A Pediatric Dentist completes two additional years of training after completing dental school. These years are spent in a post-doctoral graduate residency program learning how to address and manage the unique challenges associated with treating infants, children and adolescents. Some of which include early childhood development, child psychology, growth and development and behavioral management.
Not all pediatric dentists are certified by American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). The ABPD board certification indicates that a pediatric dentist has successfully completed accredited training and a voluntary 2-part examination process designed to continually validate the knowledge, skills, and experience requisite to the delivery of quality patient care.
Dentists certified through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) hold the highest possible credentials within the field of pediatric dentistry. strives to provide the best oral care for your child and this board certification is a testament to dedication.
Pediatric Dentists have advanced dental education and experience in oral health and child behavior. They dedicate their practice to the diagnosis and treatment of children, including those with special needs. After obtaining a Dental Degree, a Pediatric dentist completes a residency that solely focuses on children where they learn about kid-specific issues such as sedatives specifically for children, treating children under general anesthesia and “behavior guidance,” which focuses on winning patients’ trust and adapting to a child’s behavior.
X-rays are an essential tool to any dental care treatment plan. They are both diagnostic and preventive because through x-rays, dentists can see potential oral care issues and treat it before it becomes a major problem. Furthering technology has allowed for digital x-rays to replace the previous standard in x-rays, film-based x-rays. Digital x-rays are very safe and expose your children to minimal radiation due to the fact that it allows practitioners to be much more targeted. Studies have shown that the use of Digital x-rays reduces exposure to radiation by as much as 80%.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child go to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts.
Primary teeth have many important functions. They help the child to speak clearly, chew properly and thoroughly and they serve as a placeholder and guide for adult teeth to follow when they are ready to erupt.
Taking care of baby teeth is extremely important. If your child has a cavity on a baby tooth it is important to take a proactive approach so the decay does not spread. If you do not get a filling, the cavity will get larger and can lead to an abscess or tooth infection. The tooth will then need to be extracted and a spaced maintainer will be placed.
Fluoride is an important part of a dental treatment plan because it can actually reverse early tooth decay. Fluoride makes the tooth more resistant to tooth decay by blocking acid attacks from plaque and sugars in the mouth.
Diet and regular dental checkups are the two most important ways to ensure healthy gums and teeth. A healthy diet is a balanced diet. It is very important to limit the amount of starches and sugars to prevent tooth decay. Please feel free to ask us at your next visit for some healthy diet tips and snack examples.
You can protect your child’s teeth during sporting event by requiring them to wear a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect their teeth, gums, lips and cheeks. Our custom mouthguards are developed from a mold of your child’s mouth and made from a soft plastic that will protect your child from injuries to the teeth, face and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.
In such an event, it is most important to stay calm. Then find the tooth. Once the tooth is found hold it by the crown rather than the root and try to reinsert it in the socket. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk and take your child and the glass immediately to the pediatric dentist. If a glass of milk is not available, you can have the child spit into a container and place the tooth in the saliva or have the child hold the tooth under their tongue if you do not believe it will be a choking hazard. If the office is closed, call our emergency number at 716-427-3010.
If your child chips or fractures their tooth it is important to be seen by a Pediatric Dentist right away in order to try and save the tooth, prevent infection and further damage. If you have the broken tooth fragment, please place the fragment in a glass of cold milk and bring it with you to your appointment. If a glass of milk is not available, you can have the child spit into a container and place the tooth in the saliva or have the child hold the tooth under their tongue if you do not believe it will be a choking hazard.
At Lakehouse Pediatric Dentistry we ask that you give 48 hours notice if you have to change or cancel your appointment.