PDCOnline Blog

DIAGNOdent-Caries detection device

Pediatric Dentist — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:02:48 +0000

At the Pediatric Dental Center we use the DIAGNOdent Laser to aid in caries (decay) detection. The DIAGNOdent is an extremely accurate diagnostic aid. It has been proven to be over 90% accurate! We check all permanent molars with this device, as well as any questionable or suspicious areas on primary (baby) or permanent teeth. This device cannot detect interproximal caries (decay in between the teeth.) The device’s ability to see into occlusal (chewing surface) pits and fissures enables dentists to treat sub-surface caries lesions with confidence.

In the picture above the top illustration shows an explorer not being able to detect the decay in the tear drop shaped fissure. The bottom illustration shows the DIAGNOdent laser detecting the decay by measuring the laser fluorescence within the tooth. For more information on the DIAGNOdent please click here.

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Nerve Treatment on Primary (Baby) Teeth and Stainless Steel Crowns

Pediatric Dentist — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:38:03 +0000

If decay reaches the nerve of a tooth, the tooth needs to be treated with a nerve treatment.

WHAT IS A NERVE TREATMENT? This is a method of saving a tooth, by removing a part of the nerve of the tooth. In dental terminology this is called a PULPOTOMY.

If the tooth is infected or abscessed a complete nerve treatment or PULPECTOMY is required.

WHY SAVE A BAD TOOTH LIKE THIS? If teeth are lost too soon, the “space” that they maintain in the jaw for the permanent teeth will close. This will lock the unerupted permanent tooth in the jaw. It may also cause the bite to collapse, and the teeth to shift. This will eventually lead to crooked teeth and a poor bite and may require orthodontia at a later time.

ADVANTAGES? In spite of the fact that the primary teeth are badly broken down after being repaired, they still act as the best space-maintainers for the permanent teeth.

DISADVANTAGES? About one in ten of these teeth, even after this treatment, causes further trouble and has to be extracted. There is no assurance that teeth with nerve treatments may not cause future difficulty.

After a nerve treatment the tooth will most likely need a STAINLESS STEEL CROWN (CAP)

WHAT ARE THEY? A crown that covers the entire tooth as it appears in the mouth. The crown is fitted under the gum all the way around the tooth so furthur decay is greatly inhibited.

WHERE ARE THEY USED? They are used on badly decayed primary teeth and permanent six year molars.

ADVANTAGES? We can save teeth that are so badly decayed they will no longer hold a filling.

DISADVANTAGES? Occasionally a crown may come off due to eating certain foods like caramels, popcorn, or through excessive wear (grinding teeth.) It can usuallt be recemented.

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Sealants: Tooth Decay Prevention

Pediatric Dentist — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 01:15:21 +0000

What is sealant?

It is a white plastic (resin) material applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The resin bonds to the depressions and grooves in the back teeth. The uneven surfaces of the back teeth can be difficult to keep clean since toothbrush bristles cannot reach into them. Most tooth decay occurs in these hard-to-clean grooves. This barrier protects the tooth enamel from plaque and acids helping to prevent cavities.

How are sealants applied?

This quick and painless procedure will take only a few minutes. The teeth are cleaned and conditional to help the resin adhere to the tooth. The sealant is “painted” on. Then a special curing light is used to help the material harden into place. Sealants will hold up well under the force of normal chewing. They usually last for several years. Reapplication may be needed from time to time.

We recommend all children and teenagers have sealant placed as soon as the molar and premolar appear. The sooner the teeth are sealed the better chance they will not get decay.

Call Pediatric Dental Center at 586-754-6300 for your child’s sealant appointment our office staff will help you to make this quick and easy appointment!

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What is a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric Dentist — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:43:58 +0000

What is a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist is a specialist who is dedicated to the attainment of excellent oral health in children from infancy through adolescence. Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. Both have received specialized training in recognizing and treating the health needs of children. Infants, young children, pre-teens, and teenagers all need different approaches in dealing with their behavior, dental growth and development. In addition, pediatric dentists are qualified to treat special patients who may be emotionally, physically or mentally challenged. The environment is made comfortable to younger children with a play area and our highly skilled staff know how to help children feel at ease.

Pointers for Parents

DO!

Talk to your child in a positive matter of fact way about going to the pediatric dentist.
Emphasize that a pediatric dentist is a doctor who helps kids take care of their teeth.
If the doctor prefers, let your child go into the treatment room alone.
Set a good example – brush and floss your own teeth daily and visit the dentist regularly.

DON’T

Bribe your child into going to the pediatric dentist.
Use a dental visit as punishment.
Let your child know you feel any anxiety about going to the dentist.
If possible, don’t let anyone tell your child scary stories about dental visits.
Use words like hurt, pain, needle, drill, shot, etc.

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8 Steps To A Healthy Smile

Pediatric Dentist — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:36:47 +0000

Your baby should never to go bed with a nursing bottle, containing milk or juice. Clean her gums with soft cloth or gauze daily.
Your child should eat a balanced diet to build strong bones, decay-resistant teeth, healthy gums.
Limit your child’s snacks – no more than three or four times a day. Research has proved that the frequency of snacking influences the decay rate more than the kinds of snacks eaten. This includes fruit juices and pop.
Have your child brush twice a day, after breakfast and before bed, with an American Dental Association approved toothpaste.
Visit our office regularly. Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. We are dedicated to the attainment of excellent oral health in children from infancy through adolescence, and promote a positive attitude toward dental health.
Make sure your child is getting enough fluoride through drinking water, fluoride products, or when advised by our pediatric dentists, fluoride supplements.
Your child should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
Sealants should be applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s permanent back teeth soon after the teeth come in. Most cavities in children occur on the biting surfaces on the back teeth where plaque accumulates in the tiny grooves and depressions.

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Care of Your Teeth When You Have Braces or Appliances

Pediatric Dentist — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 04:51:35 +0000

Proper brushing is vital to good oral health. Equally important is avoiding certain foods that are particularly damaging to appliances or extremely difficult to remove by brushing. Be sure to check after rinsing, and if your teeth and brackets are not clean and shining . . . .brush again.

Brush all your teeth and appliances thoroughly.
Stimulate your gums gently with a soft brush.
floss carefully around each tooth.

The following is a list of foods that must be avoided:

Hard Pretzels/Corn Chips/Taco Chips and Shells
Hard or Chewy Candy
Corn on the Cob
Hard Crusty Bread
Taffy/Caramels
Popcorn/Nuts

Non-foods to be avoided:

Ice
Pens/Pencils
Fingernails
Gum Of Any Kind

Be sure to cut up:

Raw Fruits/Vegetables
Bagels
Pizza Crust

Sweets should be kept to a minimum and eaten at mealtime.

Tip: Carry a travel toothbrush so you can brush no matter where you are. Rinse after eating if you are unable to brush. Schedule regular checkups with your dentist.

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Orthodontic FAQ

Pediatric Dentist — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 04:23:40 +0000

What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. After graduation from college and then dental school, the American Dental Association requires an orthodontist to have at least two years of advanced training in orthodontics in an accredited program.

What causes orthodontic problems?
Either genetics or environmental factors can influence the development of the jaw and muscles and cause orthodontic problems. Genetic factors include extra teeth, missing teeth, or too much or too little room for the teeth, and a wide variety of other irregularities of the jaws, teeth and face.

Environmental factors include oral habits, such as thumb, finger or pacifier sucking, airway obstruction by tonsils and adenoids, premature loss of primary (baby) or permanent teeth. Whether inherited or environmental, many of these problems affect not only alignment of the teeth but also facial and jaw development.

Is there a age limit for adult orthodontics?
No! Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. Patients who have healthy teeth and supporting structures are never too old for orthodontic therapy. 1 in 5 orthodontic patients is an adult. The American Association of Orthodontics estimates that nearly 1,000,000 adults in the United States and Canada are receiving orthodontic care.

What is the difference between adult and teenage orthodontic treatment?
One difference between adult and teenage orthodontic treatment is the treatment takes longer. You heal more slowly as you age. The orthodontist needs to move your teeth more slowly in order to let your mouth heal between appointments.

It is also more difficult to enlarge your mouth, so all your teeth fit. When you were growing, your jaw was pliable and the orthodontist could stretch your mouth so there was room for your teeth. Once you stop growing your jaw hardens, making it difficult to stretch. While surgical enlargement of the jaw is an option, most adults deciding to have orthodontic treatment do not have their jaw enlarged. As a result, removal of one or more teeth may be necessary.

Do all children with orthodontic problems require interceptive treatment?
No. The need for interceptive or early orthodontics must be determined on an individual basis. After a thorough exam, the orthodontist will advise the parents if benefits outweigh the time and effort involved in early treatment or should their child wait until more permanent teeth are in place.

Is orthodontic treatment expensive?
Orthodontic treatment may eliminate the need for other medical and dental treatment. Considering the physical and psychological benefits usually last a lifetime, orthodontics is one of the best investments in healthcare and quality of life!

There are budget options available so that finances don’t stand between the patient and necessary treatment.

What are the patient’s responsibilities in the treatment process?
Patient participation and cooperation is crucial. Success comes easiest when the patient and parent are active participates of our dental team! A patient must:

Keep appointments.
Have regular dental check-ups.
Maintain excellent oral hygiene to avoid damage to gums and teeth.
Wear appliances as recommended.
Communicate to us any concerns you may have.

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Why Age 7? A Child’s Developing Bite

Pediatric Dentist — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 04:04:21 +0000

Bones and muscles form the framework of the face. In a young child, they grow quickly and can develop problems quickly, too. When the bones, muscles and teeth work well together, they create a stable, comfortable bite and pleasing appearance.

When the bones and muscles grow improperly, the teeth don’t fit together well. This can cause an unbalanced profile and other problems. Either genetics or environmental factors may have influenced the development of your child’s jaws and muscles. For example, your child may have inherited a small jaw from one parent and large teeth from the other. Also, sleeping patterns or oral habits, such as thumb sucking may have affected how his cheeks and jaws have developed.

Why Age 7?
Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct before jaw growth has slowed. By age 7, your child’s bite has been established with the eruption of the first permanent molars. In addition, the presence of permanent incisors (front teeth) will allow an orthodontist to detect and evaluate possible crowding patterns, detrimental oral habits, and an improper bite. A screening by age 7 also helps to determine if treatment will be necessary and determine the best time for your child to be treated.

What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontics?

Some of the potential benefits may include:

A reduced need to extract permanent teeth.
Reduce or eliminate the need for jaw surgery.
An opportunity to guide the growth of the jaw.
Guide incoming permanent teeth into desirable positions.
Lower risk of trauma or injury to protruded front teeth.
Correct harmful oral habits, such as finger and thumb sucking.
Maintain or gain space for the permanent teeth that are coming in.
May minimize the need for more extensive and costly procedures later.
Early orthodontic treatment may also aid in a child’s psychological development when related to appearance and self-esteem.
Reduce or eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems.

Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Always Required?
The need for interceptive or early orthodontics must be determined on an individual basis. An orthodontist can advise parents if the problem should be treated at a younger age or if treatment should wait until more permanent teeth are in place.

Seek Treatment Earlier Than Age Seven If Your Child Has:

Difficulty chewing.
Open-mouth breathing.
Thumb or finger sucking.
Overlapping or crowding of erupting permanent teeth.
Jaws that click or pop.
Biting into the cheek or into the roof of the mouth.
Speech problems.
Grinding or wearing down of the teeth.
Obvious abnormal bite development of any kind.

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