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Preventive Care: Regular Dental Visits
Regular dental visits are an important element of your child's
oral health. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
recommends a dental check-up at least twice a year for most
children. If your child has an increased risk of tooth decay or
unusual growth patterns s/he may need more frequent dental
visits.
During the initial dental check-up we will discuss your child's
medical and dental history. Your child's teeth will be examined
and cleaned to remove any plaque or unsightly stain build-up
that could irritate gums or cause tooth decay. Your child's
systemic fluoride status will be evaluated
and a fluoride varnish may be applied to prevent cavities and
strengthen teeth. Your child will also learn the proper
techniques for brushing and flossing and the importance of
limited snacking.
Even if your child has never had a cavity, s/he can still
benefit from regular visits to assess any changes in your
child's oral and facial growth and development. Your child may
need fluoride supplements or sealants. We will also identify any orthodontic problems and suggest
treatment to keep your child's smile beautiful.
Dr’s Nelle, Betty, Sean and their staff are specially trained to work with children and will talk to your child in a way that
they can understand using words, pictures and ideas. We want our
patients to be motivated and able to take responsibility for
their health.
Sealants
How Sealants Work
When the back teeth develop, irregularities in the chewing surfaces of these teeth, called "pits and fissures", form. Even the best toothbrusher will not be able to clean these areas since a single toothbrush bristle is too large to reach the bottom of these areas. Cavities form in these crevices because food becomes trapped and bacteria grow in these tiny spaces.
Pit and fissure sealants can only be applied to the chewing surfaces. The sides of the molar teeth are still cavity-prone. It is important to brush all areas of the tooth well. This includes regular flossing.
Sealants usually last several years. They will be checked regularly at your child's 6 month preventative visits. Reapplication may be necessary if chipping occurs. It is important that we detect any loss of sealant material early; therefore, regular checkups are very important.
Hidden Caries?
Although the tooth to be sealed was examined, decay can be hidden deep in the groove of the tooth that can only be detected after an enameloplasty. An enameloplasty "buffs" the grooves of the tooth so that it can be thoroughly checked for decay. This will be done the day of the treatment. Decay cannot be "sealed over", it must be restored with a filling. If decay is found after the enameloplasty you will be informed that a filling is necessary before the filling is placed. Taking the time to thoroughly examine each tooth allows us to provide quality care.
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