Frequently asked questions
How old should my child be when he first visits the dentist?
A child's first dental visit
should be within six months of the first tooth breaking through the gum
(also known as erupting). Many children come see us when they are 1
year old. The earlier they have a good experience, the better their
dental visits will be as they grow.
When can I expect my child to have baby teeth?
Most often, baby or primary
teeth come in around six months of age. By age 2, most or all 20 teeth
should be in although this may be different for every child, even
within the family. Any concerns? Contact our office, and Dr. Gonzo will
be happy to check things out for you.
When can I expect visits from the tooth fairy?
Tooth fairies might start
paying for and collecting teeth around six years of age. This is when
most children start getting big teeth. This will continue through their
teen years, although the tooth fairy may not visit all that time. Dr.
Gonzo is friendly with the tooth fairies but doesn't know how much they
pay or how long they will visit.
Do I need to worry when teeth are crowding?
After a while, those new big
teeth become anxious and start to push the baby teeth out. During this
time, they may be a little crowded. Sometimes, Dr. Gonzo might need to
assist the new tooth in getting into position. If things just don't
seem right, we're always ready to help!
Is this why it's so important to keep the baby teeth healthy?
Yes! The baby teeth are like
a road map for the permanent teeth. They also help your child speak
properly. So even though eventually they will fall out, they serve a
purpose now, so every effort needs to be made to keep those baby teeth
healthy and safe.
How many visits should we make to Dr. Gonzo each year?
It's a good idea to visit
Dr. Gonzo and our office every six months once the patient has started
coming. At each six month visit, Dr. Gonzo will do an exam and his
assistants will tickle your child's teeth. Dr. Gonzo will take special
pictures (x-rays) once a year.
Why is fluoride so important?
Just like kids need vitamins
to make their body strong, fluoride is like a vitamin for the teeth. It
keeps teeth strong and helps prevent decay. It is not
a substitute for brushing and flossing. Tap water usually has fluoride,
and if you want to know how much, Dr. Gonzo can help out with that.
Fluoride is always a part of the tooth tickling process in our office.
What are sealants?
Sealants are usually applied
after the big teeth have grown in or erupted. Just like a tarp on a
pool is used to keep out bugs and debris, sealants coat the chewing
surface of the molars to keep the sugar bugs away. Please remember that children still need to brush and floss even if sealants are applied.
Why does Dr. Gonzo use tooth-colored fillings?
The material used in these
fillings bonds or attaches better to the teeth. It also includes
fluoride which helps prevent further decay. More of the natural tooth
structure is kept. They also have a more natural appearance. Overall,
they are much better for both baby and permanent teeth.
Does laughing gas really make my child laugh?
That usually depends on the
child! It definitely relaxes the patient, lowers their anxiety, and
reduces the ability to feel pain. Children with sick teeth in need of
repair wear the elephant nose. This is how they inhale the laughing gas
(nitrous oxide). Once the appointment is over, the elephant nose is
removed. The child expels the laughing gas from their system within a
few minutes just by breathing naturally.
Does Dr. Gonzo do sleep dentistry?
If the time comes for sick
teeth to be restored or removed, Dr. Gonzo will discuss this with you
personally. Patient cooperation, comfort, and safety for the patients
and our staff are so important to us. Dr. Gonzo will recommend the type
of dentistry that ensures the best care for everyone.