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PEDIATRIC DENTISTS IN WINSTON SALEM
REGULAR CHECKUPS
Adults and children alike should visit the dentist every six months. These checkups and cleanings are especially important for children, as their teeth are developing quickly, meaning their dental health can change quickly. Biannual checkups allow your child’s dentist to monitor dental development and identify preventative measures that can be taken to avoid expensive, complicated treatment in the future.
DENTAL SEALANTS
These are barriers to reduce the risk of cavities developing in permanent teeth. Dental sealants are usually applied to the back teeth, on the chewing surface where decay is most likely to occur. Since the back teeth have more of a depressed center, they can be harder to brush, especially for children, and dental sealants keep plaque and bacteria out.
PEDIATRIC PULPOTOMY
If a child’s tooth deteriorates due to decay and cavities, a pediatric pulpotomy— also known as a “baby root canal” —is performed to prevent an infection or abscess. This is done by removing bacteria from the pulp chamber inside the tooth.
SPACE MAINTAINERS
Once a tooth falls out, it’s possible for the surrounding teeth to push into the newly vacated area. Space maintainers are custom-made to keep that open space and allow the adult tooth room to come in. They can be mildly uncomfortable to kids, but they can also prevent later treatment such as braces, making them an important part of pediatric dental treatment.
NITROUS OXIDE (LAUGHING GAS)
Nitrous oxide is a safe, effective sedative that allows the patient to remain conscious. It’s used on children and adults alike to alleviate the symptoms of dental anxiety, especially during major procedures.
SLEEP APNEA & SNORING
If your child starts to snore regularly, or has breathing-related issues at night, you should contact your dentist immediately. These can be indicative of problems with growth and/or development, as well as sleeping disorders. These can be extremely serious conditions, especially if left untreated, and can lead to behavioral issues, learning delays, and more.
CONTACT LEAL, SPANGLER & JOHNSON
Drs. Leal, Spangler, and Johnson in Winston-Salem, NC provide the highest quality dental care with a personal touch, thoughtfully considering each patient and their needs. We offer comprehensive family and esthetic dentistry and love helping people achieve a healthy smile.
We are accepting new patients.
PEDIATRIC DENTAL EMERGENCIES
While one of the main goals of pediatric dentistry is to avoid any emergency care, these situations still come up occasionally. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it includes some of the most common issues:
- Dental avulsion (knocked out teeth)
- Dental intrusion (teeth pushed down into the jawbone)
- Toothache
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Root fracture
- Tooth displacement
- Dental concussion
If your child goes through any of these experiences, it’s important to seek medical and/or dental attention right away.
EARLY DENTAL VISITS
Everyone knows that kids (and sometimes adults) are afraid of the dentist, but it doesn’t have to be this way. If you take your children to regular appointments every six months starting at the first birthday, they won’t have the negative associations that often come with the dentist’s office. If their first visits don’t involve any treatment or anxiety-producing procedures, they’ll be more likely to continue having checkups into adulthood.
Since children learn so much about the world through their parents, it’s important to teach them about the importance of dental health and regular checkups. Remind them that the dentist is there for their own benefit.