Need a Pediatric Dentist in Loudoun County Virginia?
First dental visits are mostly educational. The AAPD recommends that every child visit the dentist by the child's first birthday. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend a child visit the dentist by age one as well. This “well baby check” for the teeth can establish a dental home and helps ensure that parents learn the tools they'll need to help their children remain cavity-free.
A 2006 scientific paper in Pediatric Dentistry revealed that children who waited past their first birthday and did not see a dentist until age two or three "were more likely to have subsequent preventive, restorative and emergency visits."
Why Should You Choose a Pediatric Specialist for Your Child
Why would a dentist use behavior guidance with a child? The main goals of behavior guidance are:
- Establish communication.
- Alleviate fear and anxiety
- Deliver quality dental care
- Build a trusting relationship between dentist and child
- Promote the child’s positive attitude toward oral/dental health and oral health care
Since every child is different, pediatric dentists have a wide range of approaches to help a child complete needed dental treatment. A pediatric dentist makes a recommendation of behavior guidance methods for the child based upon her health history, special health care needs, dental needs, type of treatment required, the consequences of no treatment, her emotional and intellectual development and parental preferences.
There are two main reasons why a pediatric dentist may recommend behavior guidance for the child. The first reason is anxiety. Children typically respond to an unfamiliar dental office in the same way they respond to a new pediatrician, new childcare provider, or first visit to someone’s home. Some are totally comfortable; others are fearful in the new or unfamiliar situation. The second reason is pain. If a child’s first visit to a dentist is an emergency situation, perhaps because of a toothache or mouth injury, she is far more likely to be unhappy during the visit. This is why the most important behavior guidance technique is early and regular dental visits. If a child visits a dentist when her mouth is comfortable, she is much more likely to find the visit pleasant and fun.
Parents play an important role in their child’s safety during dental treatment. In particular, stay up-to-date on the child’s health status. Be certain to inform the pediatric dentist about changes in the child’s medical history, including any illnesses and any medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.
A well-informed parent should know the choices available to relieve the anxiety or discomfort of the child during dental treatment. Working together, a parent and the pediatric dentist can select the best treatment methods to make the child’s visit as safe and comfortable as possible.
Amalgam Fillings Remain a Strong Practical Choice for Children
Amalgams, the silver-colored fillings you probably got as a child, are still serving children well today. Amalgam fillings are made of an alloy of metals including silver, copper, tin and mercury. Their relative low cost, ease of placement, and durability contribute to their continued use. However, amalgam fillings require removal of healthy tooth structure in order to achieve adequate retention. Because they lack the aesthetic appeal of composite resins, their use is limited to back teeth with small to moderate sized cavities.
Used for over 100 years, amalgam fillings have been proven safe with patients all over the world. In a few rare cases, some patients are allergic to the metals used in amalgam fillings. If a child has an allergy to metals, a filling material other than amalgam may be chosen. Amalgam fillings should not be used in primary molars where decay extends beyond the line angles or with high caries risk patients with extensive decay, large lesions or multiple surface lesions in primary molars.
Special Considerations For Children With Special Needs
As a parent of a child with special needs, you may have concerns about your child’s tolerance of a dental visit. Whatever your concerns, do not postpone preventive dentistry for your child. Pediatric dentists understand that each child is unique and may need extra care to feel comfortable during dental treatment. For example, one child might do great with positive communication, another might benefit from a body blanket to help control involuntary movements, and still another might need mild sedation to feel relaxed during treatment. Pediatric dentists stand ready with a variety of possible approaches; you can help select the approach that is best for the specific health and behavioral needs of your child.
Advantages of Orthodontics Goes Beyond Cosmetics
A pediatric dentist in Fairfax can identify crowded or crooked teeth and actively intervene to guide the teeth as they come in the mouth. Not only will this improve the look of the child’s smile, but early orthodontic treatment can prevent more extensive treatment later.
The advantages of orthodontic care far surpass appearance. Braces and other orthodontic appliances can straighten crooked teeth, guide teeth into position as they come in, correct bite problems, and even prevent the need for tooth extractions.
Straight teeth not only look better, but are easier to keep clean and therefore less susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.
Unlike the other treatment choices that start and finish in a shorter period of time, orthodontic treatment takes place over the years as the child’s mouth grows and changes. A commitment to regular dental visits and good home care is a must. Orthodontic treatment is a significant financial investment as well. However, since it offers important health benefits, it may be covered at least in part by dental insurance.
Pediatric Dentists News
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