During each teeth cleaning and examination, you and your child can expect a:

• Preventative cleaning. The hygienist or dental assistant will clean and polish the teeth to remove sticky bacteria, called plaque. When plaque builds up, it can cause tooth decay. The hygienist or dental assistant will also teach your child proper brushing and flossing as needed, and answer any dental questions you or your child may have.
• Diagnosis of any dental conditions. The dentist will perform the exam and look for cavities or other dental conditions.
• Full oral examination to identify changes in the tissues of the mouth.

Your child’s hygienist or dental assistant will clean and polish your child’s teeth to remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, and tartar, the hardened plaque. Plaque and tartar can contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. The hygienist or dental assistant will also provide an overview of proper flossing and brushing techniques to ensure your child starts the right way from the very beginning.

Your child plays an important role in preventive dentistry as well. Self-care, such as twice-daily brushing and daily flossing, is essential in ensuring their teeth and mouth stay healthy. A good oral hygiene routine keeps their teeth clean between preventive dental appointments.

Preventive dentistry can result in less extensive—and less expensive—treatment for any dental conditions that may develop and help your child keep his or her natural teeth for a lifetime.

Your child’s hygienist or dental assistant will take x-rays of your child’s teeth to help us locate disease and cavities that can’t be seen by the naked eye. We recommend taking a full set of x-rays every three to five years and cavity check x-rays every year. We use low levels of x-rays to reduce exposure.

We recommend fluoride treatment for your child once a year or as needed during their regularly scheduled dental exam and cleaning. This treatment strengthens the mineral component of teeth, making them stronger and less susceptible to acid and cavities. 

Sealants are a clear or white material applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. They keep out plaque and food to prevent cavities. Your child’s hygienist or dental assistant will paint the sealant material onto the chewing surface of the back teeth where it bonds and hardens in seconds.

Sealants are commonly used with children and teens because decay is more likely to develop early in life. Studies have shown that early placement of sealants can prevent a lifetime of costly dental work, with the added benefit of a great smile!

When a tooth is frequently exposed to acid (such as food or drinks that contain a lot of sugar or starches), the repeated cycles of acid attacks the enamel of the teeth causing them to lose minerals. If the tooth enamel doesn’t have time to repair itself with the help of minerals from saliva and fluoride, it could be the start of a cavity. Over time, the enamel that is weakened and destroyed forms a cavity. A cavity is a permanent damage that your child’s dentist has to repair with a filling. White or composite fillings match the color of the tooth and are often used on front teeth for a more natural look. Silver or amalgam fillings are generally stronger than white fillings and are often used in the back teeth where they are less noticeable and where the chewing force requires stronger fillings.

Space maintainers hold the place of a tooth that has prematurely fallen out of a child’s mouth due to decay or injury. A space maintainer can be a band or crown attached to another tooth. The dentist will remove the space maintainer once the permanent tooth starts to grow in. If a space maintainer is not put in the vacant space, the surrounding teeth can crowd and take over that space. This makes the permanent tooth come in crooked or crowded which can lead to difficulties in chewing and talking.

General anesthesia, or intravenous sedation, may be recommended for certain children. General anesthesia is administered and monitored by an anesthesiologist in our office while the dentist performs the dental treatment.

Before your child’s appointment: 

• Please notify us of any change in your child’s health or medical condition. Do not bring your child in for treatment with a fever, ear infection or cold. Should your child become ill, contact us to see if it is necessary to reschedule. 
• Tell the dentist and staff of any drugs your child is currently taking, any drug reactions and/or change in medical history.
• Please dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
• Please make sure your child goes to the bathroom immediately prior to arriving at the office.
• Your child will need to arrive with an empty stomach. You will receive special instructions regarding eating and drinking prior to the appointment.
• The child’s parent/legal guardian must remain at the office during the complete procedure. 

After the appointment:

• Your child will be drowsy and will need to be monitored closely.
• You will receive specific instructions for care of your child after the general anesthesia.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office immediately.