Business Hours: Monday to Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM
Roosevelt Island Dentistry
501A Main St, New York, NY 10044, United StatesRoosevelt Island
All the equipment is especially made for dentistry care.
Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA), which provides comprehensive dental care for all children, from infancy to adolescence. Pediatric dentists promote the dental health of children as well as serve as educational resources for parents.
A Pediatric Dentist is a practitioner who has completed an additional two years of post-doctorate training after dental school. The specialty-focused training includes child psychology, behavioral guidance, preventative techniques and restorative dentistry. A pediatric dentist also received training in treating handicapped or chronically ill children as well.
Pediatric Services
Pediatric Filling
Our pediatric dentist uses a tooth colored filling using a material called a Composite Resin. Because composite resins are tooth-colored, they look more natural than other filling materials. Your child can smile, talk, and eat with confidence. In addition, tooth-colored fillings are compatible with dental sealants. A tooth can be filled and sealed at the same time to prevent further decay. During your child’s visit, all the steps will be taken to help ease your child’s mind and get rid of any anxieties. A numbing agent will be applied to the area where the Novocain will be injected. This will help get rid of any pain that may be present during the injection. Once your child is completely numb, the pediatric dentist will drill out the cavity. Once the tooth is completely cavity-free, the pediatric dentist will fill the tooth with composite resin. Once the composite resin fills up the tooth, a special light will be used to “cure” the composite resin into a hard, tooth-like material. The final step is to polish and filing down any excess material to ensure that the bite is perfect. For front teeth fillings, the pediatric dentist will use composite resin material that best matches the natural color of the tooth and its surrounding teeth. Once the fillings are complete, your child should resume normal oral care, such as brushing and flossing.
Baby Root Canal
Young children can lose their baby teeth (primary teeth) and even immature permanent teeth when the living tissue called the pulp becomes infected. This is often the result of trauma or cavities. It can cause a special problem for your child. Contrary to popular beliefs, your child’s baby teeth are just as important as their permanent, adult teeth. They provide important guides for the newly developing permanent teeth that will replace them. In order to treat a baby tooth that has an infected pulp, the pediatric dentist will perform a Therapeutic Pulpotomy, also known as a Baby Root Canal.
A Baby Root Canal is performed on the primary teeth when the pulp becomes infected due to trauma or cavities. Because the baby teeth have a good supply of blood, a Baby Root Canal can be successful in saving the baby tooth. There are a few different types of baby root canal therapies that the pediatric dentist may perform on your child.
Indirect pulp treatment works best for teeth with deep decay approaching and/or barely exposing the pulp, where removing all the decayed parts of the tooth would expose it. Instead, the pediatric dentist will remove as much “soft decay” as possible. This will leave only the harder remnants without penetrating into the pulp. Then applying an antibacterial agent and restoring the tooth to seal it prevents further infection. A temporary filling is then placed in the tooth to ensure comfort and healing. A more permanent filling is placed after 10-12 weeks. Speak to your pediatric dentist for more information.
Pulpotomy is literally a “partial pulp removal,” a tried and tested technique, and is successful in 90% of cases. It is used to treat pulp exposures, a result of decay in primary teeth. The procedure includes removal of the pulp and preserving the vitality of the remaining root areas of the pulp. Success is based on the pediatric dentist’s determination of whether the remaining pulp is healthy. Effective control of infection is also very important. It includes complete removal of inflamed pulp tissue, appropriate wound dressing, and effective sealing of the tooth during and after treatment. Pediatric Dentists use medicines and preparations to stabilize vital tissue and prevent it from becoming infected. This allows the remaining vital or living tissues of the pulp to survive so that the tooth can function normally until lost naturally.
Another type of baby root canal is called a Pulpectomy. This procedure involves complete removal of all the pulp tissue because it is infected. If a child has tooth pain, particularly if there has been accompanying swelling of the gum tissues or cheek, this will need to be managed first. A small opening is drilled in the biting surface of the tooth to drain infection and/or a course of antibiotics is given. This will set the stage for the removal of infected tissue from the root canal/s completely. This procedure resembles traditional root canal treatment, with removal of all the infected tissue from the root canals; disinfecting, cleaning, shaping and filling the canals to seal them. Upon completion of root canal treatment for primary teeth, the restoration of choice for a back tooth is a stainless steel crown and, for a front tooth, a composite tooth-colored resin.
Malocclusion
Is the improper positioning of the teeth and jaws. It is a variation of normal growth and development which can affect the bite, the ability to clean teeth properly, gum tissue health, jaw growth, speech development and appearance.
Every child is unique and must be treated individually. Your pediatric dentist will provide an estimate of the length of time required prior to initiating treatment. In complex malocclusions, the treatment may be divided into several phases which are scheduled to coincide with the child’s particular pattern of growth and development.
Sealants
Protect the grooved and pitted surfaces of the teeth, especially the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities in children are found. Made of clear or shaded plastic, sealants are applied to the teeth to help keep them cavity-free.
Research shows that sealants can last for many years if properly cared for. So, your child will be protected throughout the most cavity-prone years. If your child has good oral hygiene and avoids biting hard objects, sealants will last longer. Your pediatric dentist will check the sealants during routine dental visits and can recommend reapplication or repair when necessary.
Your child will benefit from the preventive approach recommended for all children. Effective brushing and flossing help your child keep a healthy, cavity-free mouth. Home care takes just minutes a day and prevents needless dental problems. Regular professional cleanings and fluoride treatments are also very beneficial. Sealants can prevent tooth decay on the chewing surfaces of molars, where four out of five cavities occur.
Space Maintainer
Sometimes, a child may have to lose their tooth earlier than anticipated due to trauma or dental disease. In the event that a tooth is lost sooner than expected, your pediatric dentist may recommend a space maintainer to prevent future space loss and dental problems.
Baby teeth are important to your child’s present and future dental health. They encourage normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. They save space for the permanent teeth and guide them into position. Remember: Some baby teeth are not replaced until a child is 12 or 14 years old.
In the event that a baby tooth is lost too soon, consult with your pediatric dentist to see if a space maintainer is an option for you.
Cracked Tooth
Teeth are the strongest parts of the human body, even stronger than bone, but that doesn’t mean they’re injury proof. Children chip or break their teeth all the time due to falls, sports injuries, and even chomping down on hard foods like candy or ice.
If your child has broken a tooth, he or she needs to come in for an x-ray and exam as soon as possible. The dentist will determine the severity of the fracture and discuss the appropriate treatment options with you. Depending on the class of the fracture and whether or not it’s a permanent or primary tooth, treatment options could involve smoothing the chip out, placing a small composite filling, doing a root canal and crown, or extracting the tooth in the most severe cases.
If your child’s tooth is broken, chipped, or fractured, see your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Otherwise, your tooth could be damaged further or become infected. If your child is complaining of pain, you can give him/her a dose of over the counter pain medication. Icing the area may help with pain and swelling as well.
Fluoride
When the element fluoride is used in small amounts on a routine basis, it helps to prevent tooth decay. It encourages “remineralization,” a strengthening of weak areas on the teeth. These spots are the beginning of cavity formation. Fluoride occurs naturally in water and in many different foods, as well as in dental products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, gels, varnish and supplements. Fluoride is effective when combined with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene. Discuss your fluoride options with your pediatric dentist to better understand what is best for your child. There are different types of fluoride applications a pediatric dentist will provide for your child based on their needs. Fluoride is documented to be safe and highly effective. Research indicates water fluoridation, the most cost effective method, has decreased the decay rate by over 50 percent. Only small amounts of fluoride are necessary for the maximum benefit. Talk to your pediatric dentist to get a recommendations for children’s toothpaste.
Two Rows of Teeth
Most children will start to lose their baby teeth and get permanent teeth between the ages of five and seven. When a permanent tooth erupts directly underneath a baby tooth, it resorbs the root of the baby tooth, causing it to become loose and fall out so that the permanent tooth can take its place. Sometimes, however, a permanent tooth will not grow in directly underneath the baby tooth, and the root of the baby tooth will remain intact and it will not get “pushed out”. When that occurs, the permanent tooth will usually start to come in right behind the baby tooth, giving a child a “shark tooth” appearance. The most common place for this to occur is the lower and upper front teeth, but it can happen anywhere. If your child has a tooth behind a tooth, you need to check how loose the baby tooth is. If it’s very loose, encourage your child to work on wiggling the tooth out. If he or she can get it out on their own, that’s always best. If the tooth is only a little bit loose or not loose at all, he or she will probably have to come to our office to get the tooth extracted. Once the baby tooth is out, your child’s tongue will naturally push the permanent tooth forward into the correct position. Speak to your pediatric dentist with your concerns.
Pediatric Topics
Pediatric Emergency Dental Care
Emergencies happen often in children. When it happens to your child, you want to ensure that your child is well taken care of. It’s important to remember to remain calm. If a tooth falls out, locate the tooth and pick it up by the chewing surface, being careful not to touch the root.
During a pediatric dental emergency, If the tooth is knocked out, you should attempt to reinsert it into your child’s mouth into the empty socket. If you are able to reinsert it, have your child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean piece of cloth or gauze and go directly to your pediatric dentist. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, put the tooth in a glass of milk and take it and your child immediately to your pediatric dentist’s office.
A chipped or broken tooth requires immediate dental attention. This is a serious pediatric dental emergency because once a tooth has become chipped or broken, bacteria can enter the tooth’s pulp or nerve and cause an infection, which can lead to having a Baby Root Canal. It is important for a pediatric dentist to evaluate the damage and seal the enamel to keep bacteria out. If you are able to locate the piece of broken tooth, put it in a glass of milk and bring it with you to your pediatric dentist. In some cases, the broken piece can be reattached in the office.
During a pediatric dental emergency, when there is bleeding and swelling, apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding. You can also apply a cold compress (or a Popsicle) to the area to reduce the swelling. Call your pediatric dentist right away. Give your child an appropriate dose of Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.
Although it may not seem like a pediatric dental emergency, If your child is complaining of a toothache and you notice any swelling, apply a cold compress directly to the affected area. Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen for any pain or discomfort. Even if the pain subsides, it is important to visit your pediatric dentist as soon as possible to rule out any problems. Call your pediatric dentist right away to schedule an appointment.
Caring for Teeth
Good dental hygiene habits should begin before your child’s first tooth comes in. Wiping your baby’s gums with a soft damp cloth after feedings helps to prevent the buildup of bacteria. When teeth appear, start using a soft children’s toothbrush twice a day.
When your child is preschool age, you can brush his/her teeth with fluoride toothpaste, using only a pea size amount. Be sure to keep a close eye to make sure that your child does not swallow toothpaste.
Parents are responsible for ensuring their children practice good dental hygiene, and they must introduce proper oral care early in a child’s life—as early as infancy. This includes avoiding baby bottle decay, which occurs when a baby is put to sleep with a bottle. By the age of 2 or 3, teaching your child proper brushing techniques will help ensure healthy teeth and gums. Semi-annual dental visits and cleanings help to keep your child’s teeth in great shape.
Your child should use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. If your child is younger than 3, he or she should use non-fluoridated toddler toothpaste, also called training toothpaste. After age 3 and once he or she can spit well, you should introduce fluoridated toothpaste and continue to participate and/or supervise brushing. Use no more than a pea-sized amount, and make sure children do not swallow excess toothpaste.
Mouth Protectors
Athletic mouth protectors, or mouth guards, are made of soft plastic. They are adapted to fit comfortably to the shape of the upper teeth.
Mouth guards hold top priority as sports equipment. They protect not just the teeth, but the lips, cheeks, and tongue. They help protect children from such head and neck injuries as concussions and jaw fractures. Increasingly, organized sports are requiring mouth guards to prevent injury to their athletes. Research shows that most oral injuries occur when athletes are not wearing mouth protection.
Whenever he or she is in an activity with a risk of falls or of head contact with other players or equipment, this includes football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, and even gymnastics. We usually think of football and hockey as the most dangerous to the teeth, but nearly half of the sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball. When your child is involved in sports, you want to make sure that all protective equipment is worn. Mouthguards made by your pediatric dentist ensure that the appliance is made to fit your child’s mouth and made with the best materials not found in stores. Speak to your pediatric dentist to see which of the options for mouth guards are the best suited for your child.
Dental Anxiety in Children
Pediatric dentists have special training in helping anxious children feel secure during their visit to the office. Pediatric dental offices are designed for a child’s comfort. Our staff members are friendly and love children, which helps a child feel comfortable.
Young children may feel more confident when parents stay close during treatment. With older children, doctor-child communication is often enhanced if parents remain in the reception room. Ultimately, it is most important that your child gets the treatment done in a manner that helps them and to help them keep a positive outlook on future dental visits.
Teething & Eruption
Your child’s teeth started forming before birth, and normally their first tooth will erupt into the mouth between ages 6 to 12 months. Their gums can be sore, tender and sometimes irritable throughout the teething process. Rubbing sore gums gently with a clean finger, the back of a cold spoon or a cold, wet cloth helps soothe the gums. Teething rings work well, but avoid teething biscuits—they contain sugar that is not good for baby teeth.
Teething is the final stage of the eruption process. It is during this time that the teeth of infants cut through the gum and become visible in the mouth. Eruption is the process during which teeth grow through bone and push through the gum into the mouth.
In most children, the lower front teeth will appear first; then, the upper front teeth will erupt next. The remainder of the 20 primary teeth typically erupt by age 3, but the place and order vary. Permanent teeth begin eruption around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until around age 12. Adults have 28 permanent teeth or 32, including wisdom teeth. Remember, every child develops at a different pace. If you have concerns, speak to your pediatric dentist.
Diet & Snacking
In order to ensure that your child is healthy, be sure that he/she has a balanced diet. Then, check how frequently he eats foods with sugar or starch in them. Foods with starch include bread, crackers, pasta, and snacks such as pretzels and potato chips. When checking for sugar, look beyond the sugar bowl and candy dish. A variety of foods contain one or more types of sugar, and all types of sugars can promote dental decay. Fruits, a few vegetables and most milk products have at least one type of sugar.
Sugar can be found in many processed foods; even some that do not taste sweet. For example, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich not only has sugar in the jelly, but may have sugar added to the peanut butter. Sugar is also added to such condiments as ketchup and salad dressings.
For babies, we recommend that you do not nurse them to sleep or put her to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, juice, or sweetened liquid. While she sleeps, any liquid in the mouth supports bacteria that produce acids and attack the teeth. Protect your child from severe tooth decay by putting her to bed with nothing more than a pacifier or bottle of water.
Thumb, finger and pacifier sucking
Is completely normal for babies and young children, because it provides them with a sense of security and comfort. In fact, babies begin to suck on their fingers or thumbs even before they are born!
Most children stop sucking on thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or other objects on their own between two and four years of age. No harm is done to their teeth or jaws. However, some children repeatedly suck on a finger, pacifier or other object over long periods of time. In these children, the upper front teeth may tip toward the lip or not come in properly.
Your pediatric dentist will carefully watch the way your child’s teeth come in and jaws develop, keeping the sucking habit in mind at all times. For most children, there is no reason to worry about a sucking habit until the permanent front teeth are ready to come in. Talk to your pediatric dentist about your concerns regarding your child’s habits.
FAQs
You may find an answer to your question here.
Why choose a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) that provides comprehensive dental care for all children, from infancy to adolescence. Pediatric dentists promote the dental health of children as well as serve as educational resources for parents.
A Pediatric Dentist is a practitioner who has completed an additional two years of post-doctorate training after dental school. The specialty-focused training includes child psychology, behavioral guidance, preventative techniques, and restorative dentistry. A pediatric dentist also received training in treating handicapped or chronically ill children as well.What can I expect during my visit?
The pediatric dentist will review your child’s medical and dental history. They will gently examine your child’s teeth, oral tissues, and jaws. The teeth will be cleaned and polished, followed by the application of a fluoride solution, if necessary.
Your pediatric dentist won’t talk just to you about dental health, she will talk to your child with easily understandable words, pictures, and ideas. Your child will be motivated to take responsibility for healthy smile.Do you treat children with special needs?
No, but we have a 'Refuse a Service' option, and here is how it works. If, during some of the beginning stages of preparation, you see that the service does not satisfy your expectations, you can terminate the contract and not pay the final amount of money. Since we sign a service contract for all the events, the conditions, such as the amounts of money and payment dates, are specified in the signed documents. Therefore, we advise you to read the contract carefully and pay specific attention to the paragraph that describes the mentioned data.
When should my child's first dentist visit be?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or sooner. A dental check-up twice a year is recommended for most children. Some children need more frequent dental visits because of increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns or poor oral hygiene. Your pediatric dentist will let you know the best appointment schedule for your child.
Regular dental visits help your child stay cavity-free. Teeth cleanings remove debris that build up on the teeth, irritate the gums and cause decay. Fluoride treatments renew the fluoride content in the enamel, strengthening teeth and preventing cavities. Hygiene instructions improve your child’s brushing and flossing, leading to cleaner teeth and healthier gums.
Tooth decay isn’t the only reason for a dental visit. Your pediatric dentist provides an ongoing assessment of changes in your child’s oral health. For example, your child may need additional fluoride, dietary changes, or sealants for ideal dental health. The pediatric dentist may identify orthodontic problems and suggest treatment to guide the teeth as they emerge in the mouth. Speak to your pediatric dentist today.