Pediatric Dentist Archives | Page 2 of 2 | Williams Family Dentistry

Pediatric Dental Filling Keeps Falling Out

Posted on May 15, 2019 by writeradmin.

I took my daughter to see the dentist a couple of months ago. I was a bit surprised when he said my daughter had three cavities. I’m very diligent with her dental care and even brush after her if I don’t think she’s been through enough. However, I agreed to the fillings as long as he did the white fillings. He didn’t have a problem with that. Unfortunately, every one of the fillings has fallen out…twice! I don’t know if this dentist knows what he’s doing. Should I go elsewhere? We’re a small area and not many dentists do white fillings out here.

Miranda

Dear Miranda,

Based on what you’ve said, I think it’s possible that your dentist did the white fillings just to make you happy but isn’t as experienced with them as with the amalgam fillings. Their bonding methods are completely different. Without adequate experience with then, he may not realize how important it is they stay dry during the bonding process.

If any moisture gets under the filling it breaks the bond. With children especially, this can be challenging. They are wiggly and move their tongues quite a bit. There are methods a dentist can use with children to help keep it dry but he may not be aware of these. Additionally, even with those methods, some children just have trouble cooperating with this particular procedure.

Helping Wiggly Children Get White Fillings

Don’t feel bad if your daughter is one of the wiggly ones. Children are supposed to be wiggly. It’s part of their charm. However, medical procedures sometimes require them to be still. In that case, many dentists will suggest some form of dental sedation. Even a mild sedation, such as nitrous oxide, can put a little one to sleep allowing the dentist to get straight on with the work at hand.

As far as seeing another dentist, you could look for a mercury-free dentist and see if they work with children. A general dentist is qualified to work with children, so you wouldn’t necessarily have to see another pediatric dentist. Each of them did a pediatric rotation. You would want to make sure they enjoy children though. This way your daughter is more likely to have a positive experience.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

When Do You Transition from a Pediatric Dentist

Posted on February 15, 2019 by writeradmin.

I have a 15-year-old who still goes to a pediatric dentist. He seems content there but I read online that when they hit their teen years you are supposed to transition them to an adult dentist. Do we have to do that right now if he’s happy there? Also, if we do, does the pediatric dentist recommend a general dentist for you or do you just start trying dentists?

Katherine

Dear Katherine,

Many general dentists will see entire families

While it varies from practice to practice, most pediatric dentists will let a child stay through 18 years of age. If they’ve been there most of their lifetime, they’ll even let them go a little further while they find a general practitioner they love.

While there is no hard and fast age, you should be able to tell when your son is ready to switch. At some point he may indicate that it feels childish there. Others are quite content staying until they’re 18. It really depends on both the practice and the patient.

They grow up so quickly, there really isn’t any reason to rush him. That’s especially true if he’s happy there. These type of positive experiences will help him with a lifetime of good oral hygiene with regular dental visits.

General Dentists Who Treat Children

You mentioned needing the pediatric dentist to recommend a general dentist to you. Does this mean you don’t have a dentist for yourself? If that’s so you may want to ask for that recommendation now and get started at the practice yourself.

It’s usually helpful to get a general dentist who also treats children in case your son expresses a desire to switch. These dentists are usually more patient than most and will be a good “first experience” for your son in an adult practice.

is it possible the reason you don’t see a dentist regularly is because you have some dental anxiety? If so, don’t feel bad. There are a lot of adults who avoid the dentist. However, it will be easier for your son if you’re established at the practice too. It also gives the dentist an idea of the dental genetics of your family so he can be proactive in treatments.

Dealing with Dental Anxiety

Not may people can just will anxiety away. I often suggest that anxious patients see a sedation dentist to get comfortable with dental work. Most sedation dentists offer two different levels of sedation, depending on your level of anxiety.

The right level for you will allow you to have a pain-free/anxiety-free dental appointment. Because you’re so relaxed, you can get more work done each sitting, allowing you to get caught up on any necessary work quickly.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Worried Pediatric Dentist Experimented on my Daughter

Posted on November 7, 2018 by writeradmin.

I’ve got a conundrum. My daughter’s old pediatric dentist was an absolute joy. My daughter loved her. Her appointments were fun and a breeze. Unfortunately, my husband’s company transferred him and we moved. My daughter had her first appointment with her new dentist. It didn’t go as well. They were a tad grumpy at times. But, the worst part (for my daughter at least) was the fluoride treatment. Our old dentist used the paint on fluoride that my daughter loved. This dentist used this foamy stuff in a tray that made my daughter gag. She does not want to do that again. I told them about the other fluoride hoping we could get it for next time. I was horrified when they told me they only used established treatments and the paint on fluoride was experimental. Does this mean the old dentist we loved so much was just experimenting on my daughter?

Emily

Dear Emily,

Little girl smiling in a pediatric dental chair

Your daughter can be happy again with her pediatric dentist

Absolutely not. You have nothing to worry about with the fluoride treatments your daughter received from her previous pediatric dentist. They’re not only not experimental. They’re now the standard treatment. The American Academy of Dentistry gave its positive recommendation of it back in 2006 and even that was only after extensive testing.

There have even been newer studies done which followed patients who’ve used the treatment regularly to check that fluorosis wasn’t a problem in their later years. The findings were fantastic and there was no concern of fluorosis in their permanent teeth.

Your daughter received the top-of-the-line treatment with your old dentist and you have nothing to fear. Truthfully, it was dishonest and a disservice to you, causing fear that was totally unnecessary. If he chooses to use the old foam treatment, that’s fine, but it’s only because of preference. There is no medical reason to stick with the “old way of doing things”.

The Importance of a Great Pediatric Dentist

In your place, I’d look for a different dentist in your new area. One who keeps up with the developments. Most importantly, one who makes your daughter’s appointments enjoyable like the last one did. The truth is too many patients avoid the dentist because of bad experiences in their childhood.

The more positive experiences your daughter has, the less likely she is to avoid the dentist as she grows older. We see so many preventable dental emergencies because people fear the dentist and let decay go too far until suddenly it’s blown up into a serious infection.

Finding the right dentist will give your daughter a lifetime of positive oral health.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Infant Teeth Grinding

Posted on September 28, 2018 by writeradmin.

My toddler now has three teeth. One on top and two on the bottom. Ever since the top one came in she’s been grinding the teeth together. I’m very worried about this. Is there something I can do?

Betty

Dear Betty,

Children are our biggest joy and constant worry. We want to keep them safe. We want to keep them healthy. We want them to grow to be people of character. We want them to be successful. It’s understandable you’re worried about her teeth grinding. In adults, it destroys their teeth. However, with infants and toddlers, this is quite common.

We don’t really know why they grind their teeth. It could be just the sensation of new things in their mouth and they’re fascinated. It could be the feeling of teething is driving them bonkers. Either way, most of them outgrow it fairly quickly.

When to See a Pediatric Dentist

If she hasn’t already had a pediatric dental appointment, go ahead and schedule one. It’s always better to bring children to the dentist early before there’s time for problems to develop. Too many parents wait until their child has a toothache to bring them in. Then their first experience with a dentist is a painful one. That memory sticks with children and sets them up for a lifetime of dental anxiety.

If you go now, your dentist can give her a positive experience, as well as check to make sure she’s not damaging any enamel. There are things a dentist can do to help strengthen her teeth and protect her from cavities.

He can also keep an eye on whether or not she’s developing any cracks or breaks in her teeth as a result of the grinding.

So, take a deep breath. Your daughter will likely be just fine, as long as you don’t wait until she has a dental emergency to bring her in.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY dentist Dr. John Weaver.