Children's Dental Services

 

 

  Preventive Oral Hygiene Instruction:

This includes proper brushing, flossing and eating habits, ideal fluoride levels and the use of pit and fissure sealants. We strive to provide a fun, educational environment whose children learn about the importance of good dental hygiene.

 

Restorative Dentistry:

This includes children’s fillings, crowns and prosthesis, including treatment of the often devastating nursing bottle decay.  Dr. Mark is committed to discussing all options before these procedures and answering all questions you may have.  Always working for the goal of a healthy smile is our first priority.

 

Growth and Development & Braces:

Dr. Mark is an expert on the growth and development of children's dentition, jaws and craniofacial structures.  Early growth and development evaluation may provide your child with a more positive experience should they need orthodontic treatment from Dr. Mark.

 

Emergency Treatment:

While our goal is to prevent dental emergencies, we understand that the need for urgent dental care is sometimes necessary and can be a stressful experience for both parents and children. We strive to handle dental emergencies promptly and with compassion.

Accidents happen.

 

Whether an accident happens during our normal business hours or not, know that you can call us and have your child treated promptly.

 

Call our office at 410.742.1688. If it is after hours or on the weekend, there is an emergency number listed on our answering service.

Kids Dental Emergencies

 

Why Choose a Children’s Dentist?

A pediatric patient not only has a different dentition than adults but he/she may have specific dental and behavioral needs that are unique to a child. These needs may include orthodontics, dental sealants, fluoride applications or home treatments, or just simply education in oral hygiene. In addition to treating existing dental problems, our office focuses on prevention through patient and parent education.

 

Our goal is to provide all of the educational tools necessary for our patients to enjoy a cavity-free future.

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

 

In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see the dentist 6 months after the first tooth appears, or no later than their first birthday. Of course, if there are any issues such as tooth decay or pain, please make an appointment with our office.

 

Beginning dental care at an early age allows guidance in caring for your child’s teeth, while creating an opportunity to address preventative issues that are important for healthy teeth and a pleasing smile. Early visits also help your child establish a positive relationship with Dr. Mark and the Krause Smiles team.

 

With each subsequent visit, your child will mature, as will their confidence and trust in their dental visits. All preventative care services include a doctor examination, a cleaning, fluoride treatment, and radiographs (as recommended).

 

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 office will request bitewing radiographs every 2 years and panoramic radiographs every 3-5 years.  In children with a high risk of tooth decay, we will recommend radiographs and examinations more frequently.

 

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 and shields will protect your child. Today's equipment restricts the beam to the area of interest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are sealants, fillings, and crowns?

 

A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces (grooves) for the back teeth (premolars and molars), where most cavities in children can form.  This sealant acts as a barrier to food, plaque, and acid, thus protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth.  However, cavities between the teeth are not protected by sealants.  As long as there is no cavity in the tooth, sealants will be recommended for all children.

 

If your child has a cavity, a filling is placed after the cavity is removed.  The filling is tooth colored (white).

 

In a primary tooth, if a cavity is too large to restore with a filling, a crown may be recommend or the tooth may need to come out.  If the cavity is too large and has involved the nerve of the tooth, then the nerve will be removed (pulpotomy) along with the cavity, and a crown will be placed.  Stainless steel crowns are used for their durability and longevity.  The purpose of the crown is to help provide structure for the tooth, to help maintain space for permanent teeth to erupt properly, and to help protect the remaining tooth.

 

What should be done about a cut or bitten tongue, lip, or cheek?

 

Apply ice to bruised areas.  If there is bleeding, apply firm pressure with a clean gauze or cloth.  If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, please call our office.

 

What can I do about my child’s toothache?

 

Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly.  Rinse the mouth with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris.  DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth.  If the face is swollen or the pain still persists, contact our office as soon as possible.

 

My child has fractured their tooth. What do you suggest?

 

Rinse debris from injured area with warm water.  Place cold compresses over the face in the area of injury.  Placement of Vaseline over the area of the broken tooth will aid in decreasing sensitivity. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments in milk.

 

Contact our office as soon as possible.

 

When should my child wear a mouth guard?

 

Whenever he or she is in an activity with a risk of falls or of head contact with other players or equipment. This includes football, baseball, lacrosse, basketball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, even gymnastics. We usually think of football and hockey as the most dangerous to the teeth, but nearly half of sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball.

 

Dr. Mark will recommend the best mouth guard for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose a Children’s Dentist?

Why Choose a Children’s Dentist?

Children's Dental Services

 

 

  Preventive Oral Hygiene Instruction:

This includes proper brushing, flossing and eating habits, ideal fluoride levels and the use of pit and fissure sealants. We strive to provide a fun, educational environment whose children learn about the importance of good dental hygiene.

 

Restorative Dentistry:

This includes children’s fillings, crowns and prosthesis, including treatment of the often devastating nursing bottle decay.  Dr. Mark is committed to discussing all options before these procedures and answering all questions you may have.  Always working for the goal of a healthy smile is our first priority.

 

Growth and Development & Braces:

Dr. Mark is an expert on the growth and development of children's dentition, jaws and craniofacial structures.  Early growth and development evaluation may provide your child with a more positive experience should they need orthodontic treatment from Dr. Mark.

 

Emergency Treatment:

While our goal is to prevent dental emergencies, we understand that the need for urgent dental care is sometimes necessary and can be a stressful experience for both parents and children. We strive to handle dental emergencies promptly and with compassion.

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

 

In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see the dentist 6 months after the first tooth appears, or no later than their first birthday. Of course, if there are any issues such as tooth decay or pain, please make an appointment with our office.

 

Beginning dental care at an early age allows guidance in caring for your child’s teeth, while creating an opportunity to address preventative issues that are important for healthy teeth and a pleasing smile. Early visits also help your child establish a positive relationship with Dr. Mark and the Krause Smiles team.

 

With each subsequent visit, your child will mature, as will their confidence and trust in their dental visits. All preventative care services include a doctor examination, a cleaning, fluoride treatment, and radiographs (as recommended).

 

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 office will request bitewing radiographs every 2 years and panoramic radiographs every 3-5 years.  In children with a high risk of tooth decay, we will recommend radiographs and examinations more frequently.

 

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 and shields will protect your child. Today's equipment restricts the beam to the area of interest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are sealants, fillings, and crowns?

 

A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces (grooves) for the back teeth (premolars and molars), where most cavities in children can form.  This sealant acts as a barrier to food, plaque, and acid, thus protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth.  However, cavities between the teeth are not protected by sealants.  As long as there is no cavity in the tooth, sealants will be recommended for all children.

 

If your child has a cavity, a filling is placed after the cavity is removed.  The filling is tooth colored (white).

 

In a primary tooth, if a cavity is too large to restore with a filling, a crown may be recommend or the tooth may need to come out.  If the cavity is too large and has involved the nerve of the tooth, then the nerve will be removed (pulpotomy) along with the cavity, and a crown will be placed.  Stainless steel crowns are used for their durability and longevity.  The purpose of the crown is to help provide structure for the tooth, to help maintain space for permanent teeth to erupt properly, and to help protect the remaining tooth.

 

What should be done about a cut or bitten tongue, lip, or cheek?

 

Apply ice to bruised areas.  If there is bleeding, apply firm pressure with a clean gauze or cloth.  If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, please call our office.

 

What can I do about my child’s toothache?

 

Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly.  Rinse the mouth with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris.  DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth.  If the face is swollen or the pain still persists, contact our office as soon as possible.

 

My child has fractured their tooth. What do you suggest?

 

Rinse debris from injured area with warm water.  Place cold compresses over the face in the area of injury.  Placement of Vaseline over the area of the broken tooth will aid in decreasing sensitivity. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments in milk.

 

Contact our office as soon as possible.

 

When should my child wear a mouth guard?

 

Whenever he or she is in an activity with a risk of falls or of head contact with other players or equipment. This includes football, baseball, lacrosse, basketball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, even gymnastics. We usually think of football and hockey as the most dangerous to the teeth, but nearly half of sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball.

 

Dr. Mark will recommend the best mouth guard for your child.

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