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 Any
licensed dentist can provide general care
for children as well as adults, but it takes
more extensive training to specialize in
pediatric dentistry.
At Kiddie Cavity Care, the
dentists have that specialized training, and
we're happy to be able to provide the kind
of dental care for infants, children,
teenagers and children/adults with special
needs that help them establish and maintain
healthy teeth and gums. Our skilled and
nurturing staff will educate your child, the
parent, and caregivers on the importance of
maintaining good oral hygiene,
ultimately establishing a positive
foundation that will encourage him/her to
continue a healthy routine as they move
toward adulthood. This includes teaching
them how to brush their teeth properly, how
to floss, and what to do to avoid cavities
and other tooth problems.
At Kiddie
Cavity Care, we work hard to make every
visit to the dentist a positive one for our
patients so that they'll always feel
comfortable about seeking dental care. We
know how to talk to children in a way that
they can understand, which helps them to
feel that they're a part of their own dental
care and not just passive recipients.
Ideally, dental care should start when a
child is as young as one year old, but it's
never too late to start, which is why we
welcome patients from infants to teens.
Listed
below are the most common pediatric dental
services offered by Kiddie Cavity Care:
Examination: An
examination involves more than looking at
teeth. The health history reviews the
general health of your child and indicates
whether there is any need for special dental
care. The examination charts health and
disease and is used to provide a diagnosis
and treatment plan for your child.
Cleaning and Fluoride: Teeth are
cleaned to remove plaque (bacteria) and
calculus (hard plaque) that can cause gum
disease and tooth decay. Topical fluoride is
applied to the teeth to make them stronger
and more resistant to tooth decay. A
thorough cleaning and fluoride treatment
every six months has been shown to be an
extremely effective way to prevent dental
disease.
Oral Hygiene Instructions: Prevention
is the most important part of our practice.
We will provide you and your child with
dental hygiene instructions that will help
maintain good oral health at home.
Bitewing Radiographs: Bitewings are
used to determine the health of the teeth
and bone. Cavities and unusual tooth shape
and size are apparent on the bitewings.
Panoramic Radiographs: A panoramic
radiograph provides an overall view of your
child's mouth and jaws. It reveals missing
permanent teeth, extra teeth, abnormal
growths, and other problems. A panoramic is
normally taken every 3 - 5 years in 3 stages
of dental development.
Sealants: The chewing surfaces of
children's teeth are the most susceptible to
cavities and least benefited by fluorides.
Sealants (plastic coatings) are applied to
the tops of teeth and are highly effective
in preventing tooth decay.
Tooth Colored Fillings:
are used to restore front teeth or where
cosmetic appearance is important. Tooth
colored fillings are used to repair
fractured teeth and/or areas of decay. The
shade of restorative material is matched as
closely as possible to the color of the
natural teeth. Tooth colored fillings may
also be used for back teeth.
Composites require excellent hygiene
following restorations on teeth.
Stainless Steel Crowns:
are used to restore back teeth that are
too badly decayed to hold silver fillings.
Pulp Treatment: is necessary when
decay has spread to the nerve of the tooth.
The procedure consists of treating the nerve
of the tooth to avoid extracting the tooth.
Extractions: are done
only as a last resort. If a primary molar is
removed prematurely, a space maintainer will
be placed. Teeth may also be extracted for
orthodontic reasons.
Space Maintainers: are
used when a primary tooth has been
prematurely lost to hold space for the
permanent tooth. If space is not maintained,
teeth on either side of the extraction site
can drift into the space and prevent the
permanent tooth from erupting.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing
Gas): May be required to relax very
apprehensive patients and patients with gag
reflexes.
Conscious Sedation:
Young children who are very anxious may
require in-office sedation. Parents will be
given more detailed information.
General Anesthesia:
Children with extensive dental needs and
special medical conditions may require
treatment in the hospital or office under
general anesthesia. Parents will be given
more detailed information.
Orthodontics: Although
not an orthodontist, Dr. Altmon has taken
extensive training in providing orthodontic
services for our patients. Dr. Altmon is
most expert in the interception of
developing orthodontic problems. We will
guide you through the process of your
child’s developing occlusion (bite and
crowding issues).
We also provide
comprehensive orthodontic services which we
know will result in a beautiful smile. Many
of our patients find it most convenient to
have their orthodontics provided in the same
office as their dentist. If your particular
situation requires more advanced orthodontic
care we will make a proper direct referral
to an Orthodontist.
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