DENTAL SERVICES
Preventive Dentistry
Dental care needs vary from one person to another. No formula or solution exists which makes dental care the same for everyone. Certainly, stage of development is an influence on the needs and considerations someone requires. An infant, a school-age child, and an adolescent must be considered differently in many respects, including dental care needs. These needs should, however,begin with the same consideration: PREVENTION. The best method of providing dental care is to prevent possible problems with information and guidance in oral hygiene. And then to prevent any minor problems from growing with early treatment. This method is easier, less time-consuming, less costly, and it provides the best results.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics each promote the standard that a child’s first dental visit should take place before the first birthday. This is to establish a familiarity between family members and the dental care providers. As well, this is an opportunity for family members to become more informed of general oral healthcare interests. Understanding the simple day-to-day practices which reduce the incidence of problems preserves health and family resources. And knowing those who would provide care for any possible problems makes for a simplified, less stressful experience for all family members. Subsequent visits should then follow at regular intervals, generally every six-months for the purposes of reinforcing and maintaining great oral health. Conditions may exist, however, which require an increased frequency of visits.
The skilled staff of Grand Prairie Children’s Dentistry will provide each visit with personalized care that includes:
- Examination of dental health and development, including bite and soft tissues
- Oral hygiene evaluation and instruction (brushing and flossing techniques)
- Professional cleanings, including scaling and fluoride applications
- Evaluation and possible instruction regarding proper diet
- Digital radiographs (x-rays)
- Application of protective dental sealants when indicated
- Counseling on “oral habits” which may threaten proper development
- Evaluation of oral trauma and/or counseling on oral trauma prevention
- Consideration of individual concerns as they relate to promoting a healthy smile
If any problems are determined to require treatment, Dr. Yoon will communicate the nature of the treatment required, and develop a plan to provide the treatment based on the child’s individual needs. This is considered “Restorative Dentistry.”
back to top
Examination
An examination involves more than looking at teeth. The health history reviews the general health of your child and indicates special considerations necessary for his/her dental-care. The health status of the teeth, gums, other soft tissues, and functions of the head and neck region are evaluated and documented. Bone growth and permanent (“adult”) dentition development are also evaluated, as early intervention is integral to the successful treatment of many conditions. Disease risk factors and possible disease indicators are analyzed and explained. The dynamics of/between each of these factors lead to the development of a diagnosis and subsequent plan for any treatment -- a plan which includes daily PREVENTIVE oral hygiene and diet measures at home. Please Note: Parent presence is welcome during examinations; this promotes an understanding of oral health conditions, and of the Grand Prairie Children’s Dentistry philosophies and personalities. Parent participation is necessary for infants or for those who present with special considerations.
back to top
Oral Hygiene
Instruction: Prevention is the most important part of our practice. You and your child will be given dental hygiene instructions to help maintain good oral health at home. A regular homecare regimen of brushing 2-3 times daily with an appropriately fluoridated toothpaste and flossing at night (or anytime food is stuck between teeth) is essential to great oral health. The reasons and techniques for brushing and flossing will be reviewed at each visit in a manner specific to your child’s development. Mouth rinses may be recommended once the child understands it is not to be swallowed, and that it is an adjunct to routine brushing and flossingrather than a substitute.
Cleaning and Fluoride: Your child’s teeth will be cleaned to remove plaque (a matrix of debris and bacteria) and calculus (hard plaque). Because these are the primary source for tooth decay and gum disease, the cleaning is important for several reasons: (1) it provides a sense about the quality of hygiene at home and aspects requiring improvement, (2) it enables a comprehensive examination of the health and development of oral tissues, (3) it provides information about your child‘s personality as related to acceptance of care. Topical fluoride is applied to the teeth to make them stronger and more resistant to tooth decay. A thorough cleaning and fluoride treatment every six months has been shown to be an extremely effective component to preventing dental disease. Please note: The benefits of fluoride are well-researched. Grand Prairie Children’s Dentistry utilizes American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Guidelines in fluoride application.
back to top
Diet
Some foods cause cavities more easily than others. Foods high in sugars, acids and carbohydrates increase the amount of acids responsible for breakdown of tooth structure. Examples include candy, soda, juices, pastries, fruit-snacks, chips and crackers. Even milk can contribute to this breakdown if not cleaned from the tooth structure -- a great concern for families with infants. Limiting the consumption of these foods, with prompt cleaning to follow their consumption, significantly reduces the possibility for cavities. Evaluating your child’s diet, and explaining the potential impact of their choices on their health is essential to preventing problems.
back to top
Radiographs (X-rays)
It is important the dentist be able to evaluate all of the oral structures -- not just the parts that are easily seen. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends radiographs and examinations every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. Radiographs taken once a year, coupled with visual exams twice a year, will generally be adequate for evaluation of healthy structures while also providing the ability to detect possible problems early. If a possible problem is being followed, a more frequent radiograph of that specific location may be indicated. Understand we are extremely mindful to minimize the rate of radiographic exposure. The amount of radiation received from a dental X-ray examination is extremely small. Risk to health-safety is negligible thanks to protective measures (lead shields which cover the rest of the body) and to the technology of today‘s equipment (filters that minimize and focus exposures, films which are more sensitive to these exposures, digitized images which can be manipulated as to reduce the need for multiple exposures). This low measure of radiographic exposure represents less risk to health-safety than undetected/untreated dental problems.
Occlusal and Bitewing Radiographs: These are images used to determine the health of the teeth and bone. Cavities, unusual tooth forms and positions, and the composition of surrounding bone can be observed on bitewings. The difference between “occlusal” and “bitewing” relates to the position of the image within the mouth.
Periapical Radiograph: This image enables observation of the area surrounding a tooth’s root.
Panoramic Radiographs: A panoramic radiograph provides an overall view of your child's mouth and jaws. It enables evaluation for missing teeth, extra teeth, abnormal growths, and inconsistencies within bone which could be of concern. A panoramic is normally taken at 6 years of age (or once the 6 year molars are erupting), and every 3-5 years thereafter. A panoramic may also be taken if a child suffers trauma to his/her jaw.
Please note: Radiographs are essential to the quality of your child’s evaluation and diagnosis. Grand Prairie Children’s Dentistry utilizes American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Guidelines in administering radiographs. All of our radiographic equipment is digital and calibrated to provide safe measures of radiographic exposure.
back to top
Sealants
Tooth decay is the most widespread dental disease among children, but is also the most preventable. Sealants are a proven way of preventing cavities from beginning. They are made of either a clear or shaded plastic, and are applied to the surfaces of the teeth possessing deep grooves. Typically these deep grooves occur on the teeth toward the back of the mouth. Their shape and position in the mouth can make effective cleaning difficult. By filling these grooves so that the food and the bacteria responsible for causing cavities cannot collect in a place difficult to clean, sealants prevent decay.
Applying a sealant is quick, painless, and can be effective for many years. Because sealants are applied only to the chewing-surfaces of healthy teeth, there is no anesthesia required for discomfort or removal of decay. And the better the oral hygiene and care taken to avoid avoids chewing hard objects, the longer the sealants will last.
Early application of a sealant can protect your child throughout the most cavity-prone years and lay the foundation for a lifetime of dental health and a great smile.
Sealants are an option covered by most dental insurance programs, and ultimately save money by helping prevent the need for more expensive and invasive dental treatment.
back to top
Oral Habits
Simple behaviors sometimes exaggerate and persist to become harmful. Lip-licking, lip-biting, nail-biting, tooth-grinding, tongue thrusts, and sucking are examples of normal actions which, if not limited, can alter the natural, healthy conditions of oral tissues. These behaviors may be responses to stress, providing a sense of comfort or even focus. And for most, these behaviors prove self-limiting.
Those for whom these behaviors persist, however, eventually present with irritation/infection of skin/oral tissues, advanced loss of tooth structure, and/or abnormal shifting of tooth position. The more frequent, the more aggressive the habit, the more proper growth may be compromised. The effects on your child’s oral health, self-concept, and appearance can last a lifetime. We are pleased to evaluate and explore possible options with you and your child as you seek to eliminate this challenging behavior.
back to top
Special Considerations
Each person has circumstances and experiences unique to him-/herself. Sometimes special considerations and additional efforts are required to meet these unique needs. Perhaps such considerations are required on the basis of age or developmental stage. Perhaps on the basis of a disability. The staff of Grand Prairie Children’s Dentistry are trained to accommodate these special considerations, as to best meet your child’s unique needs. The office is designed for accessibility, and a variety of scheduling options exist. Following an opportunity to meet and understand your needs, we are pleased to develop a plan by which oral health can be evaluated and maintained. A plan which considers diet and medications, a plan which considers physical and behavioral challenges. An emphasis on prevention will remain, with guidance to be provided on methods. And, if required, recommendations can be provided how treatment may be provided safely compassionately.
back to top
Restorative Dentistry
Unfortunately, best efforts do not always bring best results. Preventive measures are extremely helpful in reducing treatment needs, but teeth are subject to extraordinary wear and tear. And teeth sometimes form or grow in ways that are not favorable, allowing for problems to develop which are not preventable. Grand Prairie Children’s Dentistry offers gentle and comprehensive solutions. Your child’s well-being is the priority. This means matching the most current information and methods in pediatric dental medicine with individual comfort needs. The entire staff is committed to helping you and your child solve dental health problems. As a pediatric dental specialist practice, our extensive training helps us to understand and treat your child in manners which promote psychological and emotional well-being. Patience, explanations appropriate to developmental phase, and TLC can be expected as standard to GPCD care. Additional, advanced-care methods (oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia) may be provided those individuals who present as very young, as having extensive restorative needs, or as having special medical- or behavioral-support needs. Here, the philosophy is provide your child only the same considerations and quality care we would provide our own child.
Please note: “Explanations appropriate to developmental phase” means communicating honestly with your child in terms which seek to minimize stress or alarm. GPCD is pleased to provide you more information on this topic, and to consider any concerns you may have.
Common terms associated with restorative care:
Composite Resin Fillings: or “tooth-colored” fillings, are used to restore teeth where cosmetic appearance is important. Tooth colored fillings are used to repair fractured teeth and/or areas of decay. The shade of restorative material is matched as closely as possible to the color of the natural teeth. Tooth colored fillings may be used for teeth anywhere in the mouth given (1)there is an adequate amount of healthy, natural tooth remaining to support the filling, and (2)the tooth can be kept completely dry during placement of the filling. Composite resin fillings require excellent hygiene and a careful diet to be properly maintained.
Stainless Steel Crowns: are used to restore teeth toward the back of the mouth that are too severely broken or decayed to hold fillings. Please note these do not contain mercury.
Pulp Treatment: are required if the tooth’s nerve has been exposed to bacteria. The procedure consists of cleaning the interior portion of the tooth, to a level unaffected by bacteria. This area is treated with medicine and supported with a sedative material for the purposes of preventing infection and tooth loss.
Extractions: removing teeth because of (1)severe breaks that cannot be repaired, (2)decay which is so severe it has infected the tooth and threatens to infect other areas of the body, or (3)orthodontic treatment. Extractions are only provided once all alternatives have been considered and carefully eliminated.
Space Maintainers: are used when a primary tooth has been prematurely lost, and its space must be maintained for the permanent tooth that replaces it. If space is not maintained, teeth on either side of the extraction site can shift into the lost tooth’s space and interfere/prevent the permanent tooth’s normal eruption.
Nitrous Oxide (“Laughing Gas” or “Happy-Air”): assists in relaxing apprehensive patients and patients with gag reflexes. Please note this is administered only with greater measures of oxygen than nitrous oxide, and only in the direct presence of a licensed healthcare-provider.
Conscious Sedation: is a method of treatment which enables delivery of care for children who are very young and/or anxious. Please note this is a specialty service which requires extensive training and additional licensure of the dentist. Parents will be provided detailed information on policies and procedures.
General Anesthesia: is a method of treatment which takes place in a hospital a surgery center which enables delivery of care for children who present with extensive dental and/or medical needs. Please note this method requires the presence of a licensed anesthesiologist and enables delivery of all treatment in a single appointment. Parents will be provided detailed information on policies and procedures.
Interceptive Orthodontics: may be indicated if minor orthodontic problems such as “space-maintenance,” “oral habits,” “crowding,” or “cross-bite” are diagnosed to exist. This generally requires a simple appliance be made for your child. It may or may not be followed with a comprehensive phase of orthodontic treatment.
Comprehensive Orthodontics: may be indicated if the position of teeth and/or if the upper and lower jaws relationship are unfavorable. These are common conditions which are likely to cause problems as your child matures. The American Association for Orthodontists recommends that every child receive an orthodontic evaluation by 7 years of age. Timing orthodontic treatment(s) in accordance with the natural growth-phase(s) is extremely important for maximizing options and promoting efficiency. As with most health-related concerns, early detection/planning brings better treatment results. Comprehensive orthodontics may be initiated differently from child-to-child, depending on timing and the specific diagnosis requiring treatment. Dividing the orthodontic treatment into separate phases may even be necessary. An orthodontic evaluation and diagnosis will provide you more specific information. Grand Prairie Children’s Dentistry will be pleased to provide referral for comprehensive orthodontic treatment for patients demonstrating great oral hygiene!
back to top
|
