ental
technology has changed dramatically in the past five years. A child born
in the last 5 to 10 years has a very good chance of making it to retirement
age without ever having a cavity.
The real thrust in responsible dentistry is toward prevention. Healthy
diets, good oral hygiene, semi-annual check-ups,
Sealants,
Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning) and
Fluoride
treatments add up to an almost foolproof route to no cavities - ever.
When treatment is needed, the most non-invasive approach is always the
best.
Air Abrasion, for example, allows us to remove
only the decayed tooth matter without removing any of the healthy tooth.
When that technology is combined with new
Composite
Fillings, you have the best of both worlds.
Dentistry is changing dramatically. Barely a week goes by in which we
don't hear about some new advance in materials and equipment. We will
keep you informed of any changes through this website.
OUR STANDARD CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up cavity free. That is the
reason for the program we have laid out for our patients from the age
of three or earlier through the age of eighteen.
The steps parents take in keeping their children's teeth healthy and in
teaching them good oral hygiene habits will have a profound effect on
their future physical health.
We feel that the following program is the best preventive program available.
Every 6 Months:
- Prophy (Teeth Cleaning) done at every 6 month
visit from the age of 3 years.
- Oral Hygiene Instruction for proper brushing
and flossing techniques.
- Fluoride Treatment ( Performed at each cleaning
for added protection against tooth decay from ages 4 years through 17
years ).
- Home Fluoride Treatment ( If you do not have
fluoride in your drinking water at home we will provide a prescription
for a fluoride formula to use at home from ages 3 through 12 ).
Radiographs (X-Rays):
- Annual Check-up X-Rays ( Done once each year
or at every other 6 month check to see how teeth are developing and to
check for any other potential problems so they can be diagnosed and treated
early).
- Panoramic Radiograph (Full Mouth X-Ray) This
would be done once between ages 8 to 10 to examine tooth and jaw development.
- Panoramic Radiograph (Full Mouth X-Ray) This
would be done between the ages of 16 and 18 to check for the development
of the wisdom teeth.
Sealants:
Sealants are fast-drying plastic coatings that are applied to the deep
grooves of the back molar teeth where food can be trapped. The sealants
prevent this from occurring and can greatly assist in the prevention of
tooth decay. Sealants are applied at three different times during your
child's growth.
- Age 6 to 8: Applied to the eight permanent molars
once they erupt
- Age 9 to 12: Applied to the premolars (bicuspids)
once they erupt
- Age 11 to 13: Applied to the four second molars
once they erupt.
If you have any questions about our preventive program for children, please
call our office.
Call 1 (860) 668-0241
