Admin - Pediatric Dentist in Nacogdoches, TX

Do Pediatric Dentists Perform Surgery?

February 24, 2021February 15, 2021 by Admin

A Pediatric dentist treats children from birth through adolescence. Pediatric dentists have skills to interact with infants and children, and this makes visits comfortable and easy for both the parent and child. Finding that perfect pediatric dentist is important, and helps to set the tone for good oral hygiene.

Pediatric dentists provide many procedures and treatments to help keep your child’s teeth and mouth developing properly and feeling great.

Common Pediatric Dentistry Services

Cleanings and exams
Fluoride treatments
Dental sealants
Deep cleaning
Fitting oral appliances such as mouthguards
Surgical procedures including tooth extractions, tooth implants, gum surgery and tissue grafts
Treatments to restore damaged teeth such as fillings, crowns, and root canals

What Surgeries Does a Pediatric Dentist Perform?

Pediatric dentists perform surgeries that include implants, tooth extractions, gum surgery, and tissue grafts. If your child has been recommended for oral surgery, and the surgery required is not a common surgery done by your pediatric dentist, they will refer you to an oral surgeon. Typically if the surgery involves impacted teeth higher in the gum line, or other areas that are not easy to reach an oral surgeon is required.

Pediatric dentists must complete three or more years of undergraduate education, as well as graduate with either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). In addition, pediatric dentists must complete an additional 2-3 years of specialized training specifically for diagnosing and treating children.

Pediatric dentists should be seen when an infant gets his or her first tooth or no later than one year old. Attending regular exams and cleanings every six months sets the tone early on, and teaches children at a young age how to care for their teeth. How often your child needs to be seen depends on their dental needs and level of plaque buildup.

Practicing good oral hygiene habits at home and eating a healthy diet can help teach your child how to take great care of their teeth and mouth. Establishing a good relationship with your dentist is important, and gives your dental team the opportunity to monitor your child’s development and get in front of any issues.

Interested in Scheduling Your Child’s Exam?

If you are interested in scheduling your child’s dental exam and cleaning our team is here to help. We provide the highest level of service, and always make sure all of our patients are comfortable and relaxed. We want each appointment to be an exceptional one!

To schedule an appointment please contact our office, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

Are There any Differences Between Mouth Washes?

March 5, 2021January 15, 2021 by Admin

Mouthwash is used to help rinse away bacteria or food particles after you brush and floss each day. Using mouthwash is an additional way to help protect your teeth and gums. Knowing the differences between mouthwashes can help you choose the right one to incorporate into your oral hygiene routine.

What Are The Different Types of Mouthwashes Available?

Mouthwash With Fluoride

Fluoride mouthwash contain sodium fluoride, and this helps to protect your teeth from decay and cavities. Fluoride is also found in toothpaste and is added to our tap water. Only using the required amount each day is important because too much fluoride can be harmful to your health. Reading the labels can help to ensure you are only using the appropriate amount that is recommended daily.

Antiseptic Mouthwash

Antiseptic mouthwash is the most common mouthwash used by most patients. This type of mouthwash contains alcohol and can help to stop bacteria in its tracks. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can help fight bad breath, and prevent infections. Patients must be careful using this type of mouthwash. Overuse can lead to stains or discoloration on your teeth. Following the recommended daily guidelines is important to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.

Cosmetic Mouthwash

This type of mouthwash is used to only freshen your breath. Cosmetic mouthwash does not do anything to help with your oral health. Using this type of mouthwash can help rinse food particles away, and is a temporary solution for bad breath.

Natural Mouthwash

Natural mouthwash is a common type of mouthwash that helps keep bacteria away and freshens your breath, but contains only natural ingredients. Natural mouthwash brands do not contain alcohol, and the ingredients are safer compared to other types of mouthwashes available.

During your routine cleaning it is important to discuss what products you are using at home including your mouthwash. Our team is available to access your dental health, and recommend the best mouthwash for you to use at home.

Interested in Finding Out More?

During your routine cleaning it is important to discuss what products you are using at home including your mouthwash. Our team is available to access your dental health, and recommend the best mouthwash for you to use at home.

If you are interested in finding out more about what mouthwash may be best for you, or to schedule your next exam, contact our office and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

How Can I Reduce My Costs for Dental Care?

March 1, 2021January 1, 2021 by Admin

Dental care can be costly, and simple procedures can even run up your bill. Caring for your teeth is necessary to keep your oral and general health in check. Many people have no dental benefits at all, or if they retire their benefits are lost.

Skipping dental care is not an option, and can lead to other more serious health issues such as diabetes, or heart conditions. There are ways you can reduce your dental care costs, and help pay for those costly procedures that are necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Ask Your Dentist if They Offer an In-House Membership Plan

Many dental practices today offer their own dental membership for patients. These plans act like an insurance plan, and give patients discounts on procedures that are done in their office. If a patient does not have insurance it is wise to inquire about an in-house plan to help keep costs down.

Sign Up for a Dental Plan Through Your Employer

Many companies offer both medical and dental insurance plans. Most plans pay for at least half of the cost, and preventative services are typically covered 100 percent. Routine procedures are usually covered around 80 percent, and larger more involved procedures such as crowns are usually covered at 50 percent. Using in-network providers can help you save money, and allow you to get the dental work you need.

Dental Savings Plan

Dental savings plans are available to participants who pay a fee to join. The fee is typically annual, and allows you to choose from a network of dentists that offer discounts for members. Dental savings plans allow patients to get the work done that they need at a discounted price without insurance.

Affordable Care Act

Patients can apply for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Logging on to their website can let you know if you qualify to purchase dental coverage.

Dental HMO Plan

A dental HMO plan may be available in your state. Typically cleanings and exams twice a year are covered, and procedures are at a discount. Many dentists participate and accept HMO plans, and this is a good way to help save on dental care.

Veterans Benefits

If you are a veteran you qualify to receive insurance at a reduced rate. Disabled veterans are also eligible for free dental care through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Do Your Research

If you are required to have a costly procedure, research the average price of that procedure. Ask your dentist for a discount, and most likely they will work with you, and help find a price and payment plan that fits your needs.

Create an Emergency Dental Fund

Setting aside money each month for dental care can help cover procedures or emergencies that are unpredictable. Knowing you have a savings account will put you at ease if an emergency arises and you need dental care.

Looking for an Affordable Dentist Near You?

Taking care of your oral health is a great way to prevent costly dental procedures. Brushing and flossing each day, and staying away from foods and drinks that contain sugar can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Visiting our office regularly for exams and cleanings is extremely important to maintain your oral health. Regular visits allow our team to get in front of issues before they become urgent, and we can help you keep your teeth and mouth looking and feeling great.

We care about our patients, and our team is here to help take care of your oral health. Ask our team if you have questions on coverage or payment plans, and we will work with you to ensure you can receive the very best care.

To find out more about dental programs we offer, or to schedule your next dental exam, contact our office and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

How Do I Know if I Have a Cavity?

December 30, 2020 by Admin

Taking care of your oral and overall health must be a priority. Knowing when you need to call your dentist is important. Practicing good oral hygiene habits help to prevent tooth decay, cavities, and many other issues. Cavities are one of the most common issues patients face, and about 30 percent of Americans have untreated dental cavities. Leaving a cavity untreated can destroy your teeth leading to tooth loss, infection, and other more serious conditions.

It is helpful for patients to understand what a cavity is, and also know what symptoms to look out for if you think you may have a cavity.

What is a Cavity?

A cavity is when bacteria or food build up and form plaque on your teeth. The bacteria eat away at the enamel on your teeth and cause decay. Good oral hygiene habits are so important, and brushing and flossing can help you get rid of the plaque build up to prevent cavities from developing. Once the cavity is formed there is a small hole in your tooth, and if left untreated the cavity can destroy your tooth or develop an infection.

What Are the Signs of a Cavity?

There are signs you can look out for that may indicate you have a cavity. If you experience any of these signs we encourage you to contact our office, and our staff will get you in as soon as possible. Our team always works to keep our patient’s teeth and mouth healthy and pain free.

Sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers and does not go away
Sensitivity to sweet foods or drinks
A toothache that is on or around one or more teeth
Pain when you bite down or pain during eating
Discoloration, white spots, or staining on a tooth
A small hole or mark on your tooth

Need to Contact Our Office?

Knowing these signs can help you decide if you need to contact a dentist. We always tell patients to never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. We are here to help, and a cavity should never be left untreated.

If you think you may have a cavity and need to schedule an appointment, contact our office and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

How Do I Prepare My Child For Their First Dental Visit?

December 21, 2020 by Admin

Process of drying the dental seal after treatment of the patient's tooth in pediatric dentistry. Little girl in dentist office.

Planning your child’s first dental visit can be stressful. Many parents wonder when the perfect time is to bring their child in for their first exam. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists or AAPD recommends that children visit the dentist by the age of one, or when they first notice signs of teeth erupting. Typically, primary teeth do not erupt until about six months of age.

Parents tend to worry how their child will feel or behave at the dentist for the first time. There are many benefits to visiting the dentist starting at a young age, and with positive encouragement and our amazing staff we always ensure your child’s first visit and every visit after will go well.

There are a few things we recommend to parents to help prepare their child to visit our office for the first time. We want all of our patients to feel calm and relaxed and enjoy their visit. Our staff is specially trained to work with children, and they are in good hands while in our care.

Helpful Ways to Prepare Your Child Before Their First Visit to Our Office

We welcome all new patients to schedule a tour of our office and meet our staff. This helps your child get to know where they are going, and when they arrive they will feel more comfortable because they have already been here for a visit.
Talk to your child about how important it is to see your dentist regularly. With positive attitude your child will feel excited and not afraid, and will enjoy visiting our office.
There are dental books and TV shows available that you can show your child so they can get an idea what a dental office looks like, and what we do during a dental exam and cleaning.
During your child’s appointment we recommend bringing in any comfort items such as a stuffed animal or blanket to make your child feel relaxed.
Our staff provides each child with a reward at the end of each visit so they have something to look forward to. Parents are welcome to plan for a reward as an incentive to help the child get through their first appointment.
It is important to talk to your child about how important dental hygiene is. Keeping our teeth and gums clean so we can have beautiful smiles can help teach them good oral hygiene habits at a young age.

Starting your child out right with proper dental care helps to set the stage for later in life and teaches children good oral hygiene. We look forward to establishing a good relationship with each of our pediatric patients, and our staff will help your child understand how important it is to take care of your teeth and visit our office regularly.

Our dental exams are thorough and we can check for any issues as your child grows older. We believe in preventative care to help keep your child’s teeth feeling and looking their best.

Are You Interested in Scheduling Your Child’s First Exam?

If you are interested in scheduling your child’s first dental exam we are here to help. Contact our office and our friendly staff can assist you!

Helping your child take charge of their oral health at a young age is important and our staff is here to support both our pediatric patients and their parents, and provide the highest level of dental care.

We look forward to meeting you and having your child join our dental family.

Is a Tooth Extraction and Filling Advisable for a 5 Year Old Child?

October 1, 2020September 29, 2020 by Admin

One of the most common questions parents face is how to handle cavities during their child’s dental exam. If your child has cavities there are proper ways to handle those cavities in young children. Many parents ask if teeth should be pulled, and in most cases it is better to fill a cavity rather than pull the tooth. At Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry in Nacogdoches, TX our patients’ health is our first priority. Before any treatment is done we discuss all options with the child’s parents and develop a customized treatment plan. Our team works to provide the highest level of care to ensure your child’s oral development is not affected.

Why Are Baby Teeth Important?

Baby teeth or primary teeth play an important role in the development of children. A child’s first teeth begin to erupt between the ages of six months to two years of age. Baby teeth help children to chew food properly as they move from milk or formula to solid foods. This aids in good nutrition and lessens the risk for choking.

Primary teeth also help children to speak and develop language. If a child has missing teeth, this can affect their speech or cause issues. Keeping baby teeth healthy and in place is necessary to ensure a child develops their speech properly. Primary teeth also help a child’s jaw growth or bite. If a child has missing teeth this can affect the development of the jaw, and lead to other orthodontic problems in the future.

Why Should You Keep Baby Teeth?

Baby teeth are meant to be kept in the mouth until they naturally fall out. Baby teeth help to hold space for the permanent tooth and prevent any collapsing due to empty space. If the surrounding teeth collapse this can cause the permanent tooth to be affected and erupt in the wrong position. In some cases permanent teeth can become impacted where they are unable to erupt at all. In addition, if a child has had multiple teeth removed this can cause their dental arch to collapse, create severe crowding, or even affect their airway.

How Should Cavities in Children Be Treated?

Small cavities in children are common and in most cases the cavity has begun the stage of softening or weakening the hard shell or enamel. At this point the cavity can still be reversed and we do not recommend treatment. To stop the progression we recommend good brushing and flossing to help stop the decay on the teeth.

If the cavity is severe we may recommend a filling to stop the decaying process and protect the permanent tooth underneath as well as the surrounding teeth. This allows the baby tooth to remain in the mouth until the tooth naturally falls out on its own.

When Is It Safe to Pull a Baby Tooth?

There are times when pulling a tooth may be necessary. Using X-rays Dr. Jennifer Criss’ friendly Nacogdoches dental team will examine the primary tooth and determine where the permanent tooth is positioned. If the permanent tooth is close to eruption, pulling the tooth is safe. If the permanent tooth is not ready to erupt, pulling a primary tooth is risky, and the primary tooth should be kept in place.

If the cavity is so small that there is no risk to the permanent tooth or surrounding teeth, it is best to leave the primary tooth in place and let it fall out naturally. For children that have issues with the placement of permanent teeth, a primary tooth may need to be removed to help produce a better result in the future.

Looking for a Pediatric Dentist Near You?

Our goal at Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry is to always keep a child’s primary teeth in place, and only remove them if absolutely necessary. We want our pediatric patients to love visiting our office. Our skilled and caring staff always work to ensure each appointment is an amazing and positive experience.

If you are looking for a pediatric dentist near you or have concerns about tooth extractions or dental fillings please contact our pediatric dental office in Nacogdoches, TX to set up a consultation appointment for your child. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

1602 E. Starr Ave. Suite 203
Nacogdoches, TX 75961

(936) 559-7200

Do Pediatric Dentists Perform Surgery?

Common Pediatric Dentistry Services

What Surgeries Does a Pediatric Dentist Perform?

Interested in Scheduling Your Child’s Exam?

Are There any Differences Between Mouth Washes?