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Why are my child’s permanent teeth yellow?
- Teeth are made of 3 layers. The middle layer, called dentin, is yellow in color. Permanent teeth have a thicker layer of dentin which causes them to appear more yellow in color. In contrast, baby teeth have a thicker layer of enamel which is white. When both baby teeth and permanent teeth are present, the yellow color of the permanent teeth is more pronounced. When all of the permanent teeth have erupted the color will blend and appear more uniform. At this point, bleaching becomes an option if you still feel the teeth appear yellow in color.
Am I able to stay with my child during the dental visit?
- We always welcome you to come back with your child for their cleaning and exam. We use this time to educate both patients and their parents and it is important that you are fully informed and able to ask questions.
- Most children are able to handle dental treatment independently. We have found that children are more compliant when not in close proximity to their parents. Parents are asked to stay in the waiting area; however, you may ask a staff member to walk you to the back at any time to check on your child during treatment. Our priority is to complete the treatment of each patient in the most safe, effective, and positive environment possible.
How are appointments scheduled?
- The office attempts to schedule appointments at your convenience. Appointments for preschool children and children with special health care needs should be scheduled in the morning when they are alert and our staff can spend more time with them. Appointments for school children needing significant treatment should be scheduled in the morning for the same reason.
- Dental appointments are an excused absence, and our staff will provide an excuse at the time of the appointment.
What do I do if my child grinds his teeth?
- Parents are often concerned about the grinding of teeth. Often, the first thing noticed is the noise created by the child grinding their teeth during sleep. Parents might also notice wear spots or flattening of the teeth. The majority of cases do not require any treatment and most kids outgrow it when they get their permanent teeth. If grinding continues, a night guard may be recommended to prevent wear on permanent teeth.
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
- Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school. This extra clinical education prepares them to address special medical issues of infants, children, adolescents, and those with special needs. Children of all ages need different approaches to dealing with their behavior, guiding their dental growth and development, and helping them avoid future dental problems. The pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet these needs.
How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?
- Because children grow so quickly, it is important to visit the dentist every 6 months to check for proper development as well as for any decay, gum disease, or abnormalities. In certain situations, it may be necessary to visit more often.
How safe are dental X-rays?
- X-rays help dentists to see areas that are not visible in an oral exam. Among other things, x-rays permit us to see areas of decay between the teeth, identify decay occurring beneath an existing filling, check for infection or abscess, and reveal developmental abnormalities.
- We take every measure to limit the amount of radiation by taking only necessary x-rays and using lead aprons. Our office utilizes only digital x-rays, which reduce radiation by as much as 80%
They are just baby teeth, why do they need fillings if they will fall out?
- It is very important to maintain baby teeth because these teeth hold space for the future eruption of permanent teeth. If a baby tooth decays or is removed too early, the space necessary for the permanent tooth is lost and can only be regained through orthodontic treatment. Infected baby teeth can also cause permanent teeth to develop improperly, resulting in permanent enamel defects and weaker teeth. They may also cause infection in the bone that can be spread to other parts of the body.
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