Your Child's First Dental Visit
RGV Smiles understands that a child’s first trip to the dentist is important. We strive to make the experience comfortable for both the child and parent.
What can you expect during your child’s first visit to RGV Smiles?
- A thorough examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues
- A gentle cleaning
- X-rays
- An age appropriate demonstration of proper dental hygiene
Sedation
Sedation dentistry helps many patients and especially young children receive dental treatment who otherwise would not receive it. After an initial examination, Dr. Rocky Salinas will determine of sedation dentistry is recommended for the child.
Candidates for Sedation dentistry include:
- Infants
- Children that have very extensive dental needs
- The very apprehensive child
- Children that have a very strong gag reflex
- Children that have had traumatic dental experiences
- Children that do not like the sounds and smells associated with dental care
General anesthesia in a hospital setting
General Anesthesia is a procedure in which a medical anesthesiologist sedates the patient in order to provide treatment. This type of sedation is used for patients who would not cooperate with oral sedation due to age, the inability to cooperate in an dental office setting, and/or have a medically compromising condition.
Sealants
Sealants are used to fill the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of teeth. They keep food particles from getting stuck in teeth, which could later lead to cavities. Applying sealants is a fast and comfortable procedure that can effectively protect teeth for several years.
Research has shown that sealants stop cavities when applied to a slightly decayed tooth. This procedure seals off the supply of nutrients to bacteria and can help prevent future cavities.
Can sealants protect your child's teeth?
Sealants can help protect your child’s teeth. They are most effective when applied after a tooth has fully grown. Children receive benefits from sealants because teeth are young.
Application of Sealants
The application of sealants involves cleaning the surface of the tooth. Then, a gel is applied to the enamel surface and left on for 15 seconds. After the tooth has dried, the sealant material is applied and hardened using a curing light.
Most sealants last about five years. Sealants are especially effective in preventing decay on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by sugary substances in breast milk and some juices, which combine with saliva to form pools inside the baby's mouth.
If left untreated, this can lead to premature decay of your baby's future primary teeth, and later cause problems in the proper formation of permanent teeth.
One of the best ways to avoid baby bottle tooth decay is not allow your baby to nurse on a bottle while going to sleep. Encouraging your toddler to drink from a cup as early as possible will also help prevent problems associated with baby bottle tooth decay.
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