Pediatric Dentistry

Dentist for Children in Troy, IL

Providing dental care to children requires more than dental expertise. It requires a strong understanding of child psychology to ensure that young ones grow to view the dentist with trust rather than anxiety.

Phobias beginning in childhood often continue into adulthood. Considering the critical role routine dental check-ups have in protecting your child’s oral and overall health, it is important to find a well-trained dentist for children in Troy, IL, that can make them feel comfortable. Luckily, Dr. Knable is as good at alleviating the anxiety experienced by kids as she is with adults, and her steady professional hand will ensure that every trip is as painless as possible!

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The Roles of a Pediatric Dentist

At Market Street Family Dentist, we believe a dentist specializing in kids’ oral health must focus on four things: education, monitoring of growth, prevention, and intervention. Children are sponges for information, and if good dental habits can be presented in a fun, yet meaningful way, kids will internalize the information for the rest of their lives. Our dentist is committed to doing exactly that!

dentist consulting a patient in troy, Il

Because their bodies constantly change, monitoring the physical development of the teeth and jaw is important to head off any issues before they become painful. Finally, a pediatric dentist must be very skilled in diagnosing and treating problems that occur, whether it be an injury, malocclusion, or bruxism.

Your Child’s First Dental Visit

After the eruption of their first tooth, or before their first birthday, we recommend that children visit our dentist for their first dental checkup. A child’s first visit to the dentist is incredibly important for making a good lasting impression! We will do our very best to learn about a child’s habits and family health history and give any specific recommendations to ensure your child has only the best experience.

For the child, it is important for their first visit to our dentist to be as stress-free an event as possible. Using positive language and explaining calmly what the dentist’s office is all about will help relieve the anticipation somewhat. It is also important to ensure that any distracting stimulus (other children) is left at home. Bringing another adult along to tend to your child while you ask questions of the dentist can also be very helpful. Our dental office is designed with child psychology in mind and provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Dental Services Overview

Check-Ups & Cleanings

Our dentist believes prevention is the best cure, and the best way to achieve this is to ensure your child gets regular check-ups and cleanings. It is important that children establish regular visits to the dentist twice per year from an early age. This will help your child achieve a healthy smile in the long term. These appointments are almost always painless and will not cause discomfort for your child. Our hygienists carefully remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from even the hardest-to-reach surfaces of teeth, keeping smiles free from decay and preventing the most common oral health concerns.

X-Rays

X-rays are extremely versatile diagnostic tools, as they can reveal cavities, tooth decay, orthodontic misalignments, bone injuries, and diseases before they worsen. It is recommended for all children to have periodic x-rays taken to monitor developments in their jaws and teeth. While parents and children may both express concern about exposure to x-rays, the process is approved by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Although the amount of radiation used is actually quite small, lead aprons are used to protect vital organs, and all precautions are taken to safeguard your child’s health.

Fluoride Treatment

Studies have shown conclusive evidence that fluoride benefits children’s oral health. Fluoride protects tooth enamel and promotes the body’s natural remineralization of damaged enamel. However, it is important to make sure that the dosage ingested is not too high. You should only use ADA-approved, fluoride-free toothpaste for children under the age of two, and a pea-sized amount of normal toothpaste for older children. Some children may require fluoride supplements, but this can only be decided once your child has had their first consultation with our dentist.

If Your Child Has a Dental Emergency

Let’s face it: kids play rough and are not always aware of their surroundings, and sometimes sustain injuries that affect their oral health. Knocked-out teeth (avulsions), forcibly impacted teeth (intrusions), lateral displacements, crowns, and root fractures are unfortunately quite common, with over 1/3 of all children experiencing some form of dental injury.

In most cases, the process is the same: rinse the area with warm water, apply cold compression, administer pain relievers, and contact our emergency dentist immediately. Avulsions require you to keep the tooth clean and moist, either in a glass of milk or saliva (or letting older children carry the tooth in their mouth where it can stay moist). More serious traumas should always result in a trip to the emergency room, avoiding as much excess movement as possible (or calling an ambulance to take care of it with full confidence.)

Dental Care for Children at Market Street Family Dentist

To learn more about our pediatric dentistry services and how your dentists in Troy can help your child achieve a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime, call Market Street Family Dentist at 618-667-6101.

Are you ready to begin your child’s journey to a healthy, happy smile?

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If you’re searching for a family dentist in Troy that you can trust, look no further! Our dedicated team is here to care for all your dental needs.