FAQS

A pediatric dentist, like Dr. Philip, has completed an additional two years of specialized training after dental school, focusing on the unique oral health needs of children from infancy through their teenage years. Children at different stages—infants, pre-teens, and teens—require distinct approaches to manage their behavior, guide their dental development, and prevent future dental issues.

Thanks to this extra training, pediatric dentists are equipped to provide the latest, most comprehensive care for a range of dental concerns specific to children.

It’s recommended that your child see a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or when the first tooth erupts, whichever comes first. Early visits help to prevent dental issues, provide guidance on caring for your child's teeth, and create opportunities to address preventive care that supports healthy teeth and a bright smile. If your child is experiencing pain or tooth decay, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment.

Starting dental visits early also helps foster a positive relationship between your child and the dentist. As your child grows, they will likely become more comfortable and trusting during each visit. Around age 3, we typically begin regular preventive visits that include exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and any necessary x-rays.

Taking care of your child's primary (baby) teeth is essential for their overall oral health. If cavities are left untreated, they can cause pain, infection, and potentially lead to problems with the development of permanent teeth. Baby teeth play a key role in (1) helping with proper chewing and eating, (2) maintaining space for permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and (3) supporting the normal development of the jawbones and muscles. Proper care of baby teeth lays the foundation for a healthy, functional smile in the future.

Dental x-rays (radiographs) are an important tool in your child's dental care. They help detect issues that may not be visible during a regular exam, such as cavities between teeth, or monitor the development of emerging teeth. X-rays can also be used to assess any damage from an injury or plan for orthodontic treatment. Detecting and treating dental problems early ensures a more comfortable experience for your child and reduces costs for you.

Typically, we recommend bitewing x-rays once a year and panoramic x-rays every 3-5 years. For children with a higher risk of tooth decay, we may suggest x-rays and exams every six months.

Thanks to modern technology, the amount of radiation from dental x-rays is minimal and considered safe. Protective measures, such as lead aprons and shields, are used to ensure your child’s safety, and today's equipment focuses the radiation precisely on the areas being examined.

Sealants are thin, protective coatings made of clear or shaded plastic material that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars). These teeth are more susceptible to cavities due to their grooves and crevices. The sealant acts as a barrier, preventing food, plaque, and acid from affecting the tooth. However, sealants do not protect the spaces between teeth. We recommend sealants for children as long as the tooth is cavity-free.

When a cavity forms, a filling is used to restore the tooth. We typically use tooth-colored (white) fillings that blend naturally with your child's teeth.

If a cavity is too large to be treated with a filling, a crown may be recommended. In primary (baby) teeth, crowns are used when the cavity is extensive. If the cavity affects the nerve of the tooth, a procedure called a pulpotomy (removal of the nerve) may be necessary before placing the crown. Crowns can be made of either tooth-colored material or stainless steel. For front teeth, we use white crowns for a natural appearance, while stainless steel crowns are often used on back teeth due to their strength and durability. Crowns help maintain the structure of the tooth, preserve space for permanent teeth, and protect the remaining tooth structure.

General anesthesia may be necessary for children with extensive dental needs who are unable to cooperate due to fear, anxiety, or age. Very young children who cannot follow instructions or remain still during procedures may also require general anesthesia. Additionally, it may be recommended for children undergoing more complex surgical treatments or those with special healthcare needs. In these cases, a hospital setting provides a safe environment for both the child and the dental team to manage the procedure effectively.

For bruised areas, apply ice to reduce swelling. If there is bleeding, use a clean gauze or cloth to apply firm pressure. If the bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or cannot be controlled with pressure, seek immediate medical attention at the emergency room.

If your child bites their tongue, lip, or cheek after dental treatment, an antibiotic may be required to prevent infection. Please contact our office for further guidance.

Make sure to clean the area around the painful tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water or use dental floss to remove any food or debris that may be causing discomfort.

DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or tooth. If the pain continues or if there is swelling in the face, contact our office as soon as possible for further assistance.

Rinse the injured area with warm water to remove any debris. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the face near the injury to reduce swelling. You can also place a small amount of Vaseline over the broken tooth to help decrease sensitivity. If any pieces of the broken tooth are found, save them in a cup of milk.

Contact our office as soon as possible for further guidance and treatment.

Your child should wear a mouth guard anytime they are participating in activities that involve a risk of falls or head contact with other players or equipment. This includes sports like football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, and even gymnastics. While football and hockey are often considered the highest risk for dental injuries, sports like basketball and baseball account for nearly half of all mouth injuries.

Dr. Philip will help recommend the most suitable mouth guard for your child’s needs.

The method of treatment depends on your child’s age and level of maturity. To ensure your child’s appointment is as comfortable as possible, we offer Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas), Oral Sedation, and IV Sedation.

A consultation appointment is required before any treatment begins. However, there may be exceptions, and those will be determined at Dr. Slonkosky's discretion. Before starting any treatment, we want to ensure that we are aligned on your child's needs and that we can proceed with a treatment plan that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

For young children, the first restorative appointment is always scheduled in the morning. This timing ensures that your child is well-rested and better able to be cooperative during the appointment. Since dental treatment can be stressful, children tend to handle the experience better and are more likely to be a good helper when they are fresh and alert in the morning.

Each child is unique, so it’s essential that you fully understand the treatment options, process, and costs involved. The referring doctor may indicate what needs to be evaluated, and in some cases, we may begin treatment during the consultation. However, we believe it’s important for your child to meet our team and feel comfortable with the environment first. A positive initial visit is key, especially if your child will require multiple appointments.