As soon as your child has their first tooth. We may not be able to do much, but it will introduce them to a friendly environment that will make their next visit easier. Often, the first visit will be knee-to-knee with your dentist, your child in your lap, and we’ll try to take a look and give some advice for keeping them healthy as they grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I bring my child in for their first visit?
How often should I come in for dental care?
Your first visit is a thorough exam in which we collect all the information required to help custom design your dental care needs. Once we discuss your needs with you, we will recommend a custom recall system to enable you to have the healthiest oral conditions.
Why do I need my teeth cleaned so often?
The combination of bacteria and saliva creates a hard build up on our teeth. This hard build up is called tartar or calculus, and is treated like a foreign body by our bodies. If left for a long time, the bone and gums pull away in response, and we begin to see signs of periodontal disease. When you have your teeth cleaned, the hygienist removes this hard build-up to allow your gums to heal and be at their healthiest state.
What is periodontal disease?
It is your body’s response to the hard build-up on our teeth. There are three stages of severity with their respective symptoms. If periodontal disease is not addressed, it can lead to loss of teeth due to teeth becoming loose. The best way to evaluate your periodontal status is to talk to you dentist and hygienist, and discuss a customized treatment to get you at your healthiest.
Is it normal for a filling to be sensitive after it is placed?
Yes. Composite restorations, or white fillings, can be sensitive after initial placement. Another possible reason for sensitivity after restoration placement can be a bite misalignment. If a filling is “off” it can become very sensitive and give symptoms much like those of teeth needing root canal therapy. You should always talk to your dentist should a restoration bother you to ensure that it is either a side effect or in need of adjusting.
Will a root canal hurt?
A root canal will most often not hurt. We like to say it should feel like you’re getting a filling, but that it will take a whole lot longer. If during treatment a root canal hurts, you should always inform your dentist. We want you to be as comfortable as possible through all procedures.
If I need a crown, don’t I need to have a root canal?
Not necessarily. Any tooth that has had a root canal on a major chewing tooth should have a crown, but not every tooth that has a crown should have a root canal. A crown is often prescribed to prevent a compromised tooth from fracturing or to replace missing tooth structure. Unless there is a reason for your dentist to assume that the nerve is involved, a root canal will not be recommended.
When should I expect my baby to start getting teeth and when will my child start getting their adult teeth?
Please consult the image to learn more about baby and toddler tooth care and expected ages associated with tooth arrival. Click on the image to view enlarged size.