Month: December 2018

The dentist office can be an intimidating place for many patients, and even more so for children, who can be scared by the gloved hands, bright lights, and strange equipment. Very young children might also be scared because they don’t know what to expect. Fortunately, parents can do a lot to soothe these fears so that when the time comes to visit your dentist at Carlsbad Coastal Dental in Carlsbad, CA, your little one might not be so nervous.

Start early

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday. Getting your child to the dentist early introduces them to the dental environment and gives them a chance to understand what the dentist office is for and what happens there; it helps them get more comfortable in that environment to prepare for future visits. Early visits have an added benefit of allowing you, the parents, to become more comfortable with the dental team as well.

Make it fun

To prepare for the first appointment, consider doing some role play at home. Pretend to be the dentist and go through the “routine” at the dentist office, showing your child what it might feel like in the dentist chair, with someone poking around in their mouth. You can even switch roles and let him or her play dentist as well. Because the experience is being introduced to them in a familiar and comfortable place, their home, it should make them feel more at ease when they go through the real thing.

Keep secrets

If you have dental fears or anxieties of your own, keep them to yourself for now. Often, if a parent is afraid of something, their child will be, too. In addition to this, try to avoid making the dentist sound scary or intimidating – don’t use words like “shot” or “pain” and don’t share any bad experiences you may have had.

Talk about it

If your child’s first dental visit didn’t go very smoothly and he or she is now apprehensive about returning, let us know ahead of time at Carlsbad Coastal Dental. That will help us prepare for your visit and work with your child to overcome their fear.

Visit regularly

Like with anything else, the more often you visit the dentist, the easier each visit will get. By keeping the recommended two dental visits a year, you will not only be aiding your child’s oral health, but you will be getting them more comfortable with visiting the dentist and fostering good habits.

Schedule your appointment at Carlsbad Coastal Dental in Carlsbad, CA today.

Have you been told that you may need a dental bridge to restore your smile but have questions about the procedure? If so, keep reading to learn what you need to know to best prepare for this effective dental restoration procedure.

Understanding the Initial Dental Bridge Consultation

When a patient is missing a tooth or multiple teeth, an in-person consultation is critical to determine the best possible treatment plan. During this consultation, the dentist will examine the extent of tooth loss, evaluate the health of your remaining teeth, and determine whether or not a dental bridge is the right treatment option for your individual needs.

Next Step: Determining the Ideal Bridge to Use

There are three types of Dental Bridges that are most commonly used; a traditional dental bridge, a crown-supported dental bridge, or an implant-supported dental bridge. The names pretty much describe the differences between them. A traditional dental bridge is fixed in place to bridge the gap between the missing teeth; a crown-supported dental bridge incorporates the use of dental crowns on both sides of the bridge; and an implant-supported dental bridge is held in place with dental implants.

Removal of a Tooth or Teeth Might Be Required

In order to prepare for a dental bridge, additional teeth may need to be removed in certain situations, especially when there is decay present or the need for the bridge has arisen due to some type of trauma.

Prepping Teeth for a Fixed Bridge: What You Need to Know

If your dentist has determined that you will need a crown-supported bridge, it’s important to prepare the teeth that will be capped with crowns. This preparation will involve removing some of the tooth enamel to accommodate the crown., but you can rest assured that every effort is made to ensure the process does not negatively impact your overall dental health.

Pre-Op Concerns for Patients Getting Dental Implants in Carlsbad

There are a few factors that will be taken into consideration by your dentist. Suitability for surgery is important, for one. And since each procedure is unique, your dentist will provide you with pre-op instructions that are appropriate for your situation – whether it’s a traditional dental bridge, a crown-supported dental bridge, or an implant-supported dental bridge.

Looking for a Second Opinion? Consider Carlsbad Coastal Dental

At our Carlsbad dental office, we utilize the latest, most advanced technology such as CEREC technology, digital imaging, and even intraoral cameras. Using state-of-the-art technology and the latest treatment options allows us to provide safer, healthier and more effective care to our patients. Please consider us for all your dental needs.