Children’s Dental Services
How often should my child have a dental checkup?
Children should visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings.
What happens if my child needs a filling?
If your child has a cavity, we’ll gently remove the decayed area and fill it with a tooth-colored material to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the back teeth to prevent cavities.
How can I help my child feel comfortable about visiting the dentist?
Talk about the dentist positively, use calming words, and bring a favorite toy to help your child feel more at ease.
Does Trooth Pediatric Dentistry offer sedation?
Yes, we offer gentle sedation options to ensure your child is comfortable during their visit.
At what age should my child get braces?
While most children get braces between ages 9 and 14, early orthodontic evaluation can help identify needs earlier.
What is interceptive orthodontics?
Interceptive orthodontics is early treatment that helps guide your child’s teeth and jaw development, potentially preventing future orthodontic issues.
Is fluoride treatment safe for kids?
Yes, fluoride is safe and helps strengthen tooth enamel, preventing cavities.
When should my child see the dentist for the first time?
Your child should visit the dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears.
Children’s Checkups
Can checkups help avoid braces?
Regular visits monitor tooth and jaw development. Early intervention can sometimes reduce or prevent the need for braces.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept Delta Dental Premier, BlueCross BlueShield, and other major plans to make care more affordable.
What if my child has a cavity?
We’ll recommend gentle, tooth-colored fillings to restore their smile painlessly.
What if my child is afraid of the dentist?
We specialize in making kids feel comfortable with a gentle approach and fun distractions like games and in-room entertainment.
How can I prepare my child for the visit?
Talk about the visit positively and reassure them it’s a safe, easy process. Bring a comfort item if it helps them relax.
How long does a checkup take?
Most visits last 30–45 minutes, depending on your child’s needs.
Are X-rays safe for children?
Yes, we use digital X-rays, which are low in radiation and completely safe for kids.
When should my child first see the dentist?
By their first birthday or as soon as their first tooth appears.
Should my child get fluoride treatments?
Fluoride helps prevent cavities and strengthens enamel. We’ll recommend it if it’s right for your child.
How often should kids visit the dentist?
We recommend checkups every six months to keep smiles healthy.
Interceptive Orthodontics
Can interceptive orthodontics help with thumb-sucking?
Yes, interceptive treatments can help address habits like thumb-sucking that affect tooth alignment and jaw development.
How do I know if my child needs interceptive orthodontics?
Signs like crowded teeth, difficulty chewing, or a visibly misaligned bite may indicate a need for early intervention. A consultation with Dr. Vargas will provide clarity.
When should my child start orthodontic treatment?
It’s best to consult with an orthodontist by age 7 to assess early signs of alignment or developmental issues.
How much does interceptive orthodontic treatment cost?
The cost varies based on your child’s needs and treatment plan. We offer flexible payment options and accept many insurance plans to make treatment affordable.
Are there any risks associated with interceptive orthodontics?
Interceptive orthodontics is generally very safe. Our team ensures that treatments are tailored to your child’s needs to minimize any risks.
How long does interceptive orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment time varies, but early intervention typically takes less time than full orthodontic treatment with braces.
Will my child need to wear a retainer?
Yes, after any orthodontic treatment, including interceptive orthodontics, a retainer may be needed to maintain the results.
Does my child need braces if they get interceptive treatment?
Not necessarily. Interceptive treatment can sometimes reduce or eliminate the need for braces, depending on the severity of the issues.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic care?
Early treatment can prevent more complex problems later, reduce the need for braces, and shorten overall treatment time.
What is interceptive orthodontics?
Interceptive orthodontics is early treatment aimed at correcting issues with jaw growth or teeth alignment before they become more serious, often reducing the need for braces later.
CO2 Laser Frenectomies
Is the CO2 laser better than traditional methods?
Yes, the laser minimizes bleeding, reduces discomfort, and promotes faster healing compared to traditional surgical methods.
How long does a laser frenectomy take?
The procedure typically takes just a few minutes.
Do you accept insurance for frenectomies?
We work with most major insurance providers to make treatment affordable. Contact our office to learn more.
Can a frenectomy help with breastfeeding?
Yes, releasing a tongue or lip tie can significantly improve a baby’s ability to latch and feed effectively.
Does the procedure hurt?
Most children experience little to no discomfort during the procedure, thanks to numbing techniques and the laser’s gentle nature.
Will my child need follow-up care?
Dr. Vargas will provide aftercare instructions and may recommend follow-up visits to monitor healing and progress.
What is the recovery like?
Recovery is usually quick, with most children returning to normal activities within a day or two.
Is a laser frenectomy safe for children?
Yes, the CO2 laser is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive tool for treating tongue and lip ties.
Fillings & Crowns
Is the filling or crown process painful?
No, we use numbing techniques to ensure your child feels no pain during the procedure. Sedation options like happy gas are available for added comfort.
Does Trooth Pediatric Dentistry accept insurance for fillings and crowns?
Yes, we work with many major insurance providers to help make treatments affordable for your family. We can help verify your insurance before treatment begins.
How do I care for my child’s new filling or crown?
We’ll provide instructions for proper care. Generally, regular brushing and flossing are essential, along with limiting sugary snacks.
How do I know if my child needs a crown?
If a tooth is too damaged or decayed for a filling, or if your child has broken a tooth, a crown is the best option to restore the tooth’s function.
Can my child eat after a filling or crown placement?
After a filling, your child can eat right away, though we recommend waiting for a little while if the filling is still setting. After a crown, they may need to avoid hard foods for a short period.
How long do fillings and crowns last?
Fillings typically last 5-10 years, while crowns can last even longer, depending on your child’s oral habits.
Are fillings safe for kids?
Yes, we use safe, FDA-approved materials for fillings, including tooth-colored composites that blend in with your child’s natural teeth.
Are stainless-steel crowns safe for children?
Yes, stainless-steel crowns are durable, safe, and commonly used for children’s teeth, especially back molars.
What happens if my child’s cavity is left untreated?
Untreated cavities can lead to more severe decay, pain, infection, or even tooth loss. Fillings restore the tooth and prevent further damage.
How do I know if my child needs a filling?
If your child has a cavity, you may notice sensitivity, pain, or visible holes in their teeth. A visit to Trooth Pediatric Dentistry will confirm the need for a filling.
Emergency Care
How do I prevent dental emergencies in the future?
Encourage good oral hygiene, wear protective gear during sports, and make regular dental checkups a priority to help prevent injuries and catch problems early.
What if my child is too nervous for a dental emergency procedure?
We offer happy gas (laughing gas) as a sedation option to help your child feel relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.
What should I do if my child is bleeding from the gums or lips?
Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze to stop the bleeding and bring your child to our office right away for evaluation and treatment.
How long will it take for my child to recover after an emergency procedure?
Recovery time depends on the type of procedure, but most children feel better within a day or two. We will provide aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Does my insurance cover dental emergencies?
We work with many major insurance providers to make emergency dental care affordable. We can help verify your insurance coverage before treatment.
Can you treat a broken tooth during an emergency visit?
Yes, we can treat broken or chipped teeth quickly, either by bonding the tooth or placing a crown to restore its appearance and function.
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, place it in a glass of milk and bring it to our office immediately. If it’s a baby tooth, save it for evaluation.
Will my child be in pain during the procedure?
We prioritize your child’s comfort and use numbing techniques and gentle sedation options like happy gas to minimize pain during treatment.
How much does an emergency dental exam cost?
We offer a $49 emergency exam to evaluate your child’s dental injury and recommend the necessary treatment.
When should I bring my child in for an emergency dental appointment?
If your child has a toothache, broken tooth, knocked-out tooth, or soft tissue injury, it's important to seek care as soon as possible.
