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

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Pediatric Dentistry

What is Safe to Eat After a Frenectomy?

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Frenectomy

If your child has a short or thick frenulum that restricts the tongue’s movement, they may have a tongue tie, and have been recommended for a frenectomy procedure. Many babies are born with tongue-ties, and parents notice the child has issues when they eat, speak, or breastfeed.

A frenectomy is a simple procedure that helps to restore movement of the tongue. The procedure only takes a few minutes, and is done in our office. During the procedure the lingual frenulum, or skin underneath the tongue is gently cut and released to restore movement. After the procedure healing is minimal, and parents must help to stretch the tissue that has been cut or lasered away. This prevents the skin from growing back too tightly.

After the procedure, patients should follow a soft foods diet and avoid very hot foods. Soft foods include jello, applesauce, or pudding. We recommend to avoid any salty or acidic foods, or any foods that are extremely cold or hot. As the area heals and any numbing wears off, the patient can move to solid foods. While eating parents should try and help them keep the food away from the surgical area.

Following these guidelines will ensure your child’s recovery goes smoothly, and helps to avoid any complications. Our staff is available to answer any questions or concerns throughout the process. If your child experiences any prolonged pain, or has symptoms you are concerned about, we encourage you to call our office right away.

Interested in Finding Out More About a Frenectomy?

If you have a concern about your child’s speech, and want to find out more about the frenectomy procedure, contact Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry. Our doctors have years of experience in treating pediatric tongue-ties, and we always provide gentle and compassionate care to all of our patients. Our staff is trained to work with children, and we always ensure they have a positive experience when they visit our office. At Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry we use state of the art technology, and provide a comfortable environment for all of our patients.

To schedule a consultation with us, contact Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

What Should I Look for In a Dentist That Treats Autistic Children?

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Autistic Children

Choosing a pediatric dentist for your child is very important. Parents want to know that their child will receive the care they need if the child requires special needs. For patients that require special needs, parents must find a dentist they feel comfortable with. At Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, we provide exceptional dental care for our pediatric patients. We welcome both autistic patients, and patients that have special needs.

Pediatric dentists attend two to three additional years of training after they complete dental school. This is so they can understand all of the unique requirements needed to treat pediatric patients. This training includes treating children with autism. Medical appointments can be a challenge for both the parent and child that is autistic, and finding the right dentist that can ensure the appointment goes well is critical.

Tips for Choosing a Pediatric Dentist

  • Look for a pediatric dentist that has worked with autistic children or special needs., and ask what their procedures are. Many pediatric dentists and staff have been trained to handle children with special needs. At Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, we work with together with the parents to ensure the patient always has a positive experience. We are sensitive to each child’s needs, and work to provide the highest level of care.
  • Make sure your dentist offers a pre-visit to give you the opportunity to meet the doctor and staff prior to any appointments. This gives you the opportunity to discuss any concerns about your child’s care, and see both the office and exam room. Pre-visits can help you prepare your child, and can give the staff the ability to speak with the parent about how the appointment will go. At Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, our staff is highly trained to work with children that have special needs, and we will discuss the details of the appointment, and work with the parents to ensure your child has a positive experience.
  • Talk to your dentist and ask them how they handle sensitivity to light or sound. At Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, we take note of a child’s sensitivity level, and we have the ability to turn down lights or sound to ensure the appointment will go smoothly.
  • If needed we offer “laughing gas” or nitrous oxide, as well as conscious sedation to help our patients get through a dental procedure. These options are safe, and allow our doctors to treat patients easily if they require a complicated procedure. These methods are only used when necessary, and we take these options very seriously. Before any sedation is recommended, we look at medical history, and a medical exam is required before any sedation can be done.
  • Communication is very important when you take your child to the dentist. Our staff is trained to communicate with you before, during, and after any treatment. This helps to make sure the parent and patient are comfortable, and are aware of what is required each step of the way.
  • When you enter into a pediatric office, the waiting room should be full of kid friendly colors and have games or entertainment for the kids. At Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, we have created an updated and welcoming environment for our patients where they can play a game or watch a movie while they are waiting for their appointment.
  • As an incentive for a good appointment, we provide all of our patients with a small toy after their visit. This gives the child something to look forward to when they visit our office.

Looking for a Pediatric Dentist That Treats Autistic Children?

If you are looking for a pediatric or special needs Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, our team is here to help. We strive to provide the highest level of care for all of our patients, and ensure when they visit our office, they have a positive experience. We know choosing a pediatric dentist can be hard, and during our consultation process we really try and get to know each patient, and learn about what their needs are. This helps our team understand how to customize their visit, and make their experience positive.

If you are looking to schedule a dental exam for your child, contact Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe for Children?

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As children grow older and their permanent teeth erupt, their teeth can look dull or yellow in color. Many parents inquire about teeth whitening for their children. In some cases, the yellow color is due to what your child eats or drinks, poor dental hygiene, or decay. The good news is teeth whitening can be safe for children if they meet certain criteria.

What Is Required for Children To Begin To Whiten Their Teeth?

Teeth whitening for children is generally safe, but there is some risk involved. Typically, we recommend having your dentist provide teeth whitening treatment, and avoid using over the counter products that can cause sensitivity. Children must meet certain criteria in order to begin whitening their teeth.

On average teeth whitening can begin between the ages of 14-16. We require the child to have all of their permanent teeth. It is best to not begin whitening treatment until all the adult teeth are present, and there are no baby teeth left. We also examine your child to ensure their enamel has fully calcified. If you child requires orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned teeth, this must also be completed before any teeth whitening treatment begins.

Our team at Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry can help your child achieve that perfect white smile. Our detailed exam can determine if your child qualifies to begin treatment. If we recommend waiting to start whitening treatment, we may recommend using whitening toothpaste to help your child with staining or discoloration.

To determine if your child is ready to begin treatment to whiten their teeth, scheduling a consultation with us is the first step. Our skilled doctors can determine the best treatment options, and help your child achieve that perfect smile.

Ready To Find Out More About Teeth Whitening?

If you are interested in finding out more about teeth whitening for your child, contact Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry to schedule your appointment. Your child’s oral health is our priority, and we provide quality dental care you can trust in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

To schedule your consultation, contact Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

Is it Normal to Defer to a Pediatric Dentist for Fillings?

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If your child has severe decay or an infection, you may think the only solution would be the pull the primary tooth. Instead, your dentist can treat the inside of the baby tooth to save the tooth by performing a root canal. There are many benefits to saving primary teeth, and keeping them in your child’s mouth as long as you can.

Root canals can help save a tooth from an infection in the pulp area or center of a tooth. During a root canal procedure, the inflamed area of the tooth is cleaned out and sealed to prevent bacteria from entering in the future. Today dentists believe saving a baby tooth is just as important as saving an adult tooth.

What Are the Recommendations if My Child Has a Cavity?

In many cases children do not even notice they have a cavity until the cavity has progressed and become very large. If the cavity is large a silver crown may be recommended because primary teeth cannot handle large fillings. If the cavity is smaller and only on the surface of the tooth, we may recommend just watching the area. Depending on the size of the cavity and the type of tooth, our team will recommend the best treatment, and determine if a filling is needed.

At Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, we always choose the least invasive option and have your child’s best interest at hand. Our team will look at the child’s dental history, and consider the child’s risk for future cavities. We will provide a customized treatment plan, and discuss this plan with the parents to help decide what option is best for the child.

What Can I Expect During My Child’s Filling Appointment?

Talking to your child before their visit is important. Explain to them that the appointment will be easy, and that they will feel better after their appointment. When you come in for the appointment, we will bring you to the treatment room, and discuss the treatment plan to confirm everyone knows what is required. We may allow the parent to be present during the procedure if the child has anxiety, and seems to need parental support. We can discuss what is best for your child, and work with each patient to ensure both the parent and patient are comfortable.

Once your child is comfortable in the treatment room our doctor will explain the procedure in terms that are easily understood, and show them some of the tools that will be used. We offer TV as a distraction, and this helps the child to stay calm during the procedure. If anesthetic is needed, we will first numb the area with a topical numbing cream to help the process go smoothly.

Our goal is to keep your child calm and comfortable during their procedure. Once the procedure is complete, we will allow the child to pick out a special prize for completing their appointment. If we have any post treatment recommendations, we will discuss them with the parent after the procedure is complete. Our goal at Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, is to ensure your child has the very best experience when they visit our office.

Interested in Scheduling an Appointment With Us?

If you think your child may have a cavity, or you have been referred to our practice for treatment, contact Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry to schedule your appointment. Our doctors have years of experience in pediatric dentistry, and we provide the highest level of service. We look forward to you joining our dental family.

To schedule an appointment for your child, contact Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

How Long Does It Take for a Tooth Infection to Spread?

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Tooth Infection

Infections can be serious, and it is always important for patients to know when to call their dentist. Infections should always be treated right away to avoid complications, or other issues from developing. If you have a toothache and throbbing pain that does not go away, the infection could spread to other places in the body. At Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, we are equipped to handle any dental emergency, and offer flexible hours to accommodate our patients.

What Are Symptoms of a Tooth Infection?

  • Throbbing pain that does not subside
  • Pain in your jaw, neck, or ear
  • Sensitivity when you place pressure on the area
  • Pain that gets worse when you are lying down
  • Swelling around the jaw or mouth
  • Tender lymph nodes
  • Bad breath or odd taste in the mouth
  • Fever

Knowing these signs can help treat an infection before it spreads and becomes more serious. Never hesitate to call your dentist when you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. At Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, we put our patients’ health first, and provide exceptional care you can trust. Our team is trained to handle any emergency, and we will work to relieve your pain and keep you comfortable.

What Happens If the Infection Spreads?

There is little chance that a tooth infection will spread to other parts of the body. Patients that have any of the below symptoms should call our office right away. Infections that spread can be life threatening and should be taken seriously.

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Change in vision
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Confusion
  • Swelling around the face or mouth
  • Pain that does not subside

What Treatment Is Available?

The treatment provided will depend on the severity of the infection. If an abscess is present, we will identify the location of the abscess, and determine how far the infection has spread. Root canal treatment may be necessary to treat an abscess if it is located inside the tooth. If root canal therapy is not enough, our doctor can perform an apicoectomy to open up the gum area near the root, and remove the infected tissue.

Other treatments may involve prescribing antibiotics to treat the infection and stop it from spreading. Our team will monitor your progress on the antibiotics to ensure they are working. If necessary, the type of antibiotics used may need to be changed, and a hospital stay may be required.

Sepsis can occur when an infection spreads, and the immune system overreacts to an infection in your blood. If this is left untreated, sepsis can lead to septic shock which can cause organ failure, or even death. Patients that have sepsis will need to be hospitalized and given special intravenous treatment.

Treating an infection is extremely important to avoid complications like sepsis. We encourage you to contact our office if you experience any sign of an infection. Let our team help relieve your pain, and get you on the road to recovery.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you think you may have an infection, we encourage you to contact our office right away. To schedule your appointment, please contact Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

What Treatments Do Pediatric Dentists Provide?

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Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentists take an additional two to three years of special training after finishing their dental requirements. These doctors treat infants and children through adolescence. It is important to seek out a pediatric dentist for your child by the age of one, or when their first teeth erupt. Visiting the dentist at a young age sets the stage for the future, and teaches your child how to practice good oral hygiene habits.

At Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, we welcome all of our pediatric patients to visit our office beforehand and take a tour. We want all of our patients to feel comfortable and relaxed when they visit the dentist for the first time. Our staff is trained to work with children, and we always strive to provide exceptional care.

Pediatric Services

Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry offers many pediatric services to keep your child’s teeth looking great. Visiting our office can help get in front of any issues, and allow us to track their development each time they visit.

Diagnosis and Exams

When your child visits our office, we will complete a thorough exam of their teeth and mouth. We look for things like overbites, underbites, or teeth grinding. Correcting these issues early on is important.

Oral Education

Our team is trained to help teach our pediatric patients how to take care of their teeth, and practice good oral hygiene habits at home. We work with the parents and give them tips on what products to use, as well as diet recommendations to keep their teeth healthy.

Dental Treatments

Preventative treatments are offered such as fluoride or sealants. We watch primary teeth closely, and make sure they do not become misaligned. We offer pulp therapy if your child has had any injury or oral trauma.

Other Services

Other services done in our office include fillings and teeth extraction. Pediatric dentists can fix a chipped or broken tooth, and can treat teeth for sensitivity. As your child grows, we will watch their teeth to see if any orthodontics are needed, and ensure their jaw is developing normally. If necessary, we can refer you to our preferred orthodontist.

What Can I Expect During My Child’s First Visit?

Visiting the dentist for the first time can be stressful, and we want your child’s first appointment to go well. When you contact our office for the first time, we always welcome our new patients, and offer you to tour the office prior to your first appointment. This helps the child feel comfortable when they return that day for their appointment.

During your child’s appointment we examine their teeth and take any x-rays needed. Our doctors will check for any developing cavities and recommend treatment if necessary. Our team provides a thorough exam of their teeth and jaws to check their development and to make sure we do not see any concerns.

Talking with the parents during the visit is important, and we always ask if there are any ongoing health issues with your child. This also gives the parents the ability to ask any questions or discuss any concerns they have about their child’s oral health. Our staff will also review oral hygiene habits at home to ensure your child is taking good care of their teeth. Positive reinforcement and encouragement are important at Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry. When your child is finished with their appointment, our staff will provide a prize at the end of their visit as an incentive for good behavior.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

If you are interested in a pediatric dentist, and are ready to schedule your child’s appointment, please contact Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry, and our friendly staff will assist you. We look forward to your visit, and are excited to have you join our dental family.

Office Hours

Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday Reserved for Day Surgery Patients
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Contact Info

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

[email protected]

(936) 559-7200
(936) 559-7221 (fax)
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