Promoting Good Dental Habits for Children
At Ambis Dental, we specialize in providing comprehensive dental care for children of all ages. From routine checkups and dental cleanings to more complex procedures, our experienced children’s dentists and friendly staff are dedicated to making sure your child’s dental experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
At Ambis Dental, we’re excited to welcome families from Ithaca and the surrounding areas, including Lansing, Dryden, and Trumansburg! We take pride in being part of your community and are dedicated to providing exceptional dental care for all ages. Call our general dentist in Ithaca at 607-272-1874 to schedule your child’s next appointment. Come join our family!
What Is Children’s Dentistry?
Children’s dentistry focuses on the oral health needs of children from infancy through adolescence. It encompasses preventive care, early detection of childhood dental issues, and age-appropriate treatments. By starting dental visits early, parents can lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy habits and bright smiles.
The Importance of Early Dental Visits
The American Dental Association recommends that children visit a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Early visits help identify potential issues, establish good hygiene practices, and familiarize children with the dental office, reducing fear or anxiety.
Specialized Care for Children
At Ambis Dental, we recognize that every child is unique, and their dental needs vary. Dr. Edward Ambis and our experienced team employ child-focused techniques to ensure each visit is comfortable and productive. Our Ithaca dental office is designed to create a relaxing atmosphere, helping children feel at ease during their appointments.
Advocacy for Patients of All Ages
Dr. Dotti Ambis, MD, our Ithaca patient advocate and office manager, brings a wealth of expertise to Ambis Dental, having completed her residency in family practice. With a strong background in addressing the diverse needs of families, she excels in providing compassionate care that resonates with both parents and children. Her extensive experience allows her to effectively alleviate concerns that families may have about dental treatments, ensuring a comfortable and supportive environment for all our patients. At Ambis Dental, our team is committed to fostering healthy smiles and building lasting relationships with each family we serve.
Common Children’s Dental Services
Routine Exams and Cleanings
Regular dental check-ups and routine cleanings play a crucial role in maintaining your child’s oral health. These routine examinations allow the dentist to identify and address potential dental issues before they become more serious problems. During these visits, your child’s teeth will be thoroughly examined for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other concerns.
Additionally, professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, helping to prevent decay and keep the teeth and gums healthy. Establishing a consistent schedule for these appointments not only promotes good hygiene but also fosters a positive attitude toward dental care as your child grows.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments are an essential part of dental care that helps to strengthen tooth enamel and provide a protective barrier against cavities. Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, can be applied in various forms, including gels, foams, and varnishes. These treatments not only enhance the remineralization process of weakened enamel but also inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants, on the other hand, are a thin, protective coating applied primarily to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. This barrier effectively seals off the grooves and pits where food particles and plaque are likely to accumulate, making it harder for cavities to form. Both fluoride treatments and dental sealants are particularly beneficial for children and adolescents, as their developing teeth are more susceptible to decay.
Cavity Fillings
We prioritize your child’s oral health by utilizing safe and effective dental filling techniques to treat cavities. After a thorough examination, we carefully remove the decayed portion of the tooth and clean the area to ensure optimal results. We offer a variety of filling materials, including tooth-colored options, so we can restore your child’s smile in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Orthodontic Assessments
Conducting early orthodontic evaluations is essential for identifying potential alignment issues in a child’s teeth and jaw. These assessments typically involve a comprehensive examination, which may include visual inspections, X-rays, and sometimes even digital scans. By recognizing irregularities such as overcrowding, gaps, or bite problems at an early stage, orthodontists can devise a tailored treatment plan.
This proactive approach not only helps in determining the best timeline for corrective measures, such as braces or aligners, but also aids in preventing more complex issues from developing in the future. Schedule your child’s first orthodontic consultation at 607-272-1874.
Emergency Dental Care
From extracurricular activities to recess play, children are often more active and more prone to dental emergencies as a result. Whether your child is experiencing a chipped tooth from a fall or dealing with a painful toothache, our Ithaca team is here to provide you with prompt and professional care for all unexpected dental issues.
We understand that dental emergencies can happen at any time, often causing discomfort and anxiety. That’s why we prioritize immediate attention and treatment to alleviate pain and restore your child’s smile. From broken crowns to severe swelling, we have the expertise and resources to handle a wide range of dental emergencies swiftly and effectively.
Benefits of Children’s Dentistry
Children’s dental care offers numerous advantages:
Early Detection: Spot potential issues such as cavities or misaligned teeth before they worsen.- Preventive Measures: Treatments like fluoride applications and sealants protect against tooth decay.
- Education: Teach children proper brushing and flossing techniques.
- Comfortable Care: Children’s dentists are skilled in creating a child-friendly environment to reduce anxiety.
At Ambis Dental, we strive to make every visit a positive experience for both children and parents, building trust and confidence in dental care.
Preparing Your Child for a Dental Visit
Helping your child feel confident about their dental visit is essential:
- Talk Positively: Use simple, encouraging language to explain what they can expect.
- Practice at Home: Role-play as the dentist and patient to familiarize them with the process.
- Bring Comfort Items: A favorite toy or blanket can help reduce anxiety.
A positive first visit sets the tone for future dental experiences, building a strong foundation for lifelong oral health.
Tips for Healthy Home Habits
Dentists work hard to instill good dental practices in children, but those routines need to be reinforced at home. Here are some tips to make dental care go a little smoother:
Make It Fun: The main reason most children skip their oral hygiene routine is they find it boring. Try to incorporate a song or a game so they will look forward to brushing their teeth.- Floss: Teach your child flossing as well as brushing. Even young children should be flossing their teeth regularly, preferably before bed.
- Healthy Eating: Limit sodas, sugary drinks, and sugary foods that can damage your child’s teeth.
- Ditch the Binky: Try to wean your child from the pacifier by age three at the latest. This goes for thumb-sucking as well. The pressure from a pacifier or thumb can negatively affect the alignment of their teeth and change the way their smile looks.
- Lead by Example: If your child sees you brushing and flossing daily, they’ll be more likely to do it themselves.
Children’s Dentistry Costs
Dental care costs for young patients typically range from $100 to 300 for routine cleanings and checkups to several thousand dollars for more complex procedures like orthodontic work. Basic preventive services often include cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants, while restorative work such as fillings or crowns can cost $200 to 500 per tooth depending on the location and materials used.
Many families rely on dental insurance to help manage these expenses, with most plans covering 80 to 100 percent of preventive care and 50 to 80 percent of basic procedures. For those without insurance, many providers offer payment plans, sliding scale fees based on income, or financing through third-party services like CareCredit. Some families also utilize Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to set aside pre-tax dollars for dental expenses, while others may find relief through community health centers or dental schools that provide reduced-cost care.