Happy Visit—Introducing Children to Norge Dental Center
Kids new to our Williamsburg office get the grand tour—or as we like to call it, a Happy Visit! Each visit starts with introducing your child to what a typical visit consists of:- A ride in the dental chair—Wee!
- Meeting Mr. Thirsty—Glug, glug, glug.
- Counting teeth—One, two, three…
- Learning about Douglas, the tooth fairy’s pet, and how he helps children take care of their teeth—Hi, I’m Douglas!
- Learning how to floss, and the best technique for brushing two times a day.
Pediatric Dentistry Services
Age-Appropriate Checkups
We see patients as young as three years old. Checkups for very young children may include digital X-rays, a complete periodontal assessment, and a bite and jaw movement evaluation. What your child’s dentist covers will always depend on your child’s specific needs and age.
Regular Exams and Cleanings
Regular dental checkups are an integral part of maintaining your children’s oral health, and during each exam, the dentist will:
- Perform a thorough check for hard-to-notice teeth problems.
- Check for cavities and other signs of tooth decay.
- Inspect their gums and teeth for gingivitis and other signs of periodontal disease.
- Perform a full cleaning of their teeth.
Checkups usually take less than 30 minutes and include a detailed teeth cleaning—cleaning, polishing, and rinsing to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup. At Norge Dental Center, we recommend bringing your child in every six months for a checkup.
Bonding
Tooth bonding is a conservative method to repair minor chips, discoloration, or misaligned teeth. The bonding agent is available in a variety of tooth-colored shades to give your child a seamless smile.
Instead of amalgam, we can substitute this bonding material in fillings. Some of our patients prefer bonded fillings because the white color is less noticeable than silver. Depending on the location and extent of tooth decay, bonded fillings can fit most teeth.
We can usually complete the tooth bonding treatment in one sitting at Norge Dental Center. Bonding is also more cost effective when compared to other cosmetic procedures; but bonding can stain and is less durable than a cosmetic alternative such as porcelain veneers.
Your child’s dentist can repair broken or chipped bonding, so if you notice something, give us a call.
Fillings
Fillings are a restorative treatment used to return functionality and structural integrity to your child’s tooth if tooth decay or injury has caused any damage. There are two different kinds of fillings—direct and indirect—along with a number of materials. Indirect fillings usually take two or more visits, and they may include inlays or veneers fabricated from composite or ceramic material. We can complete direct fillings, in a single visit, which we’ll place directly into the prepared cavity.
Available materials include:
- Gold
- Porcelain
- Composite
- Ceramic
- Plastic compounds
The difference in material is reflected in its cost, durability, and ability to mimic the natural appearance of surrounding teeth. Your child’s dentist will explain the differences in detail to help you make the right decision for your child’s smile.
Fluoride
Fluoride treatments can help prevent cavities, tooth decay, and plaque buildup. Your child’s dentist can complete the treatment in a couple of minutes, making it an efficient and worthwhile part of your child’s continued oral health. We might recommend a fluoride treatment every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on individual needs and oral health.
Checkups and Cleanings
Mouthguards
A major concern for many parents with children involved in sports is the safety of their smile. Injuries on the field can lead to broken or chipped teeth, which is why mouthguards are an essential part of protecting your active child’s smile.
Mouthguards help protect teeth and gums from injuries, so choosing the right one is important. There are three basic kinds of mouthguards:
- Pre-Made Mouthguard
- “Boil-and-Bite” Fitted Mouthguard
- Custom-Made Mouthguard
Part of our job is helping you and your children choose the right mouthguard, and that includes showing them how to wear and clean it. It’s essential that they have a mouthguard that fits well, is tear-resistant, and doesn’t interfere with their breathing.
Sealants
Brushing isn’t always enough when it comes to the hard-to-reach spots in your child’s mouth. There are many grooves and tiny cracks in your child’s teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. Without regular cleaning, these areas may develop tooth decay. Sealants can protect your child’s teeth against decay and cavities by covering any grooves or cracks.
Dental sealants last anywhere from three to five years, and only provide protection while fully intact. These plastic resin sealants bond and harden in the deep grooves of your child’s tooth surface. This makes brushing more effective as any grooves become smoother, making it harder for plaque to hide.
Sealants are a common preventive measure against tooth decay after your child’s permanent teeth have come in. If your child already has sealants, and they come off, contact Norge Dental Center, and we’ll schedule an appoint to have the teeth resealed.
