Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Specialty: Dentistry 4 Kids conducts comprehensive examinations, including digital x-rays, and then diagnoses problems to prevent them from becoming serious. On a typical office visit to see one of our Specialty Doctors, your child will receive a dental cleaning and guidance on proper oral hygiene techniques.
Pediatric dentists qualify as specialists because they receive an additional two to three years of specialty training following dental school. This ensures your child receives the best care available to them and best dental experience.
Many parents wonder when to bring their child for the first time. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends an initial dental examination by a child’s first birthday. This allows for an evaluation by a specialist where they may create an individualized preventive program to be followed. Many organizations believe in treating dental disease, but at Dentistry 4 Kids it is our practice to teach dental health care for the best long-term benefit. Early detection is critical in the process of promoting a healthy oral cavity for life. Prevention is still the number one form of treatment by eliminating problems before they occur. Please visit one of our Dentistry 4 Kids offices, so we may care for your child’s smile.
Sealants: Sealants help protect the chewing surfaces of healthy back teeth and are made of clear or shaded plastic. Fitting your child with sealants is a simple and painless visit to the dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that the majority of cavities occur on teeth in the back of the mouth, which is a place sealants will protect. Evidence shows that children with sealants end up with 50% less tooth decay following the age of fifteen.
Fluoride Supplements: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry maintains that children older than six months should receive supplements if their drinking water does not contain the necessary amount of fluoride. Fluoride supplements taken by infants have been shown to reduce tooth decay by as much as 50%. Proper dosages are based on age and the amount of fluoride present in your drinking water. At Dentistry 4 Kids we recommend evaluating whether or not your water is providing the right amount of fluoride to your child.
SEDATION DENTISTRY
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help children relax during many dental procedures. It's often referred to as "sleep dentistry," although that's not entirely accurate as often times your child is awake, with the exception of those who are under general anesthesia.
Here are the various levels of Sedation Dentistry:
- Minimal sedation -- Child is awake and relaxed.
- Moderate sedation -- Child is may not remember much of the procedure.
- Deep sedation -- Child is on the edge of consciousness, but easily awakened.
- General anesthesia -- Child is completely unconscious.
Regardless of which type of sedation your child receives, typically they’ll need a local anesthetic -- numbing medication at the site where the dentist is working in the mouth to relieve pain if the procedure causes any discomfort.
IV Sedation: Your child receives the sedative drug through a vein, so it goes to work more quickly. This method allows the Dentist to continually adjust the level of sedation throughout the entire procedure.
General Anesthesia: Many parents feel Anesthesia is usually the most comfortable option for children that have extreme apprehension, disabilities, or require extensive treatment. At Dentistry 4 Kids we provide either in-office or out-patient facility care under general anesthesia. Our care is supported by licensed anesthesiologists who are dedicated to your child’s comfort and safety.
Anesthesia services are provided by our own board-certified anesthesiologists. To obtain more information, please contact our main office and speak with our Anesthesia Coordinator.
Nitrous Oxide: Children who experience anxiety due to the sights, sounds, or sensations of dental treatment may respond more positively with the use of nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is perhaps the safest sedative in dentistry. It can reduce anxiety and gagging, and make long appointments more bearable for your child. The child remains fully conscious during treatment and recovery is rapid.
Head Start Oral Health Assessment are available
Head Start is a Federal program that promotes the school readiness of children from birth to age five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Head Start programs provide a learning environment that supports children's growth in many areas such as language, literacy, and social and emotional development. Head Start emphasizes the role of parents as their child's first and most important teacher. These programs help build relationships with families that support family well-being and many other important areas.
Kindergarten Oral Health Assessments are available
Kindergarten Oral Health Requirement
Lack of access to dental care is a problem for many California children. Dental disease is one of the most common reasons for school absences, and makes it hard for children to concentrate and learn. The kindergarten dental checkup requirement, AB 1433, signed into law in 2006, helps schools identify children suffering from untreated dental disease and helps parents establish a dental home for their children.
Special Needs
Any child who might need extra help because of a medical, emotional, or learning.