What is a Pediatric Dentist?
What do I need to know about my Child's First Dental
Visit
Why are the Primary Teeth so Important?
Are Dental X-Rays really necessary
How do you "Seal Out Decay"
What Is A Pediatric Dentist?
The pediatric dentist has an extra two years of specialized training
and is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the
teenage years. The very young, pre-teens, and teenagers all need different
approaches in dealing with their behavior, guiding their dental growth
and development, and helping them avoid future dental problems. The pediatric
dentist is best qualified to meet these needs.
Your Child’s First Dental
Visit
Your child should visit the dentist by his/her 1st birthday. You can
make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child
should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and his staff
will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to-do concerning
the visit, the better.
It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might
cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt. Pediatric
dental offices make a practice of using words that convey the same message,
but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.
Why Are The Primary Teeth So
Important?
It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth.
Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect
developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth, or baby-teeth are important
for (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for the permanent
teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and (3) permitting normal
development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the
development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. While the front
4 teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars)
aren’t replaced until age 10-13.
Dental X-Rays
Radiographs (X-Rays) are a vital and necessary part of your child’s
dental diagnostic process. Without them, certain dental conditions can
and will be missed.
X-Ray’s detect much more than cavities. For example, X-Rays may be needed to survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, evaluate the results of an injury, or plan orthodontic treatment. X-Rays allow dentists to diagnose and treat health conditions that cannot be detected during a clinical examination. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for your child and more affordable for you.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends X-rays and examinations every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. On average, most pediatric dentists request radiographs approximately once a year. Approximately every 3 years it is a good idea to obtain a complete set of radiographs, either a panoramic and bitewings or periapicals and bitewings.
Pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure
of their patients to radiation. With contemporary safeguards, the amount
of radiation received in a dental X-ray is extremely small. The risk is
negligible. In fact, the dental X-rays represent a far smaller risk than
an undetected and untreated dental problem. Lead body aprons and shields
will protect your child. Today’s equipment filters out unnecessary
X-rays and restricts the X-ray beam to the area of interest. High-speed
film and proper shielding assure that your child receives a minimal amount
of radiation exposure.
Seal
Out 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.
460 West Martintown Road * North Augusta, SC 29841
(803) 279-9901