During a dental “check up” your child’s general health will be updated as well as an oral examination to determine their overall oral and dental health. Dr. Harris will do a dental cleaning using a special toothbrush and any hard deposits or tarter will be removed by special instruments. Any decay, or “cavities” detected will be discussed and a plan of treatment set up. Components of a check up include:
Oral Examination to detect any problems
Dental cleaning, known as prophylaxis, or prophy
Fluoride treatment to strengthen the teeth
Sometimes X-rays will be needed as part of a general check up if a problem is detected. Sealants, if needed can be applied to the back teeth. Sealants are think plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth to prevent tooth decay. Sealants and Fluoride work together, as well as regular tooth brushing twice a day at home to prevent cavities.
X-rays can show weaknesses in the tooth structure that may not be visible to the naked eye. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends certain x-rays every six months. Children often need more X-rays than adults because their mouths grow and change rapidly and also because oral hygiene if often less effective or less frequent.
Types of X-rays your child may need:
Bitewing: Show detail of the biting surfaces of upper and lower teeth
Periapical: show the whole tooth, including where the root is in the jaw
Panoramic, or “Pans”: show the entire mouth and teeth in both upper and lower jaws
The Panoramic X-ray uses a special machine that moves in a set path around the head. In general Panoramic X-rays are not needed as often as Bitewings or Periapicals.
Dental Caries, otherwise known as decay or cavities, is a progressive disease that results when bacteria in the mouth react with food or drinks to create an acid that eats away at your child’s teeth. Weakened areas in the teeth form cavities which, if left untreated destroy more and more of the tooth structure, even resulting in irreversible pulp (nerve) damage in the tooth. Early treatment is key, as in early stages the cavity can be treated with fillings to prevent further damage. If the cavity is too deep a pulpotomy nerve treatment may be required or as a last resort, extraction, or removal of the tooth.
Treatments of decay, based on severity of decay:
Tooth colored composite fillings
Stainless steel or tooth colored crowns
Pulp therapy, known as pulpotomy
Extractions
Extractions can also be needed due to reasons other than severe decay. Often extractions are needed for orthodontic reason to create needed space for tooth alignment.
Early intervention can be used to identify potential problems and help guide the teeth as they emerge in the mouth. Interceptive orthodontic treatment can help prevent more extensive treatments from being required in the future. Dr. Harris can identify malocclusion (crowded or crooked teeth) or bite problems and actively intervene to guide the teeth if possible.
Primary (baby) teeth are essential in maintaining the correct spacing in your child’s jaw for the permanent teeth to emerge correctly. In the case of early loss of teeth due to injury or severe decay, a space maintainer can be placed to hold the space for the permanent tooth to come in. If the space is not maintained the teeth can shift into the open space and cause more extensive orthodontics to be needed later.
Reasons for Space Maintainers:
Tooth extraction due to decay or injury
Congenitally missing teeth
Holding space prior to more extensive orthodontic
For more extensive orthodontic needs Dr. Harris can refer your child to local orthodontists for more comprehensive treatment.
Children are more likely to experience many dental emergencies than adults due to their active play. Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. It is important to take your child to the pediatric dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible.
Common types of Pediatric Dental Emergencies:
Knocking out or breaking a tooth
Cut or bitten tongue, lip or cheek
Toothache- infection due to deep dental decay
In the case of a knocked out tooth try to find the tooth. Try to not touch the root. Contact your dentist immediately. A permanent tooth may be inserted into the socket if possible after rinsing with water. Primary teeth are often not replaced in the socket due to potential damage to the developing permanent teeth. Otherwise transport the tooth in a container with the patient’s saliva or mild, not water. The child must see a dentist immediately as time is critical in saving the tooth. For a chipped tooth, it is also critical to see the dentist immediately. If you can find the broken tooth piece bring it with you. For toothaches due to dental decay, it is important to contact your dentist right away. Antibiotics may be necessary to reduce infection and prevent the spread to other facial structures.
Dr. Harris and his staff are excellent communicators with children. Many anxiety reducing behavioral techniques are used, however some children still experience apprehension regardless of efforts to put them at ease. When that is the case, there is no substitute for the patience you constantly see exhibited by Dr. Harris and his staff. Nothing brings more joy that seeing frightened children replace their fears with confidence with smiles. Some features of anxiety management are:
Anxiety Reducing Behavioral Techniques
Use of Nitrous Oxide Gas
Hospital Dentistry
Nitrous Oxide Use:
Dr. Harris can usually complete dental procedures on children with the assistance of the use of Nitrous Oxide Gas. This mild, odorless gas, mixed with oxygen, is breathed in through a small nosepiece to help relax the child and reduce anxiety. The child remains awake and is able to listen and communicate throughout the dental procedure. This is a very safe and effective technique. Once the procedure is over, oxygen is used for a couple of minutes, then once the mask is removed normal breathing quickly eliminates the nitrous oxide from the body and returns your child to normal. They are then able to return to school or other activities without after effects.