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For more information concerning the
following topics,
click on the heading link or scroll down the page.
Dental Exam
Teeth Cleaning
X-rays
Dental Sealants
Sport Mouth Guard
Appliances
For Habits Such as Thumb Sucking
Orthodontic
Treatment/Appliances
Space Maintainer
White Fillings
Pulp Treatment
(Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy)
Extractions
Crowns
Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen (“Laughing Gas”) Frequently Asked Questions
Papoose Board (Used to Stabilize and Immobilize)
IV Sedation
Preventative
· Dental
Exam – Generally performed once every six months. Includes
general review of the child’s medical and dental history, general
examination of face, head and neck. Your child will receive an
examination of teeth, bite, gums and overall dental development.
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· Teeth Cleaning – A cleaning
done at the dental office every 6 months is important in keeping
your child’s gums and teeth healthy and strong. An office cleaning
uses a special type of toothpaste called prophylaxis paste. This
procedure removes stains on teeth caused by food or certain bacteria
and deposits (calculus or tartar). Clean teeth and mouth allows the
dentist to examine the many tiny grooves, pits and fissures of teeth
which harbor plaque and bacteria. In addition, this procedure is non
invasive, painless and helps introduce the child to the dental
environment.
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· X-rays - Dental X-ray examination
provides valuable information that your dentist could not collect
otherwise. With the help of radiographs (the proper term for
pictures taken with X-rays), your dentist can look beneath the
visible oral tissues. X-rays pose a far smaller risk than many
undetected and untreated dental problems. Generally x-rays are taken
as follows: Bitewing x-rays once every 12 months, periapical x-rays
once every 12-16 months & panoramic x-rays once every 36-60 months.
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· Dental Sealants - Sealants
play an important role in the prevention of tooth decay by
protecting the chewing surfaces of your child's teeth. Sealants keep
out plaque and food, and reduce the risk of tooth decay by filling
in pits and fissures on the chewing surface of molars. Since the
sealant is only on the biting surface of the tooth, areas on the
side and between teeth are still at risk for decay. Good oral
hygiene and nutrition continue to be very important in preventing
decay. A total prevention program includes regular visits to the
dentist, the use of fluoride, daily brushing and flossing, and
limiting the number of sugar-rich foods that are eaten.
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· Sport Mouth Guard – A
mouth guard offers protection during any activity that could result
in a blow to the face or mouth. A properly fitted mouth guard can
help prevent broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or
jaw.
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·
Appliances For Habits Such as Thumb Sucking - Children suck
on things because sucking is one of a baby’s natural reflexes and as
infants get older it serves many purposes. It may make them feel
secure and happy and helps them learn about their world to suck on
their thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or other objects. Young children
may also suck to soothe themselves and since thumb sucking is
relaxing, it may help induce sleep. After permanent teeth come in,
thumb sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the jaws
and alignment of the teeth. It can also cause changes in the roof of
the mouth. The intensity of the sucking determines whether or not
dental problems may result. If you notice changes in your child’s
teeth – appearance or shape, an appliance can be made to discourage
the thumb sucking habit.
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· Orthodontic
Treatment/Appliances – We evaluate a child’s bite at an
early age and monitor growth and development. Bite problems such as
cross bite, under bite, over bite should be treated early to allow
for proper growth of face and jaws. Teeth in incorrect positions
undergo abnormal wear and tear compromising appearance and function.
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· Space Maintainer - When a
baby tooth is lost early through decay or injury, adjacent teeth
could shift and begin to fill the empty space. When permanent teeth
emerge, there's not enough room for them and this results in crooked
or crowded teeth and difficulties with chewing or speaking. A space
maintainer is used to hold the spot left by the lost tooth until the
permanent tooth emerges.
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Restorative Treatment of Cavities
· White Fillings – White
fillings or composite/resin fillings are mercury-free non-metallic
fillings. This is the only material used for filling teeth in our
office. We do not use any material that contains mercury.
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· Pulp
Treatment (Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy) - Inside each tooth is the
pulp
 which provides nutrients and nerves to the tooth, which runs
like a thread down through the root. When the pulp is diseased or
injured by severe decay, the pulp tissue dies leading to infection
and a dental abscess. In place of removing the tooth, the pulp is
treated which allows the tooth to remain in the mouth until the end
of its natural life. The procedure involves removal of dead tissue
and placement of medicated materials in the root canal. Following
this, a stainless steel crown is placed over the tooth to make it
strong.
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· Extractions – Teeth are
extracted or removed when they are unsalvageable by any treatment.
This may be due to decay, infection or trauma. Teeth are also
extracted for orthodontic reasons when there is inadequate space in
the jaws to accommodate all teeth. With careful use of nitrous
oxide, topical anesthetic and local anesthetic, extractions are
performed on children with minimal discomfort.
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· Crowns – A crown is necessary when
there is extensive decay or abnormal shape due to decay or injury. A
crown can make the tooth stronger and improve its appearance by
restoring its shape and size. For front teeth a stainless steel
crown with white facing is used and for back teeth an all stainless
steel crown is used. If you prefer, for back teeth a crown with
white facing can be provided; however, such a crown is not as
durable as one without a white facing.
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Patient
Management
· Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen (“Laughing Gas”) Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is nitrous oxide/oxygen?
A: This is a type of mild dental sedation where a blend of two gases
- nitrous oxide and oxygen is used. It is delivered via a nasal mask
and enters the system through the lungs. At the end of each
treatment, it is eliminated after a short period of breathing
oxygen, and has no lingering effects.
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Q: How will my child feel when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen?
A: Your child will smell a sweet, pleasant aroma and experience a
sense of well-being and relaxation. Since it produces a feeling of
giddiness or euphoria, it is commonly called “laughing gas”. It has
the effect of raising the pain threshold and may even make the time
appear to pass quickly. This type of sedation is indicated for a
child who is worried by the sights, sounds or sensations of dental
treatment.
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Q: How safe is nitrous oxide/oxygen?
A: Very safe. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is perhaps the safest sedative in
dentistry.
It has the following qualities: it is well tolerated, not addictive,
has quick onset, is reversible, can be adjusted in various
concentrations, and is non-allergic. Your child remains fully
conscious- keeps all natural reflexes- when breathing nitrous oxide/
oxygen.
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Q: Are there any special instructions for nitrous oxide/ oxygen?
A: First, for this type of sedation to be effective, your child must
not eat any food at least 3 hours before the dental visit.
Occasionally, nausea and vomiting occurs when a child has a full
stomach. Second, inform Dr. Banaji about any respiratory condition
for your child, as it may limit the effectiveness of nitrous
oxide/oxygen. Third, inform Dr. Banaji if your child is taking any
medication on the day of the appointment.
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Q: Will nitrous oxide/oxygen work for all children?
A: Since all children are not alike, every service is tailored to
your child as an individual. Nitrous oxide/oxygen may not be
effective for some children, especially those who have severe
anxiety, nasal congestion, or discomfort wearing a nasal mask. Dr.
Banaji will review your child’s medical history and inform you if
nitrous oxide/oxygen is recommended for your child.
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·
Papoose Board (Used to Stabilize and Immobilize) – How We
Keep Young Children Still During Treatment: To help keep a child
still, we may use the papoose board, which is like a “safety
blanket”. In general, it is used for uncooperative children below 5
years of age in order to stabilize and secure them during dental
treatment. An assistant may hold your child’s head to prevent
movement so Dr Banaji can perform treatment safely and as
efficiently as possible. To help keep the mouth open, a “mouth
pillow” may be used. In general, these methods are an alternative to
using any type of sedation. Prior to using the papoose board, the
parent is always informed and consent obtained. It is never used
without informed consent.
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· IV Sedation - A child may be
recommended for dental treatment under IV sedation in the office for
the following reasons: young age of the child and poor cooperation,
severe dental decay, or challenging behavior. The entire sedation is
administered by a licensed physician anesthesiologist. It is started
by breathing nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or giving an injection in
the arm. An IV line is placed after the child is sedated which
allows for administration of fluids and medications during the
procedure. Your child will remain sedated and monitored by the
anesthesiologist while Dr Banaji performs the dental treatment. The
patient breathes naturally and will be in a sleep-like stage, not in
any pain nor aware of the procedure. Vital signs are observed
continuously with monitors such as blood pressure cuff, EKG, and
pulse oximeter. IV sedation is not general anesthesia, the patient
does not need to be paralyzed and does not require a breathing tube
or a respirator.
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