Dental Topics

What can a Pediatric Dentist do for your family?

A pediatric dentist specializes in dental care for children.  A pediatric dentist has two to three years of training after dental school. Because family dental needs vary from babies and children to teenagers, a pediatric dentist is trained to approach each age group appropriately.  A pediatric dentist is trained to know how to deal with behavior, dental growth and development, and help families avoid future dental problems.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children receive Periodic Dental Care every 6 months!  A children's dentist provides this dental care in a fun and child-friendly environment.  Children often watch movies or play with electronic games or toys while waiting to see the dentist.  Incentives like earning points toward prizes help children be on their best behavior AND take good care of their teeth!

Many family dentists send their younger patients to a pediatric dentist when dental treatment is needed.  But it isn't necessary to see both!  A pediatric dentist is able to meet all your child's dental needs.

"Laughing gas" as some refer to it, or Nitrous oxide, can put a child at ease while the pediatric dentist repairs tooth decay or "cavities". 

Sedation dentistry is a way to provide treatment to anxious children unable to tolerate treatment with Nitrous Oxide.  "Sleepy juice" (actually a special combination of medication) is given to a child before dental care to help the child forget the dental work and feel less pain.

Out-patient surgery or General Anesthesia is sometimes needed to provide dental care for children with extensive treatment.  This allows a pediatric dentist (who is specially trained to perform surgery) to accomplish ALL the treatment needs at one time and instead of many dental appointments!

Dental Trauma

If your child has a dental emergency, please call our office as soon as possible. We will see your child immediately, if needed. We will assess the situation and decide on a plan of action. If it is an after-hours emergency, call (208) 777-9331, press 5 and leave a message for the doctor on call.  Your call will be returned promptly.

The first 30 minutes after a dental accident are the most critical. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, gently rinse, but do not scrub the tooth under water. Replace the tooth in the socket if possible. If this is impossible, place the tooth in a glass of milk and come to the office immediately. If the tooth is fractured, please bring any pieces you can find. Baby teeth should NOT be replaced if knocked out!

Our schedule may be delayed in order to accommodate an injured child. Please accept our apologies in advance should an emergency occur during your child's appointment.