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The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommends that children visit a dental office at the age of 1 year, or whenever they get their first tooth. If you’re a new parent or are preparing to take your child to the dentist for the first time, you may not be sure what to expect. 

In this blog from Enamel Dentistry, we’ll discuss what will happen at your child’s first dental appointment, and how to prepare them for their first visit to our office.

Your Infant’s First Appointment At The Dentist

Very young children (1-2 years old) will get a lap exam at Enamel Dentistry. You will sit on the dentist’s chair and hold your child in your lap, and your dentist will examine their mouth, clean their gums and teeth gently, and answer any questions you may have about their oral health and development. This is a great time to ask your dentist questions about teething, oral hygiene for infants and toddlers, and other such topics. 

First Appointments For Older Children – What To Expect 

Kids who are between 2-3 years old and have most or all of their baby teeth will get a comprehensive oral exam and teeth cleaning, just like an adult. A dental hygienist at Enamel Dentistry will clean plaque away from their teeth, buff and polish their teeth, and floss to remove any remaining food particles. 

Then, your child’s dentist will examine their mouth and look for any signs of tooth decay, developmental issues, and more. X-rays may be recommended if we deem them to be necessary and you approve them. 

Tips For Preparing Kids For Dental Appointments

Not sure how to get your child ready for their first dental appointment? Here are a few suggestions and tips from Enamel Dentistry

• Get an early morning appointment – A well-rested child is more likely to behave and won’t be as cranky or fussy, so we highly recommend early morning appointments for first-time visitors to Enamel Dentistry.
  
• Maintain a good attitude – Your children can sense your emotions, even at a very young age. If you’re tense, nervous, or anxious about their appointment, they’ll notice. And they’ll be more likely to feel the same way. Do your best to remain positive.
  
• Use positive language – Don’t use negative terms like “shot” “hurt” “needle” or other threatening words that may make your child feel nervous. Use positive language to describe your child’s visit so that they don’t get nervous or anxious.
  
• Teach your kids more about dentistry – Teaching kids about dentistry can help them learn more about why it’s important, and can help with anxiety. Check out a few children’s books on dentistry, or watch some YouTube videos together so that they can learn about the basics.
  
• Explore sedation options – We offer sedation options such as nitrous sedation, which is appropriate for kids of all ages, and can be very useful for kids who are nervous about a procedure like a filling or a dental crown.

Come To Enamel Dentistry – Child-Friendly Dentistry For Kids Of All Ages! ‍

If you need to find a family dentist in Austin for your kids, Enamel Dentistry is the best choice. With our team of experienced dentists and staff, we serve children of all ages with professional, caring, and patient-focused dental treatment. Contact us online to learn more and get started.

Despite the myths, endodontic therapy are key treatments that remove the pulp, save teeth and relieve pain. You will learn about root canal therapy and how to care for your tooth after, so you can confidently handle your dental health.

Endodontic Therapy Step-By-Step

Understanding Endodontic Therapy

What Does a Root Canal Look Like?

The endodontic procedure to remove the infected pulp, clean and disinfect it, and fill it to avoid further issues. Root canal pictures often show the before and after of the tooth’s interior, highlighting the clean, filled, and sealed canals.

Root Canal on front teeth - Root Canal Xray:

Root Canal Before and After:

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The Lifespan of a Endodontic Therapy

How long does a endodontic therapy last? With proper dental care, including regular check-ups, cleanings, and good oral hygiene, a treated tooth can last a lifetime. A dental crown after endodontic therapy treatment adds protection and longevity.

Tooth with root canal hurts with pressure? Sometimes, it takes time for the surrounding soft tissues to fully heal after a endodontic therapy. In rare cases, some bacteria may remain in the affected tooth or the surrounding tissues, causing continued discomfort. Pressure on a cracked tooth may cause pain as well if left untreated.

If you're in pain or feeling sensitive after dental treatment, it's a good idea to see your dentist or endodontist for a check-up. They can determine the cause of the discomfort and recommend appropriate treatment to address it.

How long does a root canal last without a crown? The absence of a dental crown can greatly shorten a tooth's life. The crown is essential for protecting the weakened tooth from fractures post-treatment. Without a crown, the tooth is more likely to fail, particularly molars and premolars that handle most of the chewing.

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Post-Endodontic Therapy Care

Immediate Aftercare

Can I drive after a root canal? After endodontic therapy, driving is safe as long as you feel well and have no lingering effects from sedation.

What can I eat after a root canal? What to eat after a endodontic therapy is crucial. Eat soft, easy-to-chew foods to avoid discomfort and protect the treated area.

Managing Discomfort

How to stop throbbing pain after root canal? Over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses can alleviate pain. If you have pressure pain on root canal tooth or any other persistent discomfort, contact your dentist.

Root Canal Treatment Side Effects

1. Without a crown for protection, the tooth that underwent endodontic therapy may weaken and become more susceptible to breaking. This happens because the procedure removes the tooth's pulp, which can make the tooth less strong.
2. Rarely, but a few folks might get an allergic reaction to the things used in the procedure, such as the filling or anesthesia.
3. Bacteria can cause another infection if it gets back into the tooth filling material. Signs of a re-infection include pain, swelling, and sensitivity.
4. Root Canal Cracked Tooth: Without a crown, the tooth could crack, potentially causing infection and pain.

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Common Questions and Concerns

Endodontic Therapy vs. Dental Implants

When considering root canal vs implant, remember that preserving your natural teeth is always preferable. Endodontic therapy can save the natural tooth structure, while implants replace the entire tooth.

Smoking and Oral Health

Can you smoke after a root canal? We advise against smoking because it can delay healing and raise the risk of complications.

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Enhancing Your Dental Health

Preventing Root Canals

How to avoid root canal? The key lies in preventing tooth decay and gum disease through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Addressing issues early with treatments like dental fillings can prevent the need for more invasive procedures.

Emergency Care

What about emergency root canal? When faced with severe pain or a cracked tooth root canal, immediate dental attention can prevent further damage and save your tooth.

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Myths vs. Reality

The Truth About Pain

How bad does a root canal hurt 1-10? With modern techniques and anesthesia, most patients experience minimal discomfort.

Are Root Canals Bad for You?

Endodontic Therapy is a safe and effective way to treat infected teeth. The procedure removes bacteria, protecting your tooth and overall health.

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Advanced Care and Alternatives

The Role of Dental Crowns

Getting a crown after root canal can help your tooth look, feel, and function normal again. A crown will ensure its strength and durability as well for the long term. The dentist will remove the temporary filling after the endodontic therapy, and complete your dental crown.

Exploring Alternatives

While there is alternative to root canal to consider, most of the time it's better to save your natural tooth.

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Conclusion

Endodontic Therapy play a crucial role in dental health, addressing tooth infections and decay to save natural teeth. Knowing about root canals, caring for your tooth after, and preventing more dental issues can keep your smile healthy and free from pain. Remember, the key to a successful dental pulp therapy is early detection, proper aftercare, and regular dental visits. So, embrace your dental health journey with confidence and let root canals be a positive step towards a brighter smile.

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If you’re a new parent and your toddler has swollen gums, you may be concerned. Is this normal? Do you need to call a dentist? How can you help them with the pain and discomfort of gum swelling? In this blog from Enamel Dentistry, we’ll answer all of your questions about toddlers and swollen gums.

Should I Be Worried About My Toddler’s Swollen Gums? 

In most cases, the answer is no. Gum health issues like gingivitis are very rare in toddlers. If your toddler’s gums are swollen and tender, this is likely due to the natural teething process.

As the teeth begin to move beneath the surface of the gums, the gums may look swollen or red, and seem inflamed. Your toddler may also be cranky or complain of pain in their mouth if they’re old enough to do so. 

However, this is completely normal. As their tooth erupts, their gums will stop swelling and will become less inflamed. Once the tooth has fully erupted, you will no longer notice any serious inflammation or swelling around the area. 

Throughout the teething process, make sure to follow proper pediatric oral care precautions to keep your child’s mouth healthy. Brush their teeth with a blob of fluoride toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice (until the age of 3), and make sure you see your dentist at Enamel Dentistry every six months for a consultation.

Tips To Mitigate Teething Pain At Home

Teething can cause your child a lot of discomfort, but there are a few easy ways you can mitigate teething pain at home. 

• Rub your child’s gums with wet gauze or a clean finger. The pressure helps reduce discomfort.
• Use a cold spoon or teething ring to soothe your child’s gums. Cooling down the gums can help with pain.
• Try over-the-counter medicine like Tylenol or Motrin for kids. The analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties of these NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) will provide your child with relief from teething discomfort.

When Should I Call My Dentist? 

While this is rare in toddlers who are receiving proper oral care, it’s possible for toddlers to be affected by gingivitis or gum infections. If your toddler’s gums are very swollen, discolored, and bleed easily, they may have gingivitis.

Other potential signs of an issue include a high fever, pus draining from any area of their gums, or red streaks leading from a particular area of their gums. If you notice any of these issues, you should call your pediatric dentist for an emergency consultation immediately. 

Get The Dental Care You Need For Your Toddler At Enamel Dentistry

At Enamel Dentistry, we serve all of Austin with expert preventive and pediatric dental care. If your child is teething and you want to make sure their mouth is healthy, don’t wait. Contact us online to visit us at our South Lamar, Parmer Park, Lantana Place, or Saltillo location, and get your little one the care they need.