Exam
Do you know children should have their first visit to the dentist at age 1? Also, your little ones should see the dentist for cleanings and exams every 6 months. During this appointment, the doctor will perform a comprehensive dental exam including the following: 1. Check for cavities: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments. 2. Check for gum problems: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease. 3. Evaluate diagnostic x-rays: Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions. 4. Check for facial and teeth development. 5. Oral hygiene instructions
Cleaning
Cleanings are recommended twice a year and most insurance companies will pay for these. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following: 1.Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments. 2.Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease! 3.Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
Sedation
The use of sedation dentistry may be recommended to ensure your child’s safety and comfort during dental procedures. Sedation is a compassionate way to help reduce anxiety and/or discomfort associated with dental treatments. It also helps to increase your child’s cooperation. 1.Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): It’s the preferred sedation method for pediatric dentists because it’s safe, the effects are almost instantaneous, and it only takes a few seconds to clear out of their systems once the treatment is over. We sequence treatment steps to gain the child’s confidence, doing the easiest things first. 2.Conscious sedation: Oral conscious sedation is available for apprehensive, very young children, and children with special needs. It is used to calm your child and to reduce the anxiety or discomfort associated with dental treatments. Your child may be quite drowsy, but he will not become unconscious. Whenever we need to use a sedative, we’ll consult you first. Your child’s safety and well-being is our foremost concern. 3.IV sedation: Most children are able to complete treatment with nitrous oxide and local anesthetic or oral sedation, but some patients require IV sedation. This procedure is safely administered by a qualified anesthesiologist. It is used in instances when children are young, uncooperative, with special needs, or need extensive dental work.
Fillings
Those old Amalgam fillings can be replaced with tooth colored fills. They are less intrusive and cause less stress on the tooth. At Teeth R Us we use composite resins for most of our fillings. Composite resins, or tooth-colored fillings, provide good durability and resistance to fracture. Our fillings can withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing and look more natural than other filling materials.
Pulpotomy (Baby Root Canal)
Like adult root canals, the dentist will access the nerve chamber of the tooth, and remove some of the nerve/pulp of the tooth. Unlike adult root canals, this is a very short procedure, as only part of the pulp needs to be removed, and does not require the time consuming filing of adult root canals. If the tooth has been symptomatic , this procedure will likely alleviate the pain. It also allows for the tooth to be preserved until it is ready to fall out naturally.
Crowns (Caps)
Crowns (Caps): In cases of extensive decay or if the baby tooth required a pulpotomy, a crown is the best option. A crown (often called a cap) covers the tooth and restores it to its original shape and size. Crowns are incredibly strong due to the fact that they cover the entire tooth. This protects and strengthens the remaining tooth structure. They are the best chance for survival of a tooth that has had a baby root canal. Decay is removed and cleaned from the tooth and a pre-formed crown is placed over the tooth.
Extractions
Generally, unless we are discussing about wisdom teeth, we would rather not extract a tooth from your child. However, it can be required when a tooth is not lost naturally or if dental decay or trauma results in an infection surrounding the root surface. When a tooth can’t be saved, extraction (removal) of tooth maybe the only course of treatment. The dentist will let you know if a space maintainer is indicated or not after the extraction.
Space Maintainers
Space maintainer is a combination of bands and wires designed to hold the remaining teeth in a position that will allow the future permanent tooth to erupt in the proper location. Prompt placement of a space maintainer will give the permanent tooth the best chance of erupting in the mouth in the correct location. This will minimize orthodontic problems caused by premature loss of a baby tooth. If a space maintainer is not placed, the teeth will shift into the open area, making it difficult or in some cases impossible for the permanent tooth to erupt.
