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Children's Dental Care You Can Trust
Kids aren't known for liking the dentist. A visit to the dentist might be the cause of a major meltdown, but you don't have to worry at Tanty Family Dentistry. We provide the utmost attentive care so your child is comfortable during every dental visit.
Modern technology means most procedures without the need for potentially frightening needles and drills. Whether your child needs a cavity filled, a tooth replaced, braces fitted, or just a routine checkup, we're here to make sure every visit your child has is a positive experience. We'll encourage them to form good dental hygiene habits for a lifetime.
What is Teething?
When a child's baby teeth begin to emerge, this means they are beginning the teething process. There's not a specific set time when your child will begin teething but it might occur between the first 3 months to the first year of their life. Baby teeth aren't permanent, but they're just as important to take care of as permanent teeth. The earlier your child has their first visit to the dentist, the more familiar they'll become with dental appointments and oral hygiene techniques at home. This is all in an effort to prevent future tooth decay, gum disease or even bone loss.
The First Routine Dental Checkup for your Child
Though your child might not have all of their teeth by their first dental visit, the importance of routine checkups is to get your child comfortable with the dentist. Tanty Family Dental recommends bringing your child in for their first checkup by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth emerging. Depending on how old your child is, the dentist might perform a full exam by checking the growth and development of the teeth, jaws, bite and gums.
Once your child's baby teeth start to fully emerge, routine checkups may include gentle teeth cleaning. The dentist will polish your child's teeth and remove plaque, tartar and any stain buildup. Your child may also learn good brushing and flossing techniques to maintain oral health in-between visits. Since children are more susceptible to cavities, they should see the dentist every 6 months; some dentists even recommend a visit every 3 months.
Pediatric Dentist for Cavities
If your child develops a cavity in their baby teeth, it's still important to get it filled. If a cavity is allowed to grow, your child may need a baby root canal or crown to fix the damage. At Tanty, we offer a new method of dental filling with the Solea laser. This laser makes removing tooth decay more precise and is safe for everyone, including children. During the filling procedure, your child will wear an eye shield for added protection. This update in dental technology makes for an anxiety-free, anesthesia-free, pain-free procedure, which means no frightening children with drills, needles or numbness.
Restorative Treatments for Baby Teeth
The Waukesha family dentists at Tanty will always look for the best choice when it comes to repairing your child's damaged tooth. Some restorative procedures we provide for kids other than fillings are crowns and extractions. Crowns can support a filling to protect the tooth from further damage or they can be used as an alternative to fillings if the tooth is too decayed already. Extractions are usually the last resort in many cases. If extraction is the only solution, it's most likely because the baby tooth is too badly damaged or broken to repair. We will do everything possible to save your child's natural baby teeth since they reserve space for adult teeth and give them a healthy start.
Emergency Dentist for Kids
If your child has a dental issue outside of a scheduled appointment, our dentists have time set aside to adhere to any dental emergencies that emerge. A common dental emergency is a permanent tooth being knocked out. If your child loses a permanent tooth, don't panic. If you can find the tooth, rinse it with salt water, and try to place it back in the socket. If you can't do this, stick it in a cup of salt water or milk to preserve it while you head to the dentist. The dentist should be able to secure it back into place if it's not too damaged. If it is too damaged, the dentist will recommend some restorative options.
Contact our staff for emergency dental services, insurance-billing information, or to learn more about Tanty Family Dental, the best comprehensive dental services in Waukesha, Pewaukee, Big Bend, Genesee, Saylesville, Vernon and the surrounding areas near Waukesha County.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
What is pediatric dentistry?
Pediatric dentists assist with oral health treatments for young children from infancy to teenage years. They receive specialized training to care for a child's teeth, gums and mouth through the various stages of childhood. They also provide gentler care and education for young children and even treat patients with special needs and disabilities.
What are the most common dental procedures in pediatrics?
Pediatric dentists handle a handful of procedures when it comes to children. Since children are most susceptible to cavities and other oral diseases, dentists administer fillings, early orthodontic care, tooth extractions, general cleanings, fluoride treatments and more to maintain a child's primary set of teeth. Once permanent teeth set in, a pediatric dentist might recommend tooth alignment procedures to correct gaps and crooked teeth.
When should you see a pediatric dentist?
Tanty Family Dental recommends an initial pediatric dental appointment after the child's 1st birthday and before the 2nd birthday. According to industry research, approximately 40% of children will experience tooth decay by kindergarten. It is important for your child to have regularly scheduled pediatric dental appointments to avoid potential restorative or emergency visits.
Is it worth fixing cavities in baby teeth?
Cavities in primary teeth are just as important to take care of as cavities in permanent teeth. Untreated cavities, regardless of tooth permanence, can cause discomfort, pain, infection, and poor overall oral health. Taking care of a child's baby teeth allows the permanent teeth to remain healthy and erupt properly.
How do I prepare my child for the dentist?
The best time to schedule your child's dental appointment is in the morning or early afternoon when they are alert and fresh. A preschooler or older child should be given a general idea of what to expect. Build excitement and understanding, not anxiety and fear. The pediatric dentists at Tanty Family Dental will also put your child at ease by explaining the procedures before beginning.
Are cavities common in toddlers?
Unfortunately, cavities are a common occurrence for toddlers. About 42% of children between the ages of 2 to 11 will develop at least one cavity, and 20% of kids aged 2 to 5 have untreated cavities. Your child's diet, oral hygiene and water consumption will all have an effect on how likely they are to get a cavity. Cavities are typically treated with a composite filling to protect the tooth from further damage.
Do they put toddlers to sleep for dental procedures?
General anesthesia will only be recommended during complex dental treatments if the child needs to be still for a long period of time. If anesthesia is used, your child will sleep through the procedure and have no memory of it. The main goal of sedation is to provide the safest, pain-free method of treatment to your child.
