FAQ

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears. Early visits help establish a dental home and set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.

Children, like adults, should have dental checkups every six months. Regular visits allow the dentist to monitor your child's oral health, catch problems early, and provide preventive treatments to keep their teeth healthy.

A dental checkup at Open Bright Pediatric Dentistry includes a gentle examination of your child's teeth, gums, and jaw to check for any potential issues. We also offer cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth, and dental X-rays when necessary. Dr. Laurie and our team are committed to making the visit educational and enjoyable for your child.

Preparing your child for their first dental visit can involve reading books about dental visits, discussing what will happen in simple, positive terms, and playing pretend dentist at home to familiarize them with the experience. Our team at Open Bright Pediatric Dentistry specializes in making children feel comfortable and safe during their visit.

It's common for children to feel anxious about visiting the dentist. Open Bright Pediatric Dentistry offers a welcoming, child-friendly environment with a team skilled in easing dental fears. We use gentle, reassuring techniques and can discuss sedation options if necessary to ensure your child's comfort during their visit.

Dental X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool and are safe for children. At Open Bright Pediatric Dentistry, we use the latest digital X-ray technology, which emits significantly less radiation than traditional X-rays. We also take every precaution to minimize exposure, including using lead aprons and focusing X-rays only on the areas of interest.

Yes, regular dental checkups are crucial in preventing cavities. These visits allow for the early detection and treatment of dental issues, application of fluoride treatments and sealants to protect teeth, and education on proper brushing and flossing techniques. Preventive care is key to maintaining your child's oral health.

If a cavity is found during a dental checkup, Dr. Laurie will discuss the best treatment options with you. Treatment may involve filling the cavity to restore the tooth's function and prevent further decay. Our team is experienced in providing gentle, effective treatment to make the process as comfortable as possible for your child.

Pediatric dentistry specializes in the oral health care of children from infancy through their teenage years. Unlike general dentistry, pediatric dentists undergo additional training to address the unique dental needs and concerns of children, making them the pediatricians of dentistry.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth emerges. This early visit helps establish a dental home and promotes a lifetime of healthy oral habits.

Children should visit a pediatric dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. These visits are crucial for preventing dental problems and ensuring proper oral development.

Yes, Dr Laurie is trained to provide care for children with special needs. Her expertise and gentle approach help accommodate the unique challenges and ensure a positive dental experience for every child.

Pediatric dentists offer a wide range of treatments, including preventive care (dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative care (fillings, crowns), and guidance on nutrition, thumb-sucking, and other habits affecting oral health. They also specialize in managing dental emergencies and providing care for children under sedation or general anesthesia.

Discuss the visit positively, read books about dental visits, and play pretend dental visits at home. Encourage your child to ask questions and express their feelings. Your pediatric dentist's office is also a great resource for tips on making the first visit enjoyable.

Pediatric dentists are skilled at easing dental anxieties. Share your child's fears with the dentist before the appointment. Our office is designed to be welcoming and fun for children, and the staff uses special techniques to help children feel comfortable.

Dental X-rays are safe and have very low levels of radiation. Pediatric dentists use modern equipment and techniques to minimize exposure, and protective lead aprons are used to ensure safety. X-rays are essential for diagnosing and treating dental issues not visible during a regular exam.

Preparing your child for their dental visit can include discussing what will happen in simple terms, reading books about dental visits, and using visual schedules or social stories for children who benefit from visual aids.

We specialize in easing dental anxieties. Our team uses a variety of techniques to help children feel safe and comfortable, and we can discuss sedation options for children who may need them.

We recommend that children with special needs visit the dentist every six months, similar to other children. However, we may suggest a more personalized schedule based on your child's specific needs and oral health.

We encourage parents to share their child's specific needs, preferences, and any medical information that will help us provide the best care possible. This includes details about communication preferences, sensory sensitivities, and any behavioral strategies that work well for your child.

Dental sedation for children refers to the use of medication to help children relax during dental procedures. It's often recommended for children who experience anxiety during dental visits, have special needs, or require extensive dental work, ensuring a comfortable and fear-free experience.

Yes, when administered by a trained and experienced pediatric dentist like Dr. Laurie Hyacinthe, dental sedation is safe for children. Our practice follows strict guidelines and protocols to monitor your child's vitals and comfort throughout the procedure, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Our practice offers various sedation options tailored to meet the needs of each child, including:

• Laughing Gas: Mild sedation that helps children relax during their dental procedure.
• IV Sedation: Moderate sedation for children who may need to be asleep during their treatment.
• General Anesthesia: Recommended for extensive dental procedures, administered in a hospital setting under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.

Preparation for sedation dentistry may include following specific eating and drinking instructions before the procedure, discussing the process with your child in a calm and reassuring manner, and bringing a favorite toy or blanket for comfort. Our team will provide detailed pre-procedure instructions tailored to your child's sedation plan.

Dental sedation can transform a potentially stressful or uncomfortable dental experience into a calm and positive one. It's especially beneficial for children who have dental anxiety, difficulty sitting still for long periods, or require multiple procedures, allowing them to receive the dental care they need without fear or discomfort.

A dental emergency in children can include severe tooth pain, knocked-out or chipped teeth, dental abscesses, bleeding gums, and injuries to the mouth or jaw. If your child experiences any of these issues, it's crucial to seek immediate dental care.

If your child's permanent tooth is knocked out, try to find the tooth and rinse it gently without scrubbing. If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place with a clean cloth. If you can't reinsert the tooth, keep it moist in milk or your child's saliva and contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Time is critical in saving a knocked-out tooth.

To help manage your child's toothache, rinse their mouth with warm water and use a cold compress on the outside of their cheek to reduce swelling. Avoid applying heat or topical pain relievers directly to the affected area. Contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible for further advice and to schedule an emergency visit.

For a chipped or broken tooth, rinse your child's mouth with warm water to clean the area and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Collect any tooth fragments you can find and bring them to your emergency dental appointment.

Yes, a lost filling or crown can expose your child's tooth to potential damage and infection. Try to keep the crown safe if it has come out, and avoid the temptation to try and reattach it yourself. Contact your pediatric dentist promptly to address the issue and prevent further complications.

It's helpful to have a dental emergency kit that includes your pediatric dentist's contact information, a small container with a lid, saline solution, gauze, and a cold compress. Educating yourself on basic emergency responses and discussing them with your family can also help you act more effectively if an emergency occurs.

At our practice, we prioritize dental emergencies by offering same-day appointments when possible. Contact us immediately if your child experiences a dental emergency. Dr. Laurie and our compassionate team are equipped to handle various emergency situations, providing the care and comfort your child needs.

Choosing our practice for your child's emergency dental care means putting their oral health in the hands of experienced and kind pediatric dentist Dr. Laurie. Our team is committed to offering prompt, compassionate care in a child-friendly environment, ensuring your child's dental emergency is addressed with the utmost attention and expertise.