When it comes to your child's health, you want someone who truly understands their unique needs. A pediatric dentist provides care specifically designed for little mouths. From the moment that the first baby tooth pops up until they are a teenager, these specialists focus on making dental visits a positive and stress-free experience.
Unlike a general dentist, a pediatric dentist spends two to three extra years in training after dental school. This time is spent learning about child growth, psychology, and how to handle children with special healthcare needs. If you are looking for a reliable pediatric dentist in Marlboro, NJ, you are at the right place. Polished Pediatric Dentistry focuses on this gentle approach to ensure your child never fears the dentist.
A Guide to Common Dental Treatment Types
Pediatric dentistry covers a wide range of services. Whether it is a simple cleaning or fixing a broken tooth, knowing the types of dental treatments available can help you feel more prepared for your visit.
Preventive Care: Keeping Problems Away
The best way to treat a dental problem is to stop it before it starts. Prevention is the heart of what our pediatric dentist in Marlboro, NJ does every day.
Regular Check-ups and Cleanings
Every six months, your child should have a professional cleaning. During these visits:
- The Exam: The dentist looks at the teeth and gums to catch small cavities or alignment issues.
- The Cleaning: A hygienist removes plaque that a toothbrush cannot reach.
- Fluoride: This is a quick treatment that strengthens the enamel, making it harder for acid to cause decay.
Dental Sealants
Sealants are like a raincoat for the teeth. They are thin, plastic coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back molars. These teeth have deep grooves where food often gets stuck. Sealants fill those gaps so bacteria cannot get in. It is a quick and painless part of the many dental treatment types we offer at Polished Pediatric Dentistry.
Restorative Care: Fixing the Damage
Even with great brushing, cavities happen. When they do, restorative care helps get the tooth back to normal.
Fillings
If a cavity is found, the dentist removes the soft, decayed part of the tooth and replaces it with a filling. Most pediatric dentists use tooth colored material so the filling is barely visible.
Crowns
Sometimes a cavity is too big for a simple filling. In these cases, a crown is used to cover the entire tooth. For baby teeth, stainless steel crowns are often used because they are very strong and stay on until the baby tooth falls out naturally.
Nerve Treatments (Pulpotomy)
If decay gets deep into the nerve of a baby tooth, it can cause a lot of pain. A pulpotomy, often called a baby root canal, removes the infected part of the nerve to save the tooth and stop the ache.
Emergency Dental Care: When Accidents Happen
Kids are active, and accidents are part of life. Knowing a pediatric dentist in Marlboro, NJ who handles emergencies can save you a lot of stress.
- Knocked-out Tooth: If a permanent tooth falls out, keep it moist in a cup of milk and call the dentist immediately.
- Chipped Teeth: If a tooth breaks, find the piece if you can and bring it with you.
- Toothaches: A sudden toothache often means there is an infection or a deep cavity that needs attention right away.
At Polished Pediatric Dentistry, we prioritize these urgent cases to get your child out of pain as fast as possible.
Orthodontic Growth Monitoring
While your child might not need braces until they are older, a pediatric dentist keeps an eye on how the jaw is growing. They look for signs of crowding or bite issues. Sometimes, using a space maintainer can prevent the need for major orthodontic work later. This is one of the most important dental treatment types for long-term oral health.
Caring for Children with Special Needs
Many children with physical or developmental challenges find the dentist overwhelming. Pediatric dentists are specifically trained to adapt their techniques. They might use different communication styles or offer sedation to make sure the child stays safe and comfortable. Finding a pediatric dentist in Marlboro, NJ who is patient and kind is the most important step for parents of children with special needs.
FAQ: Common Questions from Parents
Q: When should my baby first go to the dentist?
A: You should schedule the first visit by their first birthday. It is more about getting them used to the office and checking that their jaw is developing correctly.
Q: Why fix a cavity in a baby tooth if it is going to fall out anyway?
A: Baby teeth are important! They help your child chew and speak clearly. They also hold the space for permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the permanent teeth might grow in crooked.
Q: Are dental X-rays safe for my child?
A: Yes. Modern digital X-rays use very little radiation. Your dentist only takes them when they need to see something hidden between the teeth or under the gums.
Q: How often should my child brush?
A: Twice a day is the goal. Use a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice for toddlers, and a pea-sized amount for older kids.
Q: What is Polished Pediatric Dentistry known for?
A: We are known for our friendly environment and our focus on education. We want kids to leave our office feeling proud of their healthy smiles.
Q: What are the most common dental treatment types for toddlers?
A: Usually, toddlers receive cleanings, fluoride, and occasionally sealants. If they have a cavity, we focus on quick, gentle fillings.
A Better Experience for Your Family
Choosing a dentist is a big deal. You want a place where your child feels at home and where you feel heard. At Polished Pediatric Dentistry, we make it our mission to provide top-tier care in a way that feels human and personal. Whether your child needs a simple check-up or more complex dental treatment, we are here to help every step of the way.
If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Marlboro, NJ, look no further. We understand that your child is your world, and we treat them with the same care we would give our own families.
Book Your Visit at Polished Pediatric Dentistry
Ready to start your child on the path to a healthy smile? Our team at Polished Pediatric Dentistry is ready to meet you. We offer all the essential dental treatment in a fun, relaxed setting. As a leading pediatric dentist in Marlboro, NJ, we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our patients.
Give us a call today to set up an appointment.
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