatment, leading to a favorable prognosis.
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CLOSE - Preventive Care |
Restorative Care
Baby teeth serve the important function of eating, speech, and esthetics (self image). These teeth not only help form the developing jaws, but they hold space for the permanent teeth so that a normal bite occurs. The last baby tooth falls out at about twelve years of age. A decayed baby tooth can become so badly decayed that it can do damage to the permanent tooth. At times severe infections of the face, head, and neck can be caused by infected baby teeth. So it is important to restore baby teeth as soon as decay is first detected.
Teeth with dental decay can be restored either with amalgam (silver) or tooth colored fillings. If the decay is extensive it will require the restoration with a crown.
Tooth Colored Fillings 
In the past; cavities could only be treated with unsightly metal fillings that are alloys for silver and mercury. These fillings, especially when close to the front of the mouth, are highly noticeable and unaesthetic. Sometimes, the filling is so large that it causes discoloration of the entire tooth. These fillings (or restorations) often weaken teeth due to the large amount of the original tooth that has to be removed. Also there is a risk of Mercury poisoning that is used in the filling. Modern dentistry has increasingly turned to Tooth colored or composite fillings as a strong, safe and more natural looking alternative. Composite fillings utilize a soft white plastic substance that is hardened with a blue light.
Restorative Visit
You can help us make this next visit a successful and positive experience for your child, by working with us to accomplish this goal. While taking to your child about this visit use positive words like fun, easy, tooth asleep, silver star, water spray etc. Do not use negative words like pain, hurt , needle, shot, tooth pulled etc.
The entire procedure will be explained to your child and you before the procedure is performed. Pedodontists are trained to deliver the local anesthetic painlessly. However we do offer nitrous oxide and conscious sedation if the dentist sees the need for it. Once the procedure is completed a piece of gauze referred to as tooth pillow is placed between the cheek and the teeth to prevent your child from accidently biting into the numb cheek and lip. When the anesthesia is wearing off your child will feel tingling sensation which may be annoying to some children. Reaffirm to your child that the tooth is waking up.
After treatment is completed you can help us to continue the positive experience by praising your child and referring to the "fun" time they had. Please avoid negative comments such as: Did it hurt? That wasn't so bad! You were so brave! Did you get a shot? Were you afraid? These comments could persuade your child in thinking there was a reason to be afraid, even though they were cooperative, had a good time, and may make their future visits more difficult.
CLOSE - Restorative Care |
Emergency Care
Injuries to the face, mouth and teeth are common among children. We are here to help you in the time of an emergency. Do not panic, stay calm and determine the extent of injury. If your child has a facial /head injury assess whether or not you child's injury caused loss consciousness even for a brief moment. If this is the case, your child should see a physician immediately. Worry about the mouth and teeth later. Stop any bleeding with a clean washcloth or gauze. If there is swelling place cold compression on the area. As you do this, check for broken teeth and/or missing teeth. If there are missing teeth, look for them.
If any permanent tooth is avulsed, clean the tooth by handling it with the crown and not the root. Gently rinse the tooth of dirt with cold water. Do not unnecessarily scrub the root. Then place the tooth back into the socket. If you are unable to place it in the socket place it in homogenized cold milk or cold water and immediately see the dentist. Time is the determining factor for saving the tooth. If more than 30minutes has elapsed since the tooth was dislodged the prognosis is guarded.
Primary teeth are not reimplanted. An x-ray is taken to make sure all portion of the tooth is out. Pain medications are prescribed and the area is allowed to heal. Then an impression is taken to fabricate a space maintainer to maintain the space for the permanent tooth to come in.
Broken or chipped baby teeth
If the fracture is superficial, it can be restored with cosmetic bonding. If the fracture extends to the pulp or nerve inside the tooth a baby root canal treatment or coronal pulpotomy is performed. This is a very simple procedure and not as extensive as a root canal treatment done on permanent teeth.
If the fracture is below the gum line the tooth is removed and a spacer is placed to prevent drifting of teeth into the space and maintain space for the permanent tooth.
Gum boil or Abscess
This is caused by an infected tooth. The pulp or nerve inside the tooth is infected by decay. The abscess extends beyond the apex of the tooth into the surrounding bone, perforating the bone into the gum tissue causing a gum boil. The infected tooth cannot be saved. It has to be extracted to protect the permanent tooth bud from getting infected. The patient is first put on antibiotics and then the tooth is extracted.
Toothache
If your child is having a toothache, clean the area around the tooth. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water and use dental floss to remove any trapped food between the teeth. DO NOT place aspirin on the gums or tooth. This will cause a burn to the gum tissues. If there is swelling, apply cold to the outside of the face. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. Call the dentist.
Cold sore or Canker sore
Some patients get canker sores periodically.There is no definite cause for a cold sore.It could be due to stress, vitamin or zinc deficiency or it may have a viral origin.Cold sores usually last for 7 days.There is no definite treatment for cold sores.Treatment is aimed towards relieving the pain either with over the counter medication or prescription medication.
We try to accommodate all emergencies on the same day. Please call early in the morning. If it is after working hours, please call our answering service and the doctor on call will call you as soon as possible.
Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions. Your comfort is our priority!
CLOSE - Emergency Care |
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