We have extensive training in the management of childhood dental disease. Dr. Kaufman limits her practice to the treatment of children and adolescents. She has a degree in child development as well as a dental degree. The procedures associated with baby teeth are relatively simple.
- *Fillings for restoring decayed teeth
- *Stainless Steel Crowns to restore badly decayed teeth
- *Space maintenance to hold space and provide guidance for erupting permanent teeth
- *Prophylaxsis, fluoride and sealants for prevention
- *Extraction of hopelessly infected baby teeth
- *Pulpotomies for infected baby teeth to allow us to hold the baby tooth as long as possible until the permanent tooth erupts
- *Space Managementt
The challenge is the behavior management. Some younger children are pre-cooperative, rather than non-cooperative. They haven't developed enough to understand the dental environment, nor the mechanisms to cope. As such, we wish to see kids as soon as their baby teeth come in, so that we can assure that they have a proper diet and home care regime to prevent decay or fix things while ultra small.
Before The First Visit
Don't tells kids about shots, pulling of teeth, bad tasting things, smells, pain, drills, suction, pinching, how scared you are when you go, or anything about your past dental visits. If you must, discuss the visit with them, use terms like water whistle with a brush, happy crowns, creamy fillings, magic light to harden the fillings, happy gas, sleepy juice for the tooth, Mr. thirsty or tooth wiggling. and electric toothbrush..
We have a "clean slate " with kids. We don't want to taint their first impressions of dentistry or our office. We only want a happy, positive experience.