My child's first dental visit.....

Just as your child needs to see his or her pediatrician for regular checkups, visits to the dentist are necessary too.  Preparing your child for that visit may be the start of a positive and lifelong dental experience. 

The one question we are most commonly asked is, when should I my child see a dentist and why?  The ideal time for a child to see a dentist is six months after the child’s first tooth erupts.  This time frame is a good opportunity for a dentist to carefully exam the child’s mouth because dental problems often start early.  Problems such as early childhood tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease, prolonged thumb- or pacifier sucking can be discussed. 

How should you prepare your child for their first visit?  When setting up the appointment with your dentist, ask about what procedures will be done during the first visit, so you will not be surprised.  This is also a good time to prepare your child for the visit.  Some children are very fussy, some may cry and others may enjoy the experience.  There are a number of storybooks available that you can read to your child about their first visit.  Try to make their first visit something to look forward to and help them understand what will be done.  Also remember to tell your dentist of your child’s complete medical history. 

What will happen at the first visit may vary.  However, usually this is a simple visit, which allows you time to acquaint your child with the dentist.  If your child is scared, frightened or uncomfortable you may need to reschedule your appoint.  Always remember to stay calm and remain patient.  Reassure your child that the visit will not be scary or something to be afraid about.  Most child react to parent cues; anxiety on your part will only further upset your child. 

After an introduction the appointment should only last from 15 to 30 minutes.  At this time, the dentist should perform a gentle examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues to monitor growth and development.  A gentle cleaning may follow with a toothbrush or dental polishing instrument.  X-rays may be taken, but are not always indicated.  There will also be a demonstration on how to care for your child’s teeth and mouth.  

The dentist should also be able to answer any questions you may have and try to make you and your child feel comfortable throughout the visit.    Children, like adults, need to be seen every six months; some may even need interim visits.

Remember, short successive visits can build the child’s trust with the dentist and in the office.  This can only prove invaluable if your child needs to be treated later for any dental problems.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me or ask your dentist.

The truth about root canals.....

Dentist: “After looking at your tooth, you have two options; extract the tooth or have a root canal.”

Patient:  “Doc, extract the tooth!  Everyone I talk to tells me that when they had a root canal it hurt and I just would rather have the tooth out!”

I too often hear this response when I discuss the options of treatment with a patient.  The first thing that comes to my mind, does a friend ever say, “Hey, I just had a root canal and it felt great!”  People always tend to tell the horror stories about medical procedures, from difficult births to painful root canals.  This is the reason why many patients are afraid to seek treatment, especially dental treatment.

What is a root canal?  Many patients are confused by this procedure and what is actually performed.  Some people believe that the dentist is removing the roots of the tooth.  The basic concept behind a root canal procedure is to get rid of the bugs (bacteria) that are causing the problem.  A dentist will enter the tooth and clean, shape and seal each canal.  The procedure is usually has minimal discomfort; however soreness can occur after treatment.  When a patient is very swollen, it makes it more difficult to calm the tooth and these patients tend to feel a little more discomfort.

What are the advantages of a root canal?  I would first like to state the obvious, and that is you keep your tooth.  As a dentist who tries to preserve his patient’s dentition, this is obviously the best choice in most circumstances.  When a tooth is extracted, it is gone!  You only get one set of permanent teeth and to restore that area the choices range from removable appliances to implants.    

Why am I being sent to a specialist?  When we look at the radiograph of the tooth we want to make sure that there will be no complications in completing the root canal.  Sometimes, where the tooth is positions, the anatomy, if it has a crown, if it had a previous root canal, or if the dentist just feels uncomfortable treating that tooth a patient may be referred to an Endodontist for treatment.   

Now I need a crown?  Well this depends on what is left after the root canal is performed.   A patient does not always need a crown, but I would say that many times they do.  After the root canal is completed the tooth is weaker.  A crown will protect the remaining tooth structure.

In summary, a root canal is a viable option to save a tooth that is infected.  Rushing to extract a tooth is not always the answer, even though it sometimes seems like the quickest way to get out of discomfort.  I firmly believe in patient education and explaining what we as dentist are doing.  If you are unsure about treatment options make sure you talk with your dentist.

Where do your teeth come from?

Did you ever wonder where your teeth came from?  No, I don’t mean how the developed in your body, but when you get a crown, bridge or denture; who made it? It seems more and more dentists are using labs that send their work to forgein countries to be completed.  China has become one of the local favorites for inexpensive crowns.

In 2008, many reports were released showing that lead was found in the base metals that are used in some crowns.  Further investigation uncovered that even the procealin used in the crowns may have included trace amounts of lead.  Recently, the State of New Jersey passed a law requiring all dentists to inform their patients of any laboratory products that were fabricated outside of the United States.

In my office, I have made the firm decision to use only dental laboratories that manufacture their products in the United States.  My philosophy is that I will not place anything in my patient’s mouth that I would not place in my families or mine.

The moral of this short article is to tell patinets buyer be ware.  If in doubt ask your dentist who is making your crown or denture.  The best type of patient is a well-informed patient.

Let me help you through it!

As a dentist you tend to hear a lot of different stories.  The one I hear the most is that person who won't come in because they are afraid of what they might hear.  They think they have the worst mouth ever.  They're even embarrassed.  They almost made an appointment few time... and then just couldn't go through with it.

If you are that person this is what you should do:
Give me one shot. One visit.  Come in with someone you trust. Hear what I have to say. There will be no probing, no picking, and certainly no embarrassment.  In sixty seconds, I should make you feel safe.

One thing is for sure.  It isn't going to get better on it's own.  Sooner or later we got to do this thing.  And I will be there to get you though it!

Call our office or visit our website (www.stevenberwitzdmd.com).  Let us take the next step together!