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Preventive Dental Care
Our goal is for your child to enjoy good
oral health for a lifetime. We look forward to working with you to
achieve that goal. We begin with the first visit when Dr. Venezie
performs a thorough oral examination to assess the health of your
child’s teeth and gums as well as your child’s dental and
orthodontic development. Following the examination, Dr. Venezie
performs a cleaning to remove plaque and calculus that can cause
cavities and gum disease. We then apply topical fluoride varnish to
make teeth more resistant to decay. As part of the initial visit,
Dr. Venezie obtains the radiographs (x-rays) that are appropriate to
your child’s stage of development.
Your child’s oral health depends a great
deal on what you and your child do on a regular basis. At the
initial visit and at each six-month check-up, our team will discuss
important topics such as diet, tooth brushing, flossing and access
to the proper amount of fluoride on a daily basis.
Sealants
Most cavities occur on the biting
surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). Sealants – white
plastic coatings that fill the grooves in these tooth surfaces – are
highly effective in preventing tooth decay. Sealants are easy to
place and require no numbing or removal of tooth structure. Sealants
typically last for 3-5 years, but some dietary habits such as
chewing ice or hard candy can cause them to wear down more quickly.
Restorative Treatment (Fillings)
Dr. Venezie offers composite fillings
that match the color of the tooth as well as traditional amalgam
(silver) fillings. Some teeth are too badly decayed to hold a
composite or amalgam filling. These teeth require complete coverage
with stainless steel crowns. Dr. Venezie is happy to discuss with
you the advantages and limitations of each treatment to identify
which would be best for your child.
Restorative Treatment
(Fillings)
Dr. Venezie offers composite fillings
that match the color of the tooth as well as traditional amalgam
(silver) fillings. Some teeth are too badly decayed to hold a
composite or amalgam filling. These teeth require complete coverage
with stainless steel crowns. Dr. Venezie is happy to discuss with
you the advantages and limitations of each treatment to identify
which would be best for your child.
Extractions
Extractions are done only as a last
resort. If a primary molar is removed prematurely, a space
maintainer may be necessary to hold space open for the permanent
tooth. In addition, some extractions are needed for orthodontic
reasons to help guide the eruption and alignment of your child’s
permanent teeth.
Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen (“Laughing Gas”)
Some children are given nitrous
oxide/oxygen (commonly called “laughing gas”) to help them relax for
dental treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a blend of two gases,
oxygen and nitrous oxide and is given through a small breathing mask
placed over the child’s nose. The gas is mild, easily taken, and
quickly eliminated from the body. Nitrous oxide/oxygen gives most
children a relaxed, comfortable feeling. While inhaling nitrous
oxide/oxygen, your child remains fully conscious and keeps all
natural reflexes. This technique is a very safe, effective way to
treat a mildly anxious child.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is recommended
for moderately apprehensive children, very young children, and
children with special needs. It is used to calm your child and to
reduce the anxiety or discomfort associated with dental treatment.
Your child may be quite drowsy, and may even fall asleep, but they
will not become unconscious. There are a variety of medications that
can be used for oral conscious sedation. Dr. Venezie will prescribe
the medication best suited for your child’s overall health and
dental treatment needs. Before recommending oral conscious sedation,
Dr. Venezie will discuss with you the risks and benefits of this
approach. He also will answer any questions you might have
concerning the specific medications to be given to your child.
Outpatient General
Anesthesia
Dental treatment can be provided while
your child is given a general anesthetic by a physician
(anesthesiologist). Outpatient general anesthesia is appropriate for
children who are extremely apprehensive or have extensive dental
needs and are not good candidates for oral conscious sedation.
Treatment is performed in a hospital operating room while your child
is completely asleep. An anesthetic gas is given to your child
through a breathing tube that will keep them asleep during the
procedure. All of your child’s dental treatment needs can be
completed in one visit. Before recommending outpatient general
anesthesia, Dr. Venezie will discuss with you the risks and benefits
of this approach.
Cost
Costs can vary substantially depending
on your child’s dental treatment needs and the treatment approach
that you select. Before you are asked to agree to a plan of
treatment, we will discuss our treatment recommendations, the
available treatment options, the costs of treatment, and available
financing arrangements.
Second
Opinion
We urge you to seek a second
professional opinion if you are uncomfortable with our treatment
recommendations for your child.
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