First Dental Visit for your Lil’ One: What to Expect?

First Dental Visit for your Lil’ One: What to Expect?

by | Feb 7, 2023 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends all children be seen by a dentist no later than 12 months of age.  Because baby teeth are vital for proper nutrition intake for the many years to come, it is important to have them evaluated periodically starting from a young age.  Building an early rapport with the dental team also allows children to have the opportunity to get used to the dental setting so that if any treatment needs arise in the future, they would have already developed a sense of comfort and familiarity with the dentist and staff.

The first dental visit for an infant usually comprises of a thorough visual exam and fluoride gel application.  We check to see if the appropriate numbers of teeth are present, how well those teeth are being brushed, presence of anomalies and pathology, and of course any presence of dental cavities.  Your pediatric dentist will discuss and demonstrate how to properly maintain your baby’s oral hygiene and give you recommendations on food items to avoid in preventing the formation of tooth decay.  This appointment is also a great opportunity to bring up any issues and questions you may have that are specific to your child, some of which may include: thumb sucking, pacifier use, weaning of breast milk/bottle, and teething symptoms.  Some children may have a lip or tongue tie which can also be evaluated and treated during this early visit.

Most infants and young toddlers are unable to sit by themselves in the dental chair so the dentist may use the lap- to-lap technique to perform a proper examination.  This is done with the parent and the dentist sitting across from each other, knees touching.  Your child will sit on you facing your direction so you can talk to your baby and offer words of fun and excitement.  You will then gently lean your child back so that his/her head is lying on top of the dentist’s lap.  While the dentist is checking all the teeth and painting on fluoride gel, you may be asked to hold your baby’s hands for stabilization and continue to talk to and comfort your child.  You will also be able to see very clearly what the dentist is doing and showing you.  It is normal and expected for young children to be a little frightened and nervous for their first dental visit.  In this gentle, non-threatening position, your child stays in close proximity to you at all times and anxiety is thus minimized.

For exceptionally independent toddlers and older children that show an interest in further participation, a professional cleaning can also be performed by the dental hygienist during the same appointment.  This process is very similar to dental cleaning for adults except children usually don’t have as much plaque and tartar build-up so the duration is usually much shorter in time.  Your child can either lie down in the dental chair or you can even have your child lay on top of you to make the experience more comforting.  We often spend a significant amount of time showing kids the different instruments we use, using analogies and examples in a playful manner that are easy to understand for them.  Some kids don’t like lying down all the way so we have them sit up or recline only partially.  We make our best effort in making these early cleaning visit easy and fun for young children.

Depending on your child’s specific dental anatomy and development, the dentist may also want to take between two to four x-rays to diagnose potential problems such as decay or developmental anomalies.

Before making that first appointment, make sure to do some research so you can find the right doctor for your child.  Most infants and toddlers will receive a more positive experience with a pediatric dentist who is specifically experienced in communicating with children in a comfortable manner and is well-trained in diagnosing and treating a comprehensive array of oral issues.

Because everybody has a different personality, it is important to take your child to the dentist for the first time with an open mind.  Be emotionally and verbally supportive to your little one but do allow the dental professionals to communicate with your child in their own ways.  Try to stay calm and positive even if your toddler refuses to do what is being asked of them at the moment or becomes upset.  With age and maturity, most children eventually love going in for their dental check-ups.  Just remember to bring your camera so you can keep memories of these fun early experiences!

Author: Dr. Alice Chen, Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dental 360° – Nevada Winter Issue

Dental 360° – Nevada Winter Issue

by | Dec 12, 2022 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Roseman Dental - NV

The holidays are here! In this Winter issue of Dental 360°, you’ll learn about the pros and cons of teeth whitening, find out how to tell the difference between a sinus infection and tooth pain, gain insight into the dangers of “button” batteries, and learn why cheaper & convenient isn’t always better when it comes to your teeth. We are also very excited to announce that starting in February we will be offering same-day crowns!

Roseman Dental & Orthodontics’ Dental 360° is a monthly e-newsletter. Each month you’ll receive a panoramic view of dental health. Dental health is key to your overall health and here at Roseman Dental & Orthodontics, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, orthodontists, orthodontic residents – 30 to be exact, and dental residents all focused on you and your family’s oral health. Roseman Dental & Orthodontics has been serving its community since 2009 and is a comprehensive, one-stop shop for all your dental needs including dental, orthodontic and craniofacial cleft lip & palate treatment.

We hope you find Dental 360° helpful and informative. We look forward to connecting with you each month.

Dental 360° Winter Articles

Teeth Whitening: The Pros & Cons
Can A Sinus Infection Lead to Tooth Pain?
The Dangers of “Button” Batteries
Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Aligners – Why Cheaper & Convenient Isn’t Always Better, Especially When it Comes to Your Teeth
Same-Day Crowns (CAD/CAM)

 

Subscribe to e-newsletter

 

Click Here to Leave a Review
Dental 360° – Utah Winter Issue

Dental 360° – Utah Winter Issue

by | Dec 12, 2022 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Roseman Dental - UT

The holidays are here! In this Winter issue of Dental 360°, you’ll learn about the pros and cons of teeth whitening, find out how to tell the difference between a sinus infection and tooth pain, gain insight into the dangers of “button” batteries and mark your calendar for our annual Give Kids a Smile® event on the first Friday in February where we will be providing free dental screenings & cleanings to qualifying children ages 18 and under.

Roseman Dental’s Dental 360° is a monthly e-newsletter. Each month you’ll receive a panoramic view of dental health. Dental health is key to your overall health and here at Roseman Dental, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, dental residents and students, and dental assistants and hygienists all focused on you and your family’s oral health. We offer comprehensive care, are a one-stop shop for all your dental needs and offer dental care at a cost up to 50% lower than what you would find at a traditional dental office. Roseman Dental has been serving its community since 2011 and we look forward to continuing to serve you and your family.

We hope you find Dental 360° helpful and informative. We look forward to connecting with you each month.

Dental 360° Winter Articles

Teeth Whitening: The Pros & Cons
Can A Sinus Infection Lead to Tooth Pain?
The Dangers of “Button” Batteries
2023 Give Kids a Smile® Presented by Marathon Petroleum Corporation – Free Dental Screenings & Cleanings for Children 18 & Under

The Dangers of “Button” Batteries

The Dangers of “Button” Batteries

by | Dec 7, 2022 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT

The Costco Connection Magazine ran an article a few years back about keeping button-sized batteries out of reach for children and toddlers. While in residency, my husband Matthew cared for a one-year-old girl who accidentally swallowed a small battery. With all the saliva and mucous in the digestive system, electricity was conducted through the battery and the soft lining of her esophagus was burned. Over the following year, the toddler had to be put under general anesthesia three times to have her esophagus surgically repaired. Her surgeon believed that more operations would probably have to be planned in the future and the poor child would never have a completely normal digestive system again. This haunting case remained close to his heart for years.

With the holiday season here, it’s important to understand the dangers of batteries for small children. We all know they like to put everything in their mouths, especially if it’s small. In a technology focused world, a lot of electronic toys and devices require these small, but powerful lithium batteries including musical holidays cards which I am sure all of us will be receiving this month. If your child were to swallow one of these, it is imperative to go to the ER right away to get it removed. Even if it’s a dead battery, damage can still occur in as little as two hours.

Here is the article from Costco Connection Magazine:

“Keep Out of the Mouths of Babes” by David Wight

Small “button” batteries, found in countless home and personal electronic devices, represent a huge danger to children.  Since 1985, more than 3,500 injuries and at least 17 deaths have been attributed to children swallowing button batteries, according to Energizer, a battery industry leader and a partner with Safe Kids USA in a child-safety advocacy group devoted to raising awareness of this threat.

Many homes have older devices not equipped with the more current safety approaches being used by manufacturers.  Calculators remote control devices, cameras, penlights, hearing aids, cellphones, and watches are just a few of the devices that use button batteries, which can also be found in musical greeting cards.

Choking is not the danger. The big risk is the power emitted by these tiny but powerful lithium batteries. When combined with saliva or other body fluids, the result can be a serious burn. The battery doesn’t have to leaking for that to happen, and even a weak or dead battery will have enough of charge left to do damage.

Immediate action is required if you suspect a child has swallowed a button battery. It takes as little as two hours for a hole to be burned in or through a child’s esophagus, trachea, stomach or nasal-septum, leading to serious illness or even death.

If you think your child has swallowed a button battery or has placed one in his or her nose, seek medical attention immediately. Button batteries are visible on an x-ray. If one is detected in the esophagus, trachea, ear or nose, it must be removed as soon as possible to prevent serious injury.

Tips for a battery-safe home

  • Keep spare or dead batteries as inaccessible to children as medications or products containing poison.
  • Never let children play with batteries.
  • If you have devices that use button batteries, make sure to secure the battery compartment from your child’s prying fingers. Extra layers of tape over the battery compartment door may prove effective.

Author: Dr. Alice Chen, DMD

Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Aligners – Why Cheaper & Convenient Isn’t Always Better, Especially When it Comes to Your Teeth

Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Aligners – Why Cheaper & Convenient Isn’t Always Better, Especially When it Comes to Your Teeth

by | Dec 6, 2022 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Roseman Dental - NV

In today’s fast paced society, time seems to be in short supply. With more obligations than ever, people are always looking for ways to get what they need faster, cheaper, and more convenient than before. However, there are some instances, such as your health, where you may not want to choose the cheaper option.

Many patients interested in straightening their teeth have likely seen the ubiquitous advertising campaigns being pushed by so called “direct-to-consumer” aligner companies. These companies promise to straighten your teeth quickly from the comfort of your home for less money than getting treatment from a trained orthodontic specialist like those at Roseman Dental & Orthodontics.

Wow, cheaper and easier! Sounds great right? With such lofty promises, we understand that this may be a tempting option for many people looking to improve their smile. However, there can be many unintended consequences of treatment through DTC aligner companies that people are not aware of. There’s a reason no dentist or orthodontist would ever recommend mail order aligners to their patients! There are many crucial aspects of proper orthodontic treatment missing from mail order aligners, that can lead to very unsatisfactory outcomes, or worse – do permanent damage to your teeth and jaws! If you are interested in learning the differences between mail-order aligners and Invisalign treatment supervised by a trained orthodontic specialist, like here at Roseman Dental & Orthodontics, keep reading!

How DTC Aligner Companies Processes Work

When you begin treatment with a “DTC aligner” company, they will send you a kit to take an impression (or a mold) of your teeth at home, which they then use to fabricate custom aligners. In some cities (including Las Vegas!), these companies have opened small offices where you can go to have a digital scan (NOT an x-ray) of your teeth taken by an employee.

Once the tooth impression is completed, DTC aligner companies say that your case will be sent to a dentist to approve your case for aligner treatment, and they claim that only appropriate “mild to moderate” cases will be approved. In reality, nearly every case gets approved, regardless of complexity.  At no point throughout the process has a patient been seen by a dentist involved in the orthodontic treatment.

After the case is approved by a remotely located dental professional, the aligner trays are manufactured and shipped directly to the patient.  At the “completion” of the treatment, the patient has the option of getting rescanned or having retainers sent to them.  Again, this is without ever having to see an orthodontist to evaluate the treatment progress or finish.

What DTC Aligner Companies Do Not Do

As stated earlier, there are some serious compromises to achieve the convenience of DTC aligners. For example:

  1. DTC aligner companies do not have x-rays to evaluate the teeth: X-rays are important to understand the limits of how far the teeth can move.
  2. DTC aligner companies do not evaluate for periodontal disease: Orthodontic treatment for patients with active periodontal disease can lead to worsening of the condition, loosening of the teeth, or worse, loss of teeth.
  3. DTC aligner companies do not conduct a dental exam: Dental exams are necessary to assess the patient’s overall needs, including restorations, extractions, and other needed dental work. Failure to do so can result in less-than-optimal results.
  4. DTC aligner companies have a very limited focus: There are many other issues involved in orthodontic treatment other than straightening the teeth. These issues can only be properly assessed through an orthodontic exam.
  5. DTC aligner companies have no oversight: Patients may not understand when things go wrong and treatment has to be recalculated. Imagine driving to your destination and making a wrong turn along the way – you will never get to your planned end point.

It is understandable to want to get something done “faster, cheaper & easier”, unfortunately healthcare, including dentistry and orthodontics, is not one of those that we should compromise on. DTC aligner companies have used this to their advantage, but the one adjective they have not incorporated is “better” – and that is not something to be compromised.

Roseman Dental & Orthodontics can help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed about. Utilizing advanced technology with new treatment methods, we will create individualized treatment plans based on the patient’s unique situations and treatment needs at costs up to 50% less than that of a private practice.  Come in for an evaluation today.

Author: Dr. Anthony Decker

Can A Sinus Infection Lead to Tooth Pain?

Can A Sinus Infection Lead to Tooth Pain?

by | Dec 6, 2022 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT

The short answer is yes but distinguishing between the two can be tricky. Your dentist will be able to perform certain tests and take certain x-rays to determine if it is indeed a tooth causing your pain or a sinus problem mimicking tooth pain.

What are sinuses? Sinuses are interconnected spaces in the skull that all lead to the nasal passageways. Their job is to filter, moisten, and warm the air that you breath in. The largest sinuses in your head are a pair of sinuses called the Maxillary Sinuses. They are located just above your upper back teeth. In fact, the roots of the upper molars can often extend into the maxillary sinuses.

This means that whenever the sinuses are inflamed from infection (sinusitis/sinus infection) or seasonal allergies for example, the roots of the upper back teeth can be affected, resulting in tooth pain.

The opposite can be true as well. In the event that you have an infected upper molar, you can even develop a sinus infection that originates from the tooth. This further emphasizes the ambiguous relationship between the teeth and sinuses.

Although it is difficult to differentiate between tooth and sinus pain, there are some unique signs that point towards an issue in the sinuses:

  • Sinus pain typically affects the upper molars. If your toothache is coming from a bottom tooth, then the sinuses are an unlikely cause.
  • Usually more than 1 tooth on that side hurts and it can’t be narrowed down to a single tooth. Pain originating from a tooth is usually more intense and specific to 1 tooth.
  • Sinus pain is often worse when you bend over, jump/stomp your feet, and lie down. Tooth pain on the other hand, is usually not affected by positional changes.
  • Pressure around your cheek, eye, forehead, and nose.
  • Mucous discharge that is thick and discolored. Nasal drip with a bad taste.
  • Pain and a feeling of “fullness” in the ears.
  • Altered sense of taste and smell.
  • Runny or blocked nose.

If you have pain in your teeth, it is very important that you see your dentist as soon as possible for evaluation. Your dentist will be able to determine if the pain you are feeling is really from the teeth (cavities, gum disease, etc.) or from something else. If your dentist rules out teeth as the cause of pain, he/she may refer you to a physician for further evaluation.

If you can’t make it to your dentist and/or physician right away, these home therapies may provide some relief for tooth pain caused by sinus inflammation and pressure:

  • Use saline to flush sinuses (Nasal Lavage).
  • Drink a lot of water. Adequate hydration thins out mucous and allows for better drainage of the sinuses.
  • Use air humidifier and make sure your head is tilted on your pillow when you sleep.
  • Over-the-Counter Decongestants/Expectorants (i.e., Pseudoephedrine)
  • Eat spicy food (if you can tolerate it).
  • Your dentist or physician may prescribe you additional medications such as antibiotics, stronger decongestants, allergy medication, pain relievers, nasal steroid spray, etc.

If you have questions, if you are experiencing dental pain, or if you are overdue for a dental check-up, please schedule an appointment today!

Roseman Dental & Orthodontics (Henderson, NV)
Roseman Dental (South Jordan, UT)

Author: Dr.Matthew Thacker, DMD, BS