The philosophy of our practice is based
upon creating the appropriate environment for children to feel the security necessary
to receive whatever dental treatment appropriate to maintain their oral health.
This begins with routine dental care such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, and
oral examinations around the age of three.
At that time it is incumbent upon the dentist to evaluate the emotional and
psychological needs of the child and to coordinate those needs with their
oral health requirements. Our practice has the staff and the experience to
treat all the dental needs of the child in accord with his or her emotional
and psychological development.
It is important to preserve the integrity of the primary or baby teeth
not only for chewing but to maintain spacing for the permanent teeth to erupt
in the most favorable position possible. Preventive procedures such as oral
hygiene instructions, systemic fluoride intake, cleanings, and topical fluoride
applications minimize the possibility of decay in the primary teeth which could
cause discomfort or abscess formations that may affect the developing permanent
teeth. If decay is diagnosed then routine restorative procedures should be
performed to restore these teeth to health.
It is very important that these routine procedures be provided in such a
manner that the child develops a sense of trust in the providers so that he
or she is confident that they can return for future treatment without any
anxiety. This attitude promotes a feeling of self-confidence that facilitates
a return for routine care and, therefore, achieves our ultimate goal of the
child becoming an orally healthy adult.
In addition to the routine oral health of the child, it is very
important to monitor the evolution of the face and its profile. Early
childhood factors such as genetics, thumb habits, mouth breathing, or
hygiene may affect the formation of the developing face. Research has
proven that the sooner a problem is diagnosed and treated to a normal position
the better the possibility of the patient demonstrating a normal path of facial
growth. This type of facial growth will result in the best possibility of the
patient presenting an attractive smile and pleasant facial profile.
It is the integration of child psychology, dental technical experience,
and knowledge of growth and development which assures your child the very
best in dental and orthodontic care.
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