What Are The Benefits of Pediatric Care?

August 21, 2020August 20, 2020 by Admin

There is no denying that dental health is important in all life stages. But what most people don’t realize is that oral care needs to start from an early age. After the first six months of a child’s birth, teeth start developing which makes it easier for the dentist to make necessary corrections before it gets a bit tricky.

Dental needs of children are very different from adults. Not only a pediatric dentist has the right qualification and training to treat children, but they also have additional years of training which allows them to meet the specific needs of those children.

Helping children addressing their oral hygiene issues is not only a smart health-related decision, but it can also save money for the parents as well.

What Are the Benefits of Pediatric Care?

Here are four key benefits of your child visiting a pediatric dentist:

1. Catch Problems Early

As mentioned earlier, pediatric care is essential because it allows catching problems at an early stage. You cannot let your child suffer through pain all those years and then get an oral surgery when it is absolutely necessary.

According to the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children should see a dentist when their teeth start developing.

2. Overcoming the fear of visiting a dentist

Most people, as they grow old, develop a fear of visiting a dentist, not because of bad experiences but based on public opinion. This is due to the fact that most people don’t visit a dentist at a young age.

Pediatric dentists have specific training that allows them to cater to the well-being of a child through understanding their psychology which eventually helps in overcoming the fear of going to a dentist at later life stages.

3. Prevention based approach

Pediatric dentists consider themselves as teacher other than being a dentist. They seek to educate the parents and their children into developing better eating habits. Children learn faster at an early age which makes teaching good habits easier.

4. Less invasive treatment

Even if you have the best oral habits, issues can still take place. Children have baby teeth, and therefore the treatment procedures are relatively less invasive. For example: treating cavities can be done without drilling and can easily take place by applying “Silver Diamine Fluoride” (SDF) on the decayed tooth.

Make sure you have a pediatric dentist near your residence so that nothing ever comes between your children and their smile.

Looking for a quality Pediatric Dentist Near You?

If you are looking for a family friendly kid dentist near you, contact Dr. Jennifer Criss for your next dental cleaning! Our goal is to provide exceptional service in a family friendly environment. Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and we welcome all new patients to our office.

If you are interested in scheduling your next dental cleaning with us, please contact Nacogodoches Pediatric Dentisry in Nacogdoches, TX, and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

What Are Common Dental Problems in Childhood?

August 21, 2020August 18, 2020 by Admin

Pediatric dentistry is a specialty that addresses a wide variety of possible problems related to temporary dentition, milk, and permanent dentition. Possible alterations include the correct placement of the final teeth, pathologies due to change of dentition, trauma, congenital problems, etc.

What Are Some of the More Common Problems in Childhood?

Some common childhood dental problems can include the following:

1. Caries

These are the most common chronic childhood dental disease in children. The greater consumption of processed products rich in sugars or the late withdrawal of bottles or pacifiers favors the increase of caries in increasingly smaller children, even under 3 years. Therefore it is very important to educate the child in proper dental hygiene from very early ages. The treatment is usually the sealing of pits and fissures.

2. Injuries

The probability that children suffer breakages or fractures in the teeth due to blows or falls is high. At this stage in which they are acquiring psychomotor skills, accidents are more frequent. The pediatric dentist will restore the piece or reimplant them, always trying to keep the original tooth.

3. Malocclusion and Bite Problems

The appearance of the definitive denture may not be performed correctly: the teeth are separated (diastema), crooked or have no space to occlude. Similarly, the jaw may have a bad position due to different problems such as late withdrawal of the pacifier (this must be removed between 18-24 months to avoid major problems). In these cases, the pediatric dentist must identify the injuries and refer the patient to the orthodontist, a specialist in treating problems of dental structures.

4. Ankylosis of the Temporary Piece

This anomaly occurs when for some reason the temporary piece does not occlude, staying inside the gum and causing a problem for the definitive piece. The solution to this problem is usually the extraction of the piece.

5. Congenital Disorders

The timely detection of congenital diseases prevents the appearance of major problems. These conditions can cause the appearance of fewer or more teeth or sizes larger or smaller than due, both in temporary dentition (anodontics) and definitive dentition (ablastodoncia).

To avoid a periodical illness it is very important to go to the pediatric dentist on a regular basis. The dentist will not only solve the oral problems of children but will establish guidelines for the prevention of possible complications with measures of dental hygiene and acquisition of healthy habits.

Looking for a quality Pediatric Dentist Near You?

If you are interested in scheduling your next dental cleaning with us, please contact Nacogodoches Pediatric Dentisry in Nacogdoches, TX, and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

When Should a Person Switch Pediatric Dentists?

August 2, 2020July 28, 2020 by Admin

Switching dentists can be a hard decision, but patients need to make a change if they notice things aren’t working out with the current practice. Knowing when to make the move can be hard, but there are some tips you can follow to help you find your new dental office or dental clinic in the Nacogodoches, TX area.

There are signs you can look out for that indicate it may be time to start your search to find your next dental practice. At Nacogodoches Pediatric Dentistry, we welcome new patients to our practice, and strive to provide exceptional service to patients of all ages. We know how important finding the right dentist is, and we go above and beyond to provide the highest level of service and care for our patients!

What Are Some Signs That Indicate it May Be Time to Switch Pediatric Dental Practices?

Your dentist has retired or moved
You have decided to move away from the area
Appointments tend to be at inconvenient times
Getting to your dentist is difficult, and the practice may be in an inconvenient location
The practice does not offer the dental procedures you need
Your friends or family have recommended another practice that sounds like it may be a better fit
You have had to call the billing department and dispute charges multiple times
Your dental insurance has changed
You do not feel comfortable with the recommended treatment plan at your current dentist

How Should I Go About Switching Dentists?

Once you have made the decision to switch dentists you can focus on finding your new practice. Making sure the new dentist is a good fit is important, and there are many things to consider. Think about what type of dental practice you would like for you and your family. Would a family practice work better and if so, make sure the new practice can provide all of the necessary services for your entire family. Research if the practice offers orthodontics if you have teenagers, should you need that type of treatment. This will help to eliminate the need for switching dentists again in the future.

Do your research and check out some online reviews to read about the dentist’s certifications or background. Read about the mission statement to understand the practice values, and how the practice is run. Make sure the facility is updated, and has the latest technology and advanced procedures available.

Once you have done your research and have found a dentist you think may be a good fit, schedule a visit to check out the practice. This way you can see firsthand if you are comfortable, and if your family would benefit from joining the practice.

When visiting the office take mental notes of important things such as how you are treated during your visit, and how long it takes you to get to and from the practice. Ask the staff if you can have a tour of the office to ensure the practice meets your expectations.

Looking for a quality Pediatric Dentist Near You?

If you are looking for a family friendly pediatric dentist near you, contact Dr. Jennifer Criss for your next dental cleaning. Our goal is to provide exceptional service in a family friendly environment. Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and we welcome all new patients to our office.

If you are interested in scheduling your next dental cleaning with us, please contact Nacogodoches, TX, and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

Can Dental Cleanings Damage Enamel?

June 10, 2020 by Admin

Dental cleanings are integral part of our oral health, and are typically recommended twice a year. Keeping our teeth and gums free and clear of harmful bacteria is important. At Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, our team is proud to offer general dental treatments like dental cleanings in Nacogdoches, TX. We strive to provide quality services for our patients, and always make sure our patients are relaxed and comfortable during their visit.

However, some patients have asked us if having their teeth cleaned regularly can damage the enamel on our teeth. We hope that this article can help address this common concern.

Can Dental Cleanings Damage Enamel?

Dental cleanings do not damage the enamel on your teeth! Cleanings safely remove the plaque and bacteria that builds up over time on the teeth and under the gums. If teeth are not cleaned regularly inflammation can occur, and this can lead to gum disease. Brushing at home is a great way to remove bacteria from the teeth, but brushing cannot clean our teeth like a professional cleaning. Our certified hygienists provide quality cleanings to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.

If teeth are cleaned improperly at home or by a non-professional, damage can occur to the enamel. Enamel is extremely durable, and it is hard to chip or damage during cleaning exams. Enamel can wear off if patients suffer from bruxism, or use harsh brushing strokes while brushing their teeth at home. Acidic foods or drinks can also cause erosion to enamel on our teeth.

If you have concerns about the condition of the enamel on your teeth, please let our team know when you schedule your appointment.

What Should I Expect During my Cleaning Appointment?

Dental cleanings in our office typically take anywhere from 30-45 minutes. X-rays are taken if needed, and carefully reviewed during your exam to help our team to provide a customized treatment plan for each patient. Our skilled hygienists use special tools to carefully remove the hard layer of plaque from a patient’s teeth, and we ensure your mouth is free of any plaque or bacteria. Our staff will discuss the health of your teeth and gums, and will recommend further treatment if needed.

Your oral health is extremely important to us, and we encourage our patients to keep up with regularly scheduled dental cleanings to keep their teeth looking and feeling great. Regular dental cleanings are a great way to prevent future issues. Dental exams give us the opportunity to catch any potential issues early, and prevent serious issues from developing.

Looking for a quality Dentist in Nacogdoches for your next Dental Exam?

If you are looking for a family friendly dentist in Nacogdoches, TX, contact Dr. Jennifer Criss for your next dental cleaning. Our goal is to provide exceptional service in a family friendly environment. Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and we welcome all new patients to our office.

If you are interested in scheduling your next dental cleaning with us, please contact Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

Can Pediatric Dentistry Help with Thumbsucking?

June 10, 2020 by Admin

Pediatric dentistry focuses on dealing with the oral health of children from birth through adolescence. Pediatric dentists are skilled at interacting with patients of all ages, and children specifically making it comfortable and easy for both the parents and kids. At Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, we always ensure our patients feel relaxed and welcome and strive to provide the very best care.

Can Pediatric Dentistry Help With Thumb Sucking?

Pediatric dentists provide general care including fixing cavities, managing gum disease, and diagnosing medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes. Visiting our office regularly helps set the tone for good oral hygiene, and helps to create good oral hygiene habits in the future.

Many children tend to suck their thumb for comfort or out of habit when they are young. This habit tends to correct itself between the ages of 2 and 4 years old with positive reinforcement. However, there are some cases where the habit continues beyond this age and problems can occur. Thumb sucking can cause the upper teeth to overlap the lower teeth, or interfere with tooth eruption and jaw growth.

If teeth are cleaned improperly at home or by a non-professional, damage can occur to the enamel. Enamel is extremely durable, and it is hard to chip or damage during cleaning exams. Enamel can wear off if patients suffer from bruxism, or use harsh brushing strokes while brushing their teeth at home. Acidic foods or drinks can also cause erosion to enamel on our teeth.

If you have concerns about the condition of the enamel on your teeth, please let our team know when you schedule your appointment.

When should you call our pediatric dental office in Nacogdoches, TX

If you notice your child has this problem we are here to help. Regular visits to our office starting at age 1 can allow our team to help teach you and your child effective oral hygiene techniques to prevent tooth decay. We also monitor dental growth, and can assist in giving suggestions to stop thumb sucking. This can avoid expensive treatments or orthodontic visits. During the appointment we typically ask about thumb sucking, and if the child does suck their thumb we can help talk to them about giving up that habit. If needed, an oral appliance can be made called an intraoral tongue crib. This appliance comfortably fits in the child’s mouth, and physically prevents thumb sucking. Typically, this device can help break their habit in a couple months.

Contact Dr. Jennifer Criss in Nacogdoches, TX

Our team is here to help with all your family’s dental needs, and we enjoy watching our patients grow from children into adults. Our priority is to provide superior care to patients of all ages and ensure each patient is relaxed and comfortable during their appointment. If you are looking for a friendly and gentle dentist for your child’s next appointment we are here to help.

If you are interested in finding out more about pediatric dental care in Nacogdoches, TX, contact Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry to schedule your pediatric appointment with Dr. Jennifer Criss.

Installation Of Ligature Braces

March 12, 2020March 2, 2020 by Admin

GettyImages-736838629-5adcaa4d3128340036f9daea

The installation process is the same for ligature and ligature braces until the arc fixation stage.

The tooth enamel is etched with a special composition to improve grip with the bracket. The composition acts on the tooth for a while, and then washed off with water.
A composite material fixing the lock is applied to the teeth.

iii. Braces are glued to the teeth either by the direct method – one bracket one after another, or indirect fixation – are transferred simultaneously to the entire dentition from the mouthpiece, which were previously installed from the impression.

When the locks are fixed on the teeth, the orthodontist proceeds to fasten the arc. In self-alloying systems, it is enough to insert the arc into the grooves and close the covers of each bracket. In ligature braces, an elastic band or ring of wire is put on each lock.

Due to the need to put on additional elements on each lock, ligature braces are set longer.

The process of treatment on ligature braces

Orthodontic treatment does not end with the installation of braces. So that they consistently perform their function of correcting the bite, the orthodontist needs to change the arcs and activate the braces, according to the treatment plan. The activation of ligature braces takes place much more often – about once a month, since the rubber bands wear out quickly and cease to fix the arc reliably.

In this regard, the work of self-ligating braces is more “autonomous” – the orthodontist can be visited every 2 months. Due to the fact that the arc in the ligatures has to overcome the friction force to straighten, the duration of treatment is slightly increased. In order not to delay it, you need not to miss the activation, quickly visit the orthodontist when removing the bracket or falling out of the arc from the ligature.

Ligature Braces Care

As we mentioned above, ligature braces require more careful care. All additional elements in the mouth prevent the free passage of the toothbrush during brushing. Ligatures are precisely these elements that interfere with hygiene. Erasers collect leftover food and accumulate plaque. To thoroughly clean the lock, the ligature must be removed, but the patient does not have such an opportunity.

Therefore, hygiene must be maintained with accessible tools:

Orthodontic brush with a special recess in the middle for the bracket system
A Monoblock brush that allows you to clean the lock around, the gingival region and the enamel under the arc.
Orthodontic brushes – small brushes for hard-to-reach places – under the arch, in tooth gaps, around distant braces.
Irrigator is an apparatus that cleans surfaces and inaccessible places with the help of a powerful jet of water. It is safe for mucous membranes and effective against food debris.

A full-time care during treatment on braces is selected by an orthodontist or a hygienist. In the clinic, you get a detailed memo for the care of braces and at any time you can visit the hygienist. He will indicate errors in care and will tell you the correct methods of home cleansing.

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

(936) 559-7200

What Are The Benefits of Pediatric Care?