Children’s Dentistry FAQs

Why NOVA Dental Anesthesia?

Has your child ever begged you to stay at the dentist after the cleaning or treatment is done? Impossible, you say? Not at our office. Maybe it’s our gentle touch, or it might be our special way with kids. Our doctors and staff love children and are specially trained to put them at ease. We teach children the proper way to take care of their teeth, and, just as important, they learn that going to the dentist can be fun. We specialize in making children feel comfortable in the dental chair and in preventing them from having bad experiences which can lead to dental fears and anxiety as an adult. At NOVA Dental Anesthesia we know how to deal with the behavioral aspects of children, how to make them feel comfortable, and how to make their experience pleasant. We are also trained and qualified to treat special needs patients of all ages.

What is Sedation Dentistry for Kids?

Sedation dentistry can help prevent kids from having dental phobias and horrible experiences at the dentist. Good experiences at the dentist at a young age can instill a child’s confidence in the dentist and prevent dental fears. Here at NOVA Dental Anesthesia, we specialize in the full spectrum of sedation dentistry and can advise the best kind of sedation to suit your child’s specific needs. Every child is unique and so are their dental and sedation needs. Our sedation techniques are gentle and can allow your child’s dental appointment to go smoother and the dentistry to be executed at the highest quality. We treat children of all ages and health concerns. 

What dental problems could my child have?

Some dental problems begin very early in life. Some children who fear going to the dentist can cause minor dental concerns to escalate into more serious issues. At NOVA Dental Anesthesia we specialize in addressing children’s dental concerns, ranging from preventive to complex pulp therapies to advanced and long-term restorative procedures. One concern is early childhood tooth decay, a serious condition caused by a child staying on the bottle (or breast) too long. Another problem is gum disease. About 40 percent of children two to three years old have at least mild inflammation of gum tissues. Oral habits, such as digit sucking, should also be checked. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chances of preventing problems. Strong, healthy teeth help your child chew food easily, speak clearly, and feel good about his or her appearance.

Why are baby teeth so important?

Primary teeth are important because they help with proper chewing and eating, help in speech development, and add to an attractive appearance. A child who can chew easily, speak clearly, and smile confidently is a happier child. Healthy primary teeth allow normal development of the jaw bones and muscles, save space for the permanent teeth, and guide them into place. If a baby tooth is lost too soon, permanent teeth may come in crooked. Decayed baby teeth can cause pain, abscesses, and infections, and the decay can spread to the permanent teeth. Also, your child’s general health can be affected if diseased baby teeth aren’t treated. Remember, some primary molars are not replaced until age 10-14, so they must last for years.

What should I tell my child about their first dental visit?

We have been asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way that you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store, and you’ll avoid the frightening experience you may remember from your youth. If you are nervous about the trip, then the less you say the better. You cannot hide your anxiety from a child (they have radar for these things). We believe your child’s reaction to his first visit to the dentist may actually surprise you.

What about preventative care?

Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand-in-hand. At our office, we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest in sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Sealants are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health.

What about Sterilization?

Your health, safety, and peace of mind are always our primary concern, so we implement state-of-the-art sterilization procedures in each of our treatments. After each patient’s visit, the treatment area is thoroughly disinfected. We ultrasonically clean and heat-sterilize all non-disposable instruments. Our staff wears gloves and masks during procedures. Please feel free to ask us for information on the measures we take to ensure the safety of you and your children. We’d be happy to give you a tour of our sterilization area.