Children are precious and all children are different. In our office, every child is treated as if they were our own. Our goals are not only to perform dentistry, but also to prevent children from becoming afraid of the dentist. Dentistry is different today than it was even 10 years ago. In this day and age, there is no need to be afraid of dentistry. For those children that are already apprehensive, we strive to get them over their fears so that when they grow up they will seek proper dental care.
In our office, we take a strong psychological approach in treating our patients and steer away from past traditionally modalities such as pharmacological and physical restraint. Many parents of new patients ask how this is possible, and the answer is quite simple.
Children are more at ease when they can see mom or dad. Children know that mom or dad wouldnt let any one harm them. Thus by having the childs parents present they are naturally more at ease. Also, very little is more comforting to a child than holding a parents hand.
The younger the child, the shorter their attention span. If a two year old were to sit still for fifteen minutes, the equivalent for an adult would be sitting for close to three hours. Thus when we see very young children, we book short treatment visits. By doing this, typically we can complete all the necessary treatment within the childs attention span. This makes for more pleasant visits for both the children and parents.
Basically this technique works by distracting the patients attention away from the treatment being performed. Our office was specifically designed and decorated to put even the most anxious patient at ease. Thus when receiving treatment, a child can look in any direction and find a pleasant object that will attract their attention. Whether it be a stuffed animal, music videos, movies, music, our Sony Play Station, or talking to the dentist, our patients are so comfortable that they do not wish to leave and cant wait to come back.
This technique is possibly the most important technique that can be used when treating young patients. The dentist explains to the patient what is to be done using simple terminology and repetition and then shows the child what is to done by demonstrating with instruments on a model or the childs finger. Then the procedure is performed as described.
Positive cooperative behavior is reinforced through rewards. This technique rewards the patient who displays any behavior, which is desirable. Rewards include compliments, praise, a pat on the back, a hug, or a prize. Our largest referral source is from satisfied patients and their parents. Our patients are usually so excited about coming to our office that they give our staff a big hug when they get here.
You might say that Dr. Bialik has been utilizing a Holistic approach towards Pediatric Dentistry long before there even was a name for it. Our office is Mercury Free, Nitrous Oxide Free (N2O, Laughing Gas) and all of our treatment modalities and recommendations are geared toward promoting long healthy lives. Of course there is a reason, sound scientific evidence, and strong psychological basis for all that we advice. This is evident and can be seen in the design of our office, how the patients are treated, and our recommendations for home health care.
This 2 year old girl had nursing caries (baby bottle tooth decay) caused by sleeping with her bottle at night. Her front teeth were repaired with cosmetic composite materials. The treatment was performed in our office without the use of any medications. Her mother held her hands while we repaired her teeth. The whole procedure took between 15 to 20 minutes.
This beautiful young lady was very unhappy with the appearance of her teeth. This effected her so, that she would refuse to smile in public. She has a condition call Amelogenisis Imperfecta, which caused the enamel of her teeth to chip and crack. The first picture was taken at 16 years of age. Her mother decided to have porcelain crowns placed in her mouth. The second picture was taken three years latter. This young lady is currently pursuing a career in modeling, and is more than happy to smile for the camera.
This 13 month old had decay on all four front teeth. We removed the decay and repaired the teeth with composite filling materials. This was performed in our office without any form of sedation, while mom held his hands. The procedure took approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. Please excuse the quality of the after picture. As you know, sometimes its quite difficult to get a 1 year old to sit still for a picture.
This 2 year old has a condition called hypomineralized enamel. Simply stated, this condition causes the teeth to chip and wear away during normal function. All of his teeth were effected equally. Rather than allow all his teeth to be ground down to stubs, we repaired the teeth with a special composite filling material that will prevent the wearing down of his teeth.
This 9 year old got hit in the face and cracked his front two teeth. One tooth received a root canal and afterwards a temporary composite crown was fabricated. We then rebuilt the other tooth. Both teeth have a natural appearance. When the child turns 15 we plan to place permanent porcelain crowns on both teeth.
This 15 year had poor oral hygiene while wearing braces. He had cavities on the sides of 20 different teeth. You can actually see where the brackets use to be. We repaired all the decayed teeth with special composite materials, which gave his teeth a very natural appearance. He now is no longer embarrassed to smile in public.
Children are very precious. Every parent hopes that their child will go through life without encountering the obstacles that they themselves have stumbled over. One such obstacle is that of dental decay.
An early start including regular dental check-ups is a very important step. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children begin routine dental visits right around the time the first tooth erupts. This way any developing problems may be detected, treated early, or avoided all together. Also, at this age a pediatric dentist can help you with suggestions about infant oral health care, how to decrease teething discomfort, prevention of dental decay, and a gamut of other child related topics.
A pediatrician is specially trained to care for your childs medical needs, likewise a pediatric dentist is specially trained for your childs dental needs. The pediatric dentist is a specialist who has received additional training, for two or more years, in the oral health care of children from infancy through adulthood. All children are different, and the pediatric dentist has been trained in dealing with all types of child behavior. Furthermore they are highly qualified in various approaches of guiding dental growth and development, thus avoiding future problems. Furthermore, pediatric dentists are also experts in the treatment of special patients who may have emotional, physical, or mental handicaps. Because of this additional specialized training, many parents choose a pediatric dentist to treat their children.
Pleasant visits with the pediatric dentist help a child establish trust and confidence that will last a lifetime. No one should be afraid of his or her dentist. If a child fears their dentist, then they may avoid seeking dental care as an adult. Pediatric dentists along with their staffs have been specially trained to help apprehensive children get over their fears and become happy, willing patients. Also, your pediatric dentist will talk to you and your child with easily understood terms, pictures, and ideas, so that your child will be motivated to take proper care of his or her mouth.
To maintain optimal dental health, your child should be seen every six months unless otherwise instructed by his or her pediatric dentist. Regular check-ups help your child stay cavity-free. Regular cleanings remove debris that build up on the teeth, irritate the gums, and cause decay. Fluoride treatments strengthen the teeth and prevent decay. Oral hygiene instruction reinforces proper brushing and flossing techniques, thus leading to a healthier mouth and the prevention of dental decay. Your pediatric dentist will also provide an assessment of changes in the oral cavity and may suggest additional fluoride needs, sealants, or changes in dietary content.