Pediatric Dentistry in Amherst

A pediatric dentist is a general dentist who has completed at least two additional years of education and training in the specialized field of dentistry for kids. Children aren't just miniature adults. Kids dental care requires smaller, specialized instruments and methods because children have specialized needs. Your pediatric dentist is equipped to serve your child in the best manner possible, thereby establishing a lifelong habit of good oral hygiene. Your child's dentist can also provide tips for establishing good oral hygiene habits between dental visits.

Call our Amherst office for more information or to make an appointment with one of our caring pediatric dentists.

When Should My Child Begin Dental Visits?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child begin dental visits as soon as they have a tooth that's fully erupted, but not later than one year. If they have a tooth, it can develop a cavity. If your child has two abutting teeth, the child should begin flossing.

Very young children can develop baby bottle tooth decay if they go to bed with a bottle or sippy cup that contains milk, formula, or juice. When the sugary liquid remains on the teeth overnight, cavities can develop. A child should never go to bed with a bottle or sippy cup unless it contains only water.

What Happens During My Child's Dental Visit?

Dentistry for children is similar to that of adults. Your kids dentist will examine their teeth and jaw alignment, and if X-rays are necessary, they'll be taken. However, children don't usually require X-rays. The exam can be conducted either in the dental chair or on your lap.

Your children’s dentist will make your child comfortable and strive to make the visit a pleasant one. We want to prepare your child for a lifetime of good dental health, and we have several ways to make the time enjoyable, so don't stress when your child receives any of the following services:

1. Teeth Cleaning: We know how to get your child to open wide so we can clean their teeth.
2. Fluoride: Fluoride is nature's cavity fighter, and we can apply a topical fluoride treatment to their teeth so they're more resistant to decay.
3. Dental Sealants: A sealant can be applied to the back surfaces of the teeth so bacteria and food particles don't become trapped.
4. Dental Bonding: We can use tooth-colored material to repair minor fractures or chips.
5. Fillings: If your child has a cavity, we can remove the decayed material and repair it with a filling.
6. Baby Root Canal: If decay reaches the pulpy interior of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels are contained, your child may need a root canal. Left untreated, your child can suffer severe toothaches. If your child is constantly complaining of a toothache, call our Amherst office to schedule an appointment with a children's dentist in our office.
7. Pediatric Crowns: If your child's cavity is very large or your child has required a baby root canal, then they may need a pediatric crown to cover the tooth and protect it from further damage.
8. Mouthguards: If your child participates in sports, a mouthguard may be a wise precaution. This can protect their teeth and prevent the need for future expensive dental procedures. Make sure to get a mouthguard from your children's dentist in Amherst. Don't get one from your local pharmacy.

Important Facts to Know About Baby Teeth

When do baby teeth come in? Baby teeth can come in anytime, but usually appear between four and seven months. However, they can appear as early as three months or as late as one year.

When do baby teeth fall out? Depending on the child, baby teeth can begin to fall out between 6 and 12 years of age. Usually, they'll fall out on their own as they are pushed out by the eruption of permanent teeth.

However, if your child seems to be having trouble developing their permanent teeth, call our children’s dentist for an appointment.

 If you have questions, call our office, and we'll be happy to answer them.

Still Looking for a "Children’s Dentist Near Me"?

If you need to find a local dentist who provides high-quality, affordable dental services to children, call our Amherst office today. We have the reputation of being one of the best in the Amherst area, and we're sure both you and your child will be happy with the service you receive from our children’s dentist.

Call us today. We look forward to speaking with you and working with you.