Pediatric Dentistry
Why A Pediatric Dentist?
Has your child ever begged you not to leave the dentist? Impossible you say? Not at our office. It could be our gentle touch and special way with kids. Dr. D'Addario, Dr. Paulus and their staff love children and 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, our doctors are uniquely qualified to protect your child's oral health using the most advanced techniques. Pediatric dentists have an additional two to three years of training in addition to four years of dental school and four years of college study. They learn how to deal with the unique qualities of children, how to make them feel comfortable, and to make the experience pleasant. Our doctors are trained to recognize the specialized treatment needs of children relating to their growth and development. They are also trained and qualified to treat special needs patients.
What Dental Problems Could My Child Have?
Some dental problems begin very early in life. One concern is early childhood tooth decay, a serious condition caused by a child staying on the bottle (or breast) too long. Oral habits (such as thumb sucking and tongue habits) should also be checked. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chances of preventing problems. Strong, healthy teeth help your child chew food easily, speak clearly, and feel good about his or her appearance.
Why Are Baby Teeth So Important?
Primary (Baby) teeth are important because they help with proper chewing and eating, help in speech development, and add to an attractive appearance. 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 become blocked from coming in as space is lost necessitating orthodontic treatment in the future and possibly removal of permanent teeth. 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. If you are nervous about the trip, then the less you say the better. You cannot hide your anxiety from a child (they have radar for these things). We will send you some information before the appointment that will explain everything. Have fun going through it with your child. Your child's first visit to the dentist may surprise you.
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. We also have fluoride varnish which is the most effective form of fluoride that your child can receive.
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 doctors and staff wear gloves and masks during all procedures.