The
Pediatric Dentist
Pediatric dentistry is
the specialty of dentistry that focuses on the oral
health and unique needs of young people. After
completing a four-year dental school curriculum, two to
three additional years of rigorous training is required
to become a pediatric dentist. This specialized program
of study and hands-on experience prepares pediatric
dentists to meet the unique needs of your infants,
children and adolescents, including persons with special
health care needs.
We are concerned about
your child’s total health care. Good oral health
is an important part of total health. Establishing
us as your child’s “Dental Home” provides us the
opportunity to implement preventive dental health habits
that keep a child free from dental/oral disease.
We focus on prevention, early detection and treatment of
dental diseases, and keep current on the latest advances
in dentistry for children.
Pleasant visits to the
dental office promote the establishment of trust and
confidence in your child that will last a lifetime.
Our goal is to help all children feel good about
visiting the dentist and teach them how to care for
their teeth. From our special office designs, to
our communication style, our main concern in what is
best for your child.
Team Approach to Total Health
Good oral health is an
important part of total health. When helping
children, we often work with pediatricians, other
physicians and dental specialists. All young people
are served best through this team approach. We, the
pediatric dentists, are an important part of your
child’s health team.
 |
 |
 |
|
Dr. Peter
Ross |
Dr. Kimberly
Coblentz |
Dr. Elizabeth
Harrison |
Preventing Tooth Decay
Four things are
necessary for cavities to form: 1) a tooth; 2) bacteria;
3) sugars or other carbohydrates; and 4) time. We
can share with you how to make teeth strong, keep
bacteria from organizing into harmful colonies, develop
healthy eating habits, and understand the role that time
plays. Remember, dental decay is an infection of
the tooth. Visiting us early can help avoid
unnecessary cavities and dental treatment.
The pediatric dental
community is continually doing research to develop new
techniques for preventing dental decay and other forms
of oral disease. Studies show that children with
poor oral health have decreased school performance, poor
social relationships and less success later in life.
Children experiencing pain from decayed teeth are
distracted and unable to concentrate on schoolwork.
Infants & Children
Getting an early start
in regular dental care is an important step on the road
to teaching your child healthy lifetime habits. We
want to share with you the latest available methods for
keeping your child healthy and safe.
The first dental visit
should occur shortly after the first tooth erupts and no
later than the child’s first birthday. Beginning
tooth and mouth examinations early may lead to detection
of early stages of tooth decay that can be easily
treated. At the first visit we will present:
-
A program of
preventive home care including brushing, flossing,
diet and the importance of fluorides.
-
A
caries risk assessment.
-
Information about
Early Childhood Caries, which may be due to
inappropriate nursing habits or inappropriate use of
sippy cups.
-
The
latest facts about finger, thumb and pacifier habits.
-
What you need to know
about preventing injuries to the mouth and teeth.
-
Information
on growth and development
Adolescents
Adolescents have
special needs. Appearance and self-image are very
important to them. Decayed or poorly positioned
teeth or jaws might make them more self-conscious.
Teens also eat frequently, and unhealthy snack foods
tend to become a major part of their regular diet. We
provide a professional, sensitive and caring approach to
restoring and guiding teeth, and teaching preventive
dental health care through the teen’s high school years.
When necessary, we will provide information on sealants,
oral piercing, wisdom teeth, missing teeth and tobacco
use. |
