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. C, as Dr. Commarato’s patients fondly refer to her, and 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?

In the same way that pediatricians are trained to meet a child’s medical needs, a pediatric dental specialists is uniquely qualified to protect your child’s oral health using the most advanced techniques in our delightfully friendly treatment area. Pediatric dentists have had an additional two to three years of training at university pediatric facilities, in addition to four years of dental school and four years of college study. They learn how to deal with the behavioral aspects of children, how to make them feel comfortable, and to make the experience pleasant. They also are 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. Another problem is gum disease. About 40 percent of children two to three years old have at least mild inflammation of gum tissues. Oral habits (such as digit sucking) 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 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 come in crooked. 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 of 10-12, 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 buy shoes. 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). You can help by saying you are coming to see your friend, Dr.C, and she and her friends will take a special look at how well you are brushing your teeth at home. Your child’s reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.

What About Preventative Care?

Tooth decay (dental caries) and children no longer have to go hand-in-hand. At our office, we are emphasize  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 cavity-prone back teeth. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health.

What About Sterilization?

Your child’s health and your 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 staff wears gloves, masks and  during procedures. Please feel free to ask us for information on the measures we take to ensure the safety of  your children or  tour of our sterilization area.