Author: Devarshi

Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)

Written by Devarshi on November 24, 2024. Posted in Services.

What is nitrous oxide? Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is blend of oxygen and nitrous oxide. It is administered to your child through a snug rubber mask that covers their nose. It provides a calming sensation to anxious children who need a little bit more to help them feel relaxed. It is also extremely helpful in those kids with a severe gag reflex. Some patients feel it has a mild “numbing” effect and they are less aware of the treatment (sounds, sights, etc.) taking place, by raising the pain threshold. Is nitrous oxide safe? Yes, it is extremely safe. Most...

Frenectomy

Written by Devarshi on November 24, 2024. Posted in Services.

What is a frenectomy? A frenectomy is a minor procedure in which the frenulum, a small fold of tissue that prevents the lip or tongue from overly extending, is surgically altered or modified. Where is my child’s frenulum? In the mouth there are two frenulums: 1) the lingual frenulum found under the tongue and 2) the labial frenum or frenulum found in the lip. My child is tongue tied, what do I need to do? There are different ways to evaluate if your child is tongue tied, or has ankyloglossia, and needs treatment. Your pediatric dentist can quickly evaluate if treatment is...

Emergency Care

Written by Devarshi on November 24, 2024. Posted in Services.

What should I do if my child’s adult tooth gets knocked out? Find the tooth and gently rinse it in cool water. DO NOT scrub it or use soap. If you are able to, place the tooth back into the socket and hold it in place with clean napkin or wash cloth. If you are unable to put in back in the socket, place it in a clean container or cup in milk or saliva. Call your pediatric dentist ASAP. When a tooth is knocked out, time is critical. The longer it takes to replant the tooth, the chances of being able to save the tooth will diminish. What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked...

Athletic Mouth Guard

Written by Devarshi on November 24, 2024. Posted in Services.

What is a mouth guard? An athletic mouth guard protects your child’s teeth while playing sports. A preformed mouth guard can be purchased at a sports story or a fitted made of soft plastic by the pediatric dentist. They fit comfortably to the shape of the top teeth. Why should my child wear a sports guard? Mouth guards are an important part of sports equipment and sports safety. They protect the teeth, gums, tongue and cheek. Most oral injuries, include chipping or losing teeth, can be prevented with the use of a mouth guard. When should my child use a mouth guard? ...

Orthodontics

Written by Devarshi on November 24, 2024. Posted in Services.

When does my child need to see the orthodontist? Every child’s growth is different. Your child’s dental development will be monitored by their pediatric dentist at each check up appointment. We will evaluate your child’s occlusion, crowding, bite problems, and jaw discrepancy. If needed with can intervene with minor early orthodontic care to help guide the teeth or even refer your child for a complete orthodontic evaluation. While many kids with minor crowding can wait until most of the adult teeth have erupted, some children will require braces or treatment a little...

Space Maintainers

Written by Devarshi on November 24, 2024. Posted in Services.

When do I need a space maintainer? Normally baby teeth are pushed out as the adult teeth erupt. Sometimes, a baby tooth is lost too early. It can be be lost due to trauma or sometimes pulled out by the dentist due to infection or severe decay. When a primary tooth is lost prematurely, the pediatric dentist may recommend putting a space maintainer in your child’s mouth. The space maintainer will prevent the tooth around the empty space from drifting or tilting forward. It will hold, or maintain, the space so the adult tooth can erupt properly and in the right spot. This will help...

Pedo Partials

Written by Devarshi on November 24, 2024. Posted in Services.

My child lost their front teeth, can we replace them? The upper front adult teeth normally come in between 6-8 years of age. For children who lose their baby teeth early, either due to trauma or decay, a pediatric partial can be made to replace the missing teeth. These fake teeth look very natural and most kids tolerate them well. Does my child need a pedo partial? The primary function of a pedo partial is cosmetic. Having a nice smile and teeth “like all their friends” can go along way in making feel comfortable and good about themselves. It will also help with proper...

Extractions

Written by Devarshi on November 24, 2024. Posted in Services.

What is an extraction? An extraction is when the pediatric dentist removes the tooth. Why does my child need their tooth taken out if it will fall out on its own? Sometimes due to pain, trauma, extensive decay or infection a tooth will need to be taken out before it is ready to fall out on it own. By looking at the x-ray the pediatric dentist will be able to determine if the tooth can be restored or if an extraction is the best treatment route. Are extraction painful? Every procedure is different. Due to short roots, most baby teeth come out fairly quickly and...

Pulpotomy

Written by Devarshi on November 24, 2024. Posted in Services.

What is a pulpotomy? A pulpotomy is sometimes referred to as a “baby root canal.” Sometimes due to severe decay, dental trauma, or pain, pulp therapy or a pulpotomy is needed. During a pulpotomy the pulp chamber, which contains the nerves and blood vessels of the baby tooth, is cleaned out. A biocompatible material is placed in center of the tooth previously occupied by the pulp. The tooth is then restored. When does my child need a pulpotomy? Some signs your child may need a pulpotomy are pain at night, pain on biting, constant pain or bleeding from the tooth due to truama. A...

Crowns

Written by Devarshi on November 24, 2024. Posted in Services.

What is a crown? A crown is restoration that is placed on a tooth where a filling would be to large to work. Also called a cap, it covers the entire tooth. Your child’s tooth is still underneath the tooth. Why does my child need a crown? If the decay is very extensive a filling will not work. If the filling is more then half the size of the tooth there is a very high chance it or the tooth will break with normal biting forces. For this reason, it is better to place a crown on top of the tooth. Usually, if your child needs a pulpotomy or a baby root canal, the tooth is best...

Fillings

Written by Devarshi on November 24, 2024. Posted in Services.

What is a filling? When a child has a small cavity, chip or other tooth issue, the tooth can be restored with a filling. A filling is essentially a biocompatible material that is placed in the hole created by the cavity or used to build up a broken tooth. Are white fillings better then silver fillings? White fillings and silver or amalgam fillings have both been used in dentistry for a very long time. They each have their advantages and disadvantages. In addition to the cosmetic benefits, the white fillings bond to the tooth and so the preparation for the filling can be kept...

Sealants

Written by Devarshi on November 24, 2024. Posted in Services.

What is a sealant? Sealants are a clear plastic like coating that flow into the grooves on the top or chewing surface of the molars and bond to the teeth. How do sealants work? Sealants flow into the microscopic grooves and pits of the teeth. Even with the best brushing, it can be difficult to clean out these tiny grooves. By covering up these grooves with a sealant, a barrier is formed preventing food and cavity causing bacteria from adhering to the tooth; and thus, reducing the risk of a cavity. Can sealants be placed on all teeth? No. Sealants follow into the grooves of...

Fluoride

Written by Devarshi on November 24, 2024. Posted in Services.

What is fluoride and how does it work? Fluoride is a naturally occurring element. When used in small doses it helps remineralize enamel and prevent tooth decay. It is found naturally in water and many foods. It is also added to toothpastes, mouth washes, and gels. Studies have found it to be a very effective in helping to prevent tooth decay Is fluoride safe? When used properly, studies show fluoride to be very safe and effective. Research has shown drinking fluoridated water has reduced the rate of dental decay by almost 50 percent. Fluoride is safe in very small doses. The...

X-rays

Written by Devarshi on November 24, 2024. Posted in Services.

Do you have digital x-rays? Yes, our offices uses the latest digital technology. Digital x-rays allow us to greatly decrease the exposer time and minimize the radiation exposure to your child. Are dental x-rays safe for my child? Yes. The radiation exposure from dental x-rays is very minimal, especially with new modern digital x-ray technology. With the addition of a lead shield or apron and the highly focused beam of new x-rays, the amount of radiation exposure is almost negligible. Do we have to take x-rays? We only take the x-rays that necessary to ensure your child does...

My child grinds their teeth a lot. Is that normal?

Written by Devarshi on July 28, 2021. Posted in Blog. 4 Comments on My child grinds their teeth a lot. Is that normal?

As a pediatric dentist, many parents come in to the office concerned about their child grinding their teeth at night. They complain how loud it and are worried that their son/daughter is going to break their teeth. They often ask what they can do and if this is alright. The short answer is that most kids grind their teeth and generally grow out it by 7-8 years of age without any intervention. Very few children end up with symptoms from childhood grinding. Very few children experience any sensitivity or other symptoms as a result of the grinding. Bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding) in...