Dental Emergencies

+ What is a pediatric dentist?

A pediatric dentist has an extra two years of specialized training after dental school and is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. The very young, pre-teens, and teenagers all need different approaches in dealing with behavior, guiding their growth and development, and helping them avoid future dental problems. With the additional education, pediatric dentists have the training which allows them to offer the most up-to-date and thorough treatment for a wide variety of pediatric dental problems.

+ How old should my child be to come to the dentist?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your child should visit our Chandler pediatric dentist by his/her 1st birthday or 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth. Beginning dental care at an early age allows guidance for caring for your child's teeth and opportunities to address preventive issues that are important for healthy teeth and a pleasing smile. Early visits also help establish a positive relationship between the dentist and your child.

With each subsequent visit, your child will mature and confidence and trust will most likely increase. Preventive care visits (recall visits) will usually include a comprehensive exam, cleaning, fluoride treatment, and appropriate dental radiographs.

+ Why are baby teeth so important?

It is very important to maintain the health of primary teeth (baby teeth). Neglected cavities can cause pain and infection, and it can also lead to problems which affect the developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth are important for (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for permanent teeth and guiding them into position, and (3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles.

+ Why does my child need dental x-rays?

Radiographs (x-rays) are a necessary part of your child's dental diagnostic process. Without them, certain cavities will be missed. They also help survey developing teeth, evaluate results of an injury, or plan for orthodontic treatment. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for your child, and more affordable for you.

On average, our Chandler pediatric dentistry office will request bitewing radiographs approximately once a year and panoramic radiographs every 3-5 years. In children with a high risk of tooth decay, we will recommend radiographs and examinations every six months.

With contemporary safeguards, the amount of radiation received in a dental x-ray examination is extremely small. The risk is negligible. In fact, the dental radiographs represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and untreated dental problem. Lead body aprons with thyroid collar shields will help to protect your child. Today's equipment restricts the beam to the area of interest. Our office also employs digital radiography which allows us to decrease the amount of radiation exposure.

+ When should we begin using toothpaste and how much should we use?

The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Use a "smear" of toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age. For the 2-5 year old, dispense a "pea-size" amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.

+ Are thumbsucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?

Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of three, talk to Dr. Randy or Dr. Tyler to discuss cessation techniques.

+ What are sealants, fillings, and crowns?

A sealant is a clear or tooth colored plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces (grooves) of the back teeth (molars and premolars). The sealant helps to protect the chewing surface of the tooth from getting a cavity but sealants do not protect the surfaces between the teeth.

If your child has a cavity, a filling is placed after the cavity is removed. We place tooth colored fillings whenever possible.

If your child has a large cavity or a cavity that goes into the nerve (pulp), the tooth will require a crown or even an extraction (removal of the tooth). If the cavity does go into the nerve and the tooth can be saved, then the doctor will perform a pulpotomy (baby nerve treatment) and place a crown. White or tooth colored crowns are used for the front teeth. Stainless steel (silver) crowns are used for the back teeth due to their strength, longevity, and durability.

The success of each of these procedures, and any dental procedure, is dependent on the severity of the dental disease, cooperation of the child during treatment, and the body's individual response to treatment. All treatment is recommended based on extensive scientific evidence and clinical experience in the best interest of your child. If you have any questions about any dental treatment, please do not hesitate to ask Dr. Tyler or Dr. Randy.

+ Will my child require sedation?

We offer all modes of treatment for your child, including Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation (twilight), IV sedation (deep sedation with a licensed dental anesthesiologist) and general anesthesia (hospital). Because our doctors offer all options within the practice, they can truly recommend what is best for your child's individual needs.

Simple procedures in healthy, cooperative children can be completed with local anesthetic (numbing agent) with or without Nitrous Oxide. This technique is administered through a small breathing mask which is placed over the child's nose.

With slightly more involved procedures, certain children will require an oral medication along with the use of Nitrous Oxide to help relax your child and facilitate cooperation during treatment. These children must meet certain stringent medical criteria and must come in to the appointment having fasted that morning. The child will be monitored throughout the procedure and most will be in a very light sleep during their appointment. They must not have any respiratory issues within 2 weeks of the appointment.

Some children are unable to cooperate for dental treatment while they are awake at all. These children that meet certain age, weight, and medical criteria may have treatment done in the office with IV sedation. A licensed and certified dental anesthesiologist performs and monitors the IV portion while the doctors perform the dentistry. Your child will be completely asleep during this procedure.

Children who are not eligible for any of the above treatment options may require treatment under general anesthesia in the hospital setting. Some children with complex heart or airway issues will require general anesthesia to help aid in their safety. Our practice gets referrals from other area pediatric dentists due to our extensive knowledge and specialized expertise with children requiring treatment in the hospital setting.