Children’s Dentistry
All dentists are taught the basics of children’s dentistry during dental school. However most dentists are not experienced to treat children or handle the child patient in a happy environment. Kid’s teeth are different and require use of different materials and techniques due to the large pulp horns (nerves) and a thin enamel layer.
Dr George Azer (B.D.S Otago, New Zealand) has been treating children for more than 20 years in New Zealand and Australia; he is also trained in use of Nitrous Oxide sedation (Happy Gas) to make your child’s visit comfortable.
When should I bring my child to the dentist?
The American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry recommends that first visit should be after the first baby tooth erupts in the mouth to discuss tooth brushing, diet and hygiene. All children are recommended to have a complete check-up before starting school.
What happens during the first visit?
During the first visit we usually “count” your child’s teeth to ensure there is no decay, missing teeth or extra teeth which can prevent future orthodontic treatment. We also clean the teeth and apply fluoride to prevent dental decay in a happy and safe environment to promote positive attitude towards oral health.
Why fill baby teeth?
Baby teeth achieve a number of functions. They are important for chewing, speech and they hold space and guide permanent teeth into position to prevent crowding and impaction. Untreated baby teeth can lead to pain; mouth infections i.e. abscess and may damage permanent teeth if left untreated.
They are different stage of baby teeth eruption and exfoliation (falling out). Back baby molars are usually retained till the age of 10 – 13 years old.
Dr Azer is experienced in different techniques for pain and behaviour management. Dr Azer is trained to use nitrous oxide sedation “Happy Gas” to make your child’s visit as pleasant as possible.
There are many fillings materials that we use for children depending on the size of the cavity and child’s age. All procedures will be discussed with the parents and/or guardians in details during your first check-up visit.
Fissure sealants are sometime recommended if your child got deep fissures or is considered as high risk to dental caries (tooth decay). Fissure sealants have been around for a long time; they protect the chewing surface from decay and release fluoride to help remineralise teeth.
It is advised not to describe the procedure to your child as we use child friendly terms and say to your child that Dr Azer will explain everything.
At Wentworthville Family Dental in Parramatta we will ensure your child’s visit is enjoyable as much as we can.
What are the costs involved?
At Wentworthville Family Dental pride ourselves on being able to provide you with gentle and affordable quality dental care. We offer private health fund customers with extras dental cover, e.g. Medibank Private, BUPA, nib, CBHS, mbf, AHM, Teachers Health Fund and HCF, a "NO GAP" 6 monthly dental examination including all digital dental X-rays required, digital intra-oral photos, a full mouth clean and topical Fluoride application. That is 100% no out-of-pocket payment on your child’s 6 monthly preventative dental care visits. We have HICAPS electronic claiming facilities so we bulk bill your insurance company directly on your behalf, all you need is your insurance swipe card. This way you do NOT have to pay us out of your own pocket then claim back your payment from your insurance company.
At Wentworthville Family Dental we Bulk Bill your child’s dental treatment under Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule that commenced on 1 January 2014 and will provide benefits for basic dental services to around 3.4 million children aged 2-17 in families who meet a means test will be eligible for benefits each year. The means test will be the same as the existing Medicare Teen Dental Plan, which requires receipt of Family Tax Benefit Part A or other certain government payments. Services for basic essential dental treatment, such as check-ups, x-rays, fillings and extractions will be included under Medicare's Child Dental Benefits Schedule, and the total benefit entitlements will be capped at $1000 per child over a two year period.
Call us now to make an appointment on 86771021.
