Best Kids Dentist - Family Dentistry in Brooklyn, NY

What Does the Dentist Look For in Dental X-Rays?

Dentists use x-rays to look for different issues in an individual’s teeth that can’t be spotted with the naked eye. A kids’ dentist often looks at x-rays to find issues that are common in pediatric dentistry, such as cavities, misalignment, or impacted teeth.

Cavities
Cavities can show up on dental x-rays before they are visible to a dentist’s eye, particularly if the areas of decay occur between teeth. A bitewing x-ray is typically taken during a dental check-up to detect these types of cavities.

Malocclusion of Teeth
An abnormality in one’s dental alignment or bite can be detected by x-rays. Children should receive dental x-rays to detect early malocclusion in the teeth, particularly if they use pacifiers past three years of age or have a habit of sucking their thumbs.

Impacted Teeth
Children and young adults are at risk of having impacted teeth which fail to emerge through the gums. The teeth most prone to becoming impacted are wisdom teeth, which typically emerge sometime between late teens and early twenties. Dental x-rays can detect impacted teeth, which can cause bite misalignment, cavities, or severe headaches and soreness if left untreated.

Overcrowding
X-rays performed by a children’s dentist can allow the dentist to gauge whether or not there is sufficient space in the child’s mouth for incoming teeth. This can lead to early detection of spatial issues, such as overcrowding, which may require braces or other forms of correction.

Abscessed Teeth
Abscessed teeth may be caused by tooth decay or trauma such as chipping or breakage. It’s important to treat a tooth abscess right away, as infection can spread and lead to serious complications. An abscessed tooth is typically first spotted with dental x-rays.

To schedule an appointment for dental x-rays or to get in touch with an excellent pediatric dentist in Brooklyn, New York, contact Best Kids Dentist. Call (718) 491-5300 or visit our website for more information on our pediatric dentistry and orthodontic services. 

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What You Need to Know About Dental Sealants and Fissurotomy

Though deep fissures and pits in the teeth cause roughly 80% of cavities, there are a number of procedures that your kids’ dentist can perform if your child has deep dental fissures.

For information on fissurotomy and dental sealants, check out this video. Fissurotomy, also known as prophylactic odontotomy, is a procedure that involves removing part of the tooth’s structure and adding a filling to the space. Another procedure to help prevent cavities in fissures involves spraying them with a micro-abrasive spray to clean inside the grooves. A dental sealant is then applied to prevent future plaque from accumulating and causing tooth decay.

Best Kids Dentist provides family dentistry and pediatric dentistry to residents in the Brooklyn area. Call (718) 491-5300 for more information about our services, including laser pediatric dentistry and orthodontics.

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How to Prevent Common Braces Problems

Today’s braces are more comfortable and less noticeable than the braces of the past. However, there are certain challenges specific to wearing braces that can be remedied with a few simple steps and the guidance of a pediatric orthodontist:

Follow a Daily Dental Hygiene Routine

Children who wear braces are more susceptible to accumulating plaque, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. As such, children are encouraged to stick to a routine which includes flossing daily, brushing after each meal, and using mouthwash containing fluoride. Children who wear a fixed orthodontic appliance should use a special interdental brush supplied by their orthodontists.

See the Orthodontist RegularlyTo ensure braces are working effectively, your child should see his or her pediatric orthodontist every six to eight weeks for an adjustment and check-up.

Avoid Problematic Foods

Certain foods, such as popcorn and candy, can interfere with braces by bending or dislodging the wires. These foods are, therefore, best avoided. It’s also best to avoid carbonated drinks or to sip them using a straw, as they can stain the orthodontic brackets.

Use a Mouth Guard When Playing Sports

If your child wears braces or a fixed orthodontic appliance, be sure to outfit him or her with a protective mouth guard when he or she is playing contact sports. If your child wears a removable appliance, remove it during contact sports or while swimming and place it in its case.

Choose Brackets That Suit your Lifestyle

It’s important to choose brackets that help your child feel comfortable with the idea of wearing braces. For example, a teenager concerned with minimizing the appearance of their braces could opt for clear or tooth-colored brackets, which can be provided by a children’s orthodontist.

To learn more about braces, contact Best Kids Dentist in Brooklyn, New York. We offer pediatric and adult orthodontic treatment as well as a variety of pediatric dental services, including laser pediatric dentistry. Get in touch with us by calling (718) 491-5300 or visiting our website.