Frequently Asked Questions
All the info Homewood, AL parents need.
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At What Age Should My Child First Visit the Dentist?
It’s recommended to bring your child in for their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting.
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How Can I Help My Child Feel Comfortable During Their Dental Visit?
We make dentistry fun and kid-friendly, explaining everything in simple terms. Let your child bring a favorite toy or blanket, and our team will ensure a relaxed experience.
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What If My Child Has Special Needs?
We specialize in treating children with special needs, using patient-friendly techniques, and creating a calm, comfortable environment to ensure every child feels safe.
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Do You Offer Sedation for Anxious Children?
Yes, we provide sedation options, including nitrous oxide, to help anxious children feel calm and comfortable during their visit.
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What Services Do You Offer for Toddlers?
Our toddler-friendly process includes a playroom environment where your child can relax while we discuss their care, and we always use kid-friendly language for treatments.
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Are Fluoride Treatments Necessary for My Child?
Yes, fluoride treatments help prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel, especially in growing children. It’s a key part of preventive care.
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Can I Stay with My Child During Treatment?
Absolutely. We encourage parents to stay with their child, and we walk you through each step of the process to ensure everyone feels comfortable.
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How Often Should My Child Visit the Dentist?
Children should visit the dentist every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings to maintain their oral health.
FAQ about Family Dentistry
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How Often Do Children Need to Visit the Dental Office?
The ADA advises visiting the dentist at least every six months. This will help ensure that even if a problem does arise, the doctor at our office will be able to catch it quickly, minimizing the cost and severity of the issue.
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Are Baby Teeth Important?
Yes, they are! Baby teeth are there for a reason. Besides allowing your children to eat, speak, and smile, baby teeth hold space for the eruption of permanent teeth. If they are lost prematurely, there are considerably higher chances of crowding in permanent dentition.
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What Are Dental Sealants?
Sealants are indicated for those patients that are cavity-prone. They cover the deep fissures in the back teeth, preventing the bacterial build-up that causes cavities. Our family dentist will evaluate if your little one needs sealants for prevention purposes.
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How Can Dental Decay Be Prevented?
Cavities are a consequence of multiple factors, but dental plaque is by far the most important one. As a consequence, avoiding bacterial build-up is vital to prevent dental decay. At Rousso Pediatric Dentistry, we insist on maintaining correct oral hygiene in your little ones. Every family member should brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day, and it is also advisable to use ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. This mineral strengthens the enamel’s structure and makes it more resistant to decay.
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Why Are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?
Oral cancer should be taken seriously, dentists play a key role in the evaluation and diagnosis. As it is usually found in the tongue, tonsils, floor of the mouth, and oropharynx, dental checkups are crucial for its early detection and treatment. Finding cancer early (before it spreads) significantly increases the chances of recovery.
FAQ about Children’s Restorations
Get answers to your top questions.
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Should Primary Teeth Be Restored?
If your child has signs of a cavity or a damaged tooth, it’s important to schedule a dental checkup to ensure your child is out of pain and there’s no risk of infection. Additionally, the primary tooth acts as a placeholder for the permanent one and may need to be restored to properly maintain space.
If you’re worried about your child’s primary teeth, please schedule an appointment today.Click to open this link in a new tab
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Do Dental Restorations Hurt?
No, dental restorations for kids do not hurt. Our children’s dentist uses safe numbing agents and sedation options to ensure a painless and comfortable treatment.
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How Long Does a Tooth Restoration Last?
Tooth restorations can last several years, depending on the type of repair and material used.
Another important factor for the lifespan of your child’s restoration is their habits at home, including brushing, flossing, eating habits, teeth grinding, nail-biting, etc.
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What Kind of Sedation is Used in Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry offers sedation options like nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation (a liquid or pill), and general anesthesia (deep sedation). Each method is chosen based on your child’s age, level of anxiety, and treatment needs. The goal? A stress-free, pain-free experience every time.
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Is It Safe to Sedate a Child for Dental Work?
Our children’s dentist in Homewood, Alabama examines each person and reviews their medical history before recommending a sedative. Then, during treatment, we closely monitor and control the sedation for a safe and comfortable procedure.
Our dental team stays current with pediatric sedation guidelines for a safe and predictable way to reduce pain and anxiety at the dentist. Additionally, sedation dentistry helps children experience dentistry more positively.
Kids form habits from a young age, and dental fear may follow them into adulthood. Regular dental visits for cleanings and exams are an important part of life, and avoiding them may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems beyond the mouth.
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Should a Child Be Sedated for Tooth Extraction?
The decision to sedate a child for tooth extraction depends on the extent of treatment and their comfort level. We do everything in our power to ensure a painless and more comfortable procedure.
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How Long Does Dental Sedation Last?
Dental sedation may last as little as a few minutes to as long as a few hours. With multiple sedatives available and medicine strengths, our dentist uses the best option for the procedure and patient.
Before administering children’s sedation, we let the parent/guardian and child know what to expect. Sometimes we may require fasting or limit certain foods and will let you know how to best prepare.
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Is Deep Sedation Safe for Kids?
Our trained specialist safely administers deep sedation (general anesthesia) to help children during more complex procedures at the dentist. We then closely monitor your child’s vitals to enable a smooth and safe process.
With any treatment, our dental practice only recommends the safest and most appropriate types of sedation for children. During the consultation, we’ll explain what to expect and help you understand why your child is in great hands.
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What Are Considered Dental Emergencies?
Oral problems that need immediate attention are considered dental emergencies.
These may include a painful tooth, a loose tooth, a lost tooth, a broken tooth, a chipped tooth, swollen gums, bleeding gums, tooth decay, infection, and mouth trauma. Other dental emergencies include broken or loosened fillings, braces, crowns, bridges, inlays, and onlays.
Whether it’s an accident or a worsening symptom due to oral negligence or regular wear, if the problem is painful, then it’s time to see the dentist for emergency treatment or repair.
If left untreated, the problem may worsen or cause serious infection. Call usClick to call us right away if your child has a dental emergency in Homewood, Alabama.
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Can You Go to the ER for a Dental Emergency?
If your child has a life-threatening emergency or immediate health concern, then the hospital ER (emergency room) can provide help to relieve the pain or stop bleeding.
Depending on the problem, the ER may use temporary measures to provide pain relief until you and your child are able to visit the dentist for specialized dental work.
Examples of dental emergencies that warrant an ER visit include:
- Head or neck injuries
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Persistent bleeding or severe swelling
- Severe pain that comes on suddenly
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How Can I Get Emergency Dental Treatment?
To get an emergency dental treatment, please contact your local trusted dentist.
Depending on the severity of the dental emergency, your dentist will get you into the office ASAP for same-day treatment if needed. If immediate attention is not necessary, then your dentist will schedule the earliest appointment available.
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What Is the Most Common Dental Emergency?
Many common dental emergencies include toothaches, knocked-out permanent teeth, and cracked teeth.
Here are some tips for common dental emergencies and simple ways to avoid them, according to the American Dental Association.
A reminder – be sure to maintain excellent oral care and regular dentist visits to prevent certain dental emergencies such as tooth decay or gum disease.
When in doubt about a mouth injury, trauma, or pain, please contact usClick to open this link in this tab right away.
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Will the ER Pull a Tooth?
There are many reasons for a tooth extraction, but the decision to pull a tooth needs to be evaluated by a dentist.
The ER does not perform dental work but treats the immediate problem to stop bleeding, control infection, or provide pain relief. Once controlled, you should visit your dentist for specialized care.
In some instances, the dentist may be able to save the tooth. If the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist will work with you to create a customized plan to restore your child’s tooth’s look and function.
Little Ones Await
Contact us to schedule your visit at Rousso Pediatric Dentistry!
