Searching for a pediatric dentist in Long Island? Our comprehensive family practice is made of a multi-specialty team of providers who serve all ages and provide gentle pediatric dentistry treatments. Instead of traveling back and forth across Suffolk County, your entire family can get the care they need under one roof.
Your Child’s First Checkup
The earlier your child sees a dentist for their first checkup, the better chance they have at a healthy smile. Early dental care is essential for intercepting reversible conditions before they evolve into major oral health challenges. In many instances, early dental appointments minimize the treatment children need in the future.
Most pediatricians and pediatric dentists recommend that children see the dentist for an exam by the time they turn 1 year old or their first tooth comes in, whichever comes first. Although these early visits are simple in nature, they help familiarize your child with the dental office to reduce their chance of anxiety or phobia as they grow up. We work closely with parents and caregivers to screen for concerns early on and educate them about ways to promote optimal dental health in their children. Like adults, plan to book children’s checkups twice a year.
Hygiene Appointments
To keep your child’s smile healthy, plan to bring them in for a cleaning and exam every six months. Our hygienist will work with your child to discuss age-appropriate hygiene habits, nutritional choices, and clean areas that have accumulated buildup since their last appointment. Your child will also receive a thorough exam, fluoride treatment, and any necessary dental X-rays. Most insurance plans cover children’s checkups twice per year.
Orthodontic Screenings
Orthodontists and dental experts recommend that all children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this point, your child likely has a combination of both baby and adult teeth, allowing us to screen for potential issues before they become major problems. Early screenings are usually conducted during your child’s routine checkup.
Dental Sealants: Pediatric Dentistry
Protective sealants help block out cavity-causing bacteria in the spaces most prone to decay. These thin covers are applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, sealing off the deep grooves and pits where bacteria settle. They also make it easier to clean with a toothbrush. Sealants are non-invasive, so no numbing or drilling is needed. Each one takes just 2-3 minutes to place.
Sports Mouthguards for Kids
Dental injuries such as broken or knocked-out teeth are one of the most common pediatric dental emergencies we see in our office. Investing in a quality, custom-made mouthguard doesn’t just protect your child’s smile. It can also lower their chances of suffering from a concussion should they fall or get hit. Professional devices offer the best level of protection and are one of the most important pieces of “insurance” you can ever invest in.
Dental Fillings
Cavities are the most common childhood disease. They’re also preventable. But if your child has tooth decay, early intervention is essential. Otherwise, these bacterial infections can continue to spread into the nerve of the tooth, adjacent teeth, or even cause life-threatening abscesses. Our Suffolk County dentists use minimally invasive fillings and restorative treatments to stop cavities in their tracks before they can expand into neighboring tissues.
Pulpotomies and Crowns
Abscessed or severely decayed baby teeth can be painful. But they can also jeopardize the health and development of their underlying adult teeth. Pulpotomies and crowns are often the last line of defense for preserving badly damaged teeth to avoid a dental extraction.
Dental Extractions
If your child’s tooth is past the point of restoration, the infection could cause severe pain or permanent damage to adjacent teeth. In that case, an extraction is usually the best treatment option. Extractions are also routinely used alongside orthodontic therapy, emergencies, or impacted wisdom teeth. If a baby tooth needs to be removed well before it would naturally fall out on its own, our Long Island dentists will want to discuss some type of space maintainer to prevent shifting in the adjacent teeth.
Pediatric Dentistry Emergency Treatments
A painful dental emergency can be extremely traumatic for young children. Timely treatment is necessary to both alleviate pain and prevent permanent damage to their adult smile. Our Long Island dentists are committed to providing prompt and comfortable care for all ages. In most cases, you can get into our Suffolk County dental office on the same day. If your child is in pain or has a broken tooth, call us immediately.
Will My Child Need Dental X-rays?
Digital imaging allows us to screen for concerns that aren’t visible during a visual exam. Such as cavities between teeth, impacted teeth, and cysts or abscesses. Different X-rays show us various things, so we incorporate them as necessary based on your child’s development and health history. Digital X-rays use approximately 90% less radiation than traditional films from the past.
Oral Hygiene for Children
Your child needs help with brushing and flossing until they’re old enough to tie their shoes. Encourage your little one to brush twice a day for two minutes, but follow up behind them to clean along their gums and chewing surfaces. Additionally, floss between every tooth at least once a day to clean areas that brushing doesn’t reach. Early oral care habits set the stage for the years of smiles ahead of them.
Tongue Ties and Lip Ties
Babies, toddlers, and children with tongue ties or lip ties can experience problems with feeding and speech development. Oftentimes the best treatment solution is to see a dentist. Traditional or laser frenectomies offer same-day results, allowing your child to experience better swallowing, sucking, and range of motion. If you have an infant that is struggling to feed or is constantly fussy, ask your pediatrician or lactation consultant whether your baby has a tongue-tie. Or schedule a quick screening at our office.
Reserve an Appointment Today
Sachem Dental Group offers comprehensive dental care for all ages, including children! If your child is due for a checkup, contact our Suffolk County dentists to reserve an appointment.