The Exam
During your child’s exam, the dentist will thoroughly examine your child’s teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems.
The dentist will evaluate the quality of existing fillings to make sure they are still strong and intact. Then, the dentist performs a periodontal exam to make sure your child’s gums adhere tightly to the teeth, assess any gum inflammation (gingivitis) or periodontal disease (periodontitis). The dentist will evaluate the positioning of the primary and permanent teeth and discuss any relevant orthodontic concerns with you. Lastly, the dentist will evaluate the dentition for any signs of trauma or injury to the teeth.
If the dentist or hygienist finds tooth decay, gum disease, or other concern, they will discuss them with you. They may talk to you about changing your child’s brushing or flossing habits. In some cases of severe decay, they may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your child’s teeth and gums appear to be healthy, the dentist will probably recommend that your child continue his or her brushing and flossing routine as usual.
Professional Cleanings
Your child’s teeth will be gently cleaned with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (calculus) from the teeth. Your child’s teeth will be polished, flossed, and a professional fluoride treatment applied. Cleanings usually aren’t painful, but if your child has any anxiety about the dental exam, be sure to let the office know when you arrive for your visit.
Professional Fluoride Application
Fluoride is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay and in preventing plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth’s surface. A fluoride treatment in a dentist’s office is very easy and gentle as the fluoride is simply painted onto the teeth with the soft brush. After the treatment, your child may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your child’s oral health or the doctor’s recommendation, a fluoride treatment may be required every three, six, or 12 months.
Digital X-rays
The dentist may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of the teeth and gums, thus allowing the dentist discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.
Using the most advanced dental technology possible is just as important as staying up to date on the latest treatment techniques. Because our practice is dedicated to providing your child with the safest and most convenient treatment options available, we utilize advanced digital X-ray technology in our office. Digital X-rays can reduce your child’s exposure to radiation by up to 80 percent!
We believe that reducing a child’s amount of radiation exposure is extremely important and always recommend the lowest number and frequency of X-rays needed to care for your child. Just as no two children are exactly alike, no two sets of teeth are the same. Rather than set an arbitrary age and frequency for all patients, we accomplish this by asking ourselves what information each image will or won’t provide, and whether it is appropriate for the individual child’s situation at this time. By personalizing our recommendation for each individual child we care for your children in the safest least invasive way, treating them like we would treat our own children. We sincerely value your comfort and at your next appointment, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
