- Dental ExaminationOur normal office procedure is to give your child a thorough oral examination on the first visit. This examination will include a careful visual evaluation of the teeth and oral tissues and those X-rays deemed necessary for a complete diagnosis and evaluation of the developing teeth and jaws. A dental prophylaxis cleaning may be performed, if warranted. We introduce children to dentistry with terms they can relate to according to their age: terms like “count” for examination and “taking pictures” for X-rays, etc. For the child patient, this “easy approach” serves as a good orientation and is a desirable introduction to dentistry.
- X-raysThere is very little risk in dental X-rays. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation. In fact, dental x-rays represent a far smaller risk than undetected and untreated dental problems.
- Fluoride TreatmentTooth decay is a progressive disease resulting in the interaction of bacteria that naturally occur on the teeth and sugars in the everyday diet. Sugar causes a reaction in the bacteria, causing it to produce acids that break down the mineral in teeth, forming a cavity. Dentists remove the decay and fill the tooth using a variety of fillings, restoring the tooth to a healthy state. Nerve damage can result from severe decay and may require a crown (a crown is like a large filling that can cap a tooth, making it stronger or covering it). Avoiding unnecessary decay simply requires strict adherence to a dental hygiene regimen: brushing and flossing twice a day, regular dental checkups, diet control and fluoride treatment. Practicing good hygiene avoids unhealthy teeth and costly treatment.
- Dental SealantsDental sealants are a thin plastic coating painted on the chewing surface of the teeth to prevent tooth decay. Sealants bond into the grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of the tooth. Sealants make the tooth a smoother surface to help prevent food from getting trapped inside the tooth, which ultimately helps prevent cavities from developing. They are typically white or clear in color.
- Space MaintainersTh. If the permanent tooth underneath the baby tooth is not close to erupting, a space maintainer is needed. A space maintainer is a small appliance used to hold the empty space for the permanent teeth until it is ready to erupt. If a space maintainer is not placed after early removal of a baby tooth, the teeth could drift into the empty space, creating crowding and blocking the eruption of a permanent tooth. These appliances require us to see your child for two separate appointments: impressions (mold) of their teeth, and another appointment to cement the appliance. Most children adjust to these appliances after a couple days and special oral hygiene and diet instructions will be given to help care for your child’s teeth and the space maintainer.
- FillingsA white filling, also known as Composite or Resin fillings, are used to restore teeth that have cavities. They are made up of plastic, glass and ceramic compound and are similar to the appearance of natural teeth. When a patient has a small to medium size cavity, a white filling is recommended to restore the tooth structure. Unlike silver, amalgam fillings, less tooth structure is removed, and white fillings harden in seconds rather than needing a few days to harden and set.
- Veneers
- CrownsRecover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or water. Because time is essential, see a dentist immediately. 30 minutes or less could make a difference in saving the tooth.
- OrthodonticsDr. Rochon completed her training in the specialty of pediatric dentistry by undergoing a two year post-graduate program at the University of Maryland, School of Dentistry. During this training, Dr. Rochon worked with all ages of children from infant through adolescent. She was trained in limited orthodontics, children and adults with special needs, medically compromised patients as well as routine, healthy children. She spent time completing rotations in the hospital including pediatrics and pediatric emergency. Dr. Rochon also treated many patients under general anesthesia in the hospital operating room as well as performing the majority of restorative care to the children in the dental clinic without sedation.
- BracesRemove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. DO NOT REMOVE any wire caught in the gums, cheek or tongue; see a dentist immediately. Emergency attention is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort.