FAQs

A: Dr. Oh will review your child’s medical and dental history. He will gently examine your child’s teeth, oral tissues, and jaws. The teeth will be cleaned and polished, followed by the application of a fluoride solution.

Dr. Oh won’t talk just to you about dental health, he will talk to your child with easily understandable words, pictures, and ideas. Your child will be motivated to take responsibility for their own healthy smile.

A: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental check-up at least twice a year for most children. Some children need more frequent dental visits because of increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns or poor oral hygiene. Your pediatric dentist will let you know the best appointment schedule for your child.

A: Regular dental visits help your child stay cavity-free. Teeth cleanings remove debris that build up on the teeth, irritate the gums and cause decay. Fluoride treatments renew the fluoride content in the enamel, strengthening teeth and preventing cavities. Hygiene instructions improve your child’s brushing and flossing, leading to cleaner teeth and healthier gums.

Tooth decay isn’t the only reason for a dental visit. Dr. Oh provides an ongoing assessment of changes in your child’s oral health. For example, your child may need additional fluoride, dietary changes, or sealants for ideal dental health. Dr. Oh may identify orthodontic problems and suggest treatment to guide the teeth as they emerge in the mouth.

A: No. Pediatric dentists, acting in accord with guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommend X-rays only when necessary to protect your child’s dental health. For example, X-rays maybe needed to diagnose tooth decay or abnormalities. Or, they may be required for orthodontic treatment. Dr. Oh will discuss the need for X-rays with you before any are taken.

The pulpotomy procedure is very common and can often be completed in along with other dental treatment such as fillings, in order to minimize the number of times your child will need to return to the office for treatment.

A: You should not try to put the tooth back in to the socket as it could cause further damage and require additional treatment.  Call our office immediately and our team of professionals will guide you to the next step in your child’s treatment.

A: Try to find the tooth and gently rinse it with cool water.  Do not use soap or anything abrasive on the tooth – only water.  Attempt to gently replace the tooth in the socket and then hold it there with a clean wash cloth or gauze.  If you can’t get the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container of cold milk. If you do not have any milk, use cold water.  Call our office as soon as possible! Time is of the essence when trying to save this tooth.

A: Gently rinse your child’s mouth with water. An over the counter children’s pain medication in the proper dosage for your child’s age and weight can be used to ease your child’s discomfort. A cold compress or ice wrapped in a wash cloth may be applied your child’s face to help ease the pain in the area.  Do not apply heat to the area.

A: If your child chips their tooth, call our office immediately. If we respond quickly we can often save the tooth and prevent infection that can be painful and require further treatment.  Rinse your child’s mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce the swelling in the area.