Regular cleanings help keep gums healthy and teeth cavity-free. A dental cleaning includes removal of tartar and plaque. The teeth are then polished to remove stains and further buildups of plaque that are not removed when regular tooth brushing is performed.

Your dentist may use fluoride treatments for patients who are at an increased risk of tooth decay, including those with:

-Active cavities
-Eating disorders
-Poor diet
-Tooth enamel defects or erosion

Our office offers flavors that your child can choose.  This allows your child to participate in his/her oral care, while making it a little more fun!

During a regular check-up, oral hygiene instructions are given to both patient and parent to reduce the risk of plaque and tartar build-up, as well as cavities. Instructions include, but are not limited to proper brushing techniques, flossing, and using mouth rinses.

Sealants protect your child’s teeth from decay. Sealants are placed on the biting surfaces of premolars and molars to seal the grooves and pits of the teeth. The teeth are prepped for the sealant application and the sealant is painted directly on the chewing surface of the teeth and then hardens. Generally sealants are applied without the use of anesthetic and are applied in one visit. They are applied by the dentist or the hygienist.

• Sealants are applied in children once the 6 or 12 year molars are present, or any time between the ages of 6 and 16
• Baby teeth can be sealed as well for children, which are proven to prevent decay
• Remember sealants are only placed on the biting surface of teeth, and can not be placed between the teeth
• Good home care and regular dental exams will help maintain your sealants, but they require good home care as well
• Sealants usually last three to five years, but with good care, they can last even longer

An oral evaluation is recommended every six (6) months to prevent cavities and other dental problems. During an oral evaluation a thorough examination is done to check the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. Some children with a history of cavities or teenagers in orthodontic treatment may require more frequent exams and cleanings.  Dr. Wagshall or your  hygienist may recommend a personalized follow-up protocol based on your child’s needs.

Dental X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool used to identify decay, extra teeth, bone defects, tumors, cysts and check the progress of previous procedures. Latest technology now allow for digital X-rays, which reduce radiation exposure more than 50 percent, and produce instant, high-quality images that can be viewed immediately by the dentist and the patient. Bitewing Xrays and periappical Xrays are “close up” Xrays  to help determine  cavities and or infection. A panorex Xray helps us understand a more broad viisualization of your childs oral facial and dental development. It is mostly used in cases of trauma or infection.

Tooth-colored fillings are the most lifelike material used to fill cavities. Once the decay is removed from the tooth, the dentist  will apply  composite material  and harden it with a special “blue light”.  These fillings are exceptionally strong and overtime have proven  to be extremely effective.

Root canals involve treating decay within the inside of the tooth. If the inside of the tooth, known as the dental pulp, is damaged it will gradually decay if left within the tooth. The process involves removing the pulp, cleaning out the root canals, and packing the canals with material that will help restore the tooth until it is time for it to exfoliate (or fall out on its own naturally).

A dental crown is a restoration that covers or caps a tooth, restoring it to its normal size and shape. Crowns are necessary when the tooth is broken down to the point where a filling won’t be effective. In order to effectively place a crown, tooth structure may be taken away to help create an esthetically pleasing fit. Very often children crowns are made out of stainless steal and are all silver.  In special situations we may be able  to place  a silver cap  with a white veneer to improve  esthetics. Ask the dentist if this treatment is available for your child.

A dental extraction is the removal of extremely decayed or broken teeth. To perform an extraction, the area is anesthetized to minimize discomfort and the tooth is then rocked back and forth until it is removed from its socket.

Lasers in dentistry allow for many dental procedures to be performed with no noise, very little pain and fewer appointments. Some minor soft tissue procedures our office performs:  removing excess gingeval tissue, exposing unerupted teeth,  or treatment of athous ulcers(canker sores).

Cosmetic bonding is the process of filling or restoring teeth with a tooth-colored material in order to maintain its natural appearance. In order to bond a tooth, tooth colored material is added to the tooth to build it up.

Whitening, also known as bleaching, is the procedure used to brighten teeth. In-Office Whitening usually requires only one office visit. A protective gel or a rubber shield is placed over the gums to protect the soft tissue. A bleaching agent containing carbamide peroxide is applied to the teeth, and a laser light is then used to enhance the action of the whitening agent .  

A habit appliance is useful to help stop a thumb or finger habit and/or to help re-train an improper tongue position or swallowing pattern. It is necessary to place an appliance to minimize the harm and distortion the habits or tongue posture can have on teeth. Most habit appliances are banded for adhesion to the back molars and are not removable.

These appliances are used as an alternative to traditional braces and to help with functional problems such as spacing, crowding of the teeth, TMJ disorders, overbite, overjet and malocclusions. They are often used in pediatric dentistry to correct single tooth cross bites or for minor tooth movements.

 Space maintainers are used for children to keep a space open in mouth after a tooth has been lost.  Often necessary when a child loses a primary tooth too early-usually due to trauma or decay-space maintainers can save the opening for the permanent tooth that will eventually erupt into that space.  Otherwise, existing teeth may shift into the space or permanent tooth may move or turn so that it does not erupt correctly.  Space maintainers can be used on the upper or lower arch and may be removable or fixed into position with cement to securely remain in place until the adult tooth is ready to erupt.

Types of Space Maintenance:  Lower lingual holding arch or an Upper Space Maintainer

 Mouth guards are a customized device worn over the teeth to protect them from injury or to treat conditions such as bruxism (teeth grinding),snoring, or sleep apnea.  They protect the teeth from chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage, lip injuries and tooth loss caused by these conditions.  An effective mouth guard should be comfortable, durable, easy-to-clean and allow patients to breathe and speak normally.  Depending on each patient’s individual needs, mouth guards may be worn only when speaking, while playing sports or at all times. 

Invisalign® takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your dentist or orthodontist plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth.

 Traditional metal braces offer affordability and an opportunity to personalize color. Clear Ceramic braces are popular with adults and teenagers who want the results of braces without the look of metal. Some teens prefer them to metal braces because of their invisability.

Nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as “laughing gas,” is an effective and safe sedation agent that is inhaled through a mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. Mixed with oxygen, Nitrous oxide allows you to breathe normally through your nose and within minutes you should start to feel the effects. You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs. Some patient’s comment that their legs and arms feel heavy. Ultimately, you should feel comfortable and calm. The effects of nitrous oxide wear of quickly after the small mask is removed. Talk to the doctor about whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for you.

Dr. Wagshall is an Attending at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, where he performs oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia in an operating room. By having a complete staff of pediatric dentistry, nursing, and anesthesiology , you can be assured that your child’s dental care is done in the safest way possible.  Candidates for this procedure might include those with severe anxiety, special needs or those with extensive dental decay.  We will discuss in detail the risks and benefits involved with general anesthesia before the procedure.