Frequently Asked Questions
A pediatric dentist, like Dr. Solis, has an extra two years of specialized training after dental school and is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. The very young, pre-teens, and teenagers all need different approaches in dealing with behavior, guiding their growth and development, and helping them avoid future dental problems.
With the additional education, pediatric dentists have the training which allows them to offer the most up-to-date and thorough treatment for a wide variety of pediatric dental problems.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association, your child’s first visit should occur about 6 months after their first tooth erupts, but no later than your child’s first birthday. Although it may seem young, finding your child’s “dental home” is a key to a lifetime of good dental health.
Radiographs (x-rays) are a necessary part of your child's dental diagnostic process. Without them, certain cavities will be missed. They also help survey developing teeth, evaluate results of an injury, or plan for orthodontic treatment. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for your child, and more affordable for you.
On average, our office will request bitewing radiographs approximately once a year and panoramic radiographs every 3-5 years. In children with a high risk of tooth decay we may recommend radiographs at more frequent intervals.
With contemporary safeguards and digital radiography, the amount of radiation received in a dental x-ray examination is extremely small. The risk is negligible. In fact, the dental radiographs represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and untreated dental problem. Lead body aprons and shields will protect your child. Today's equipment restricts the beam to the area of interest.
It is very important to maintain the health of primary teeth (baby teeth). Neglected cavities can cause pain and infection, and it can also lead to problems which affect the developing permanent teeth.
Primary teeth, which generally fall out between the ages of 5 and 12, are important for (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for permanent teeth and guiding them into position, and (3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles.
A sealant is a composite material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where most cavities in children can form. This sealant acts as a barrier to food, plaque, and acid, thus protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth. However, cavities between the teeth are not protected by sealants. As long as there is no cavity in the tooth, sealants will be recommended for most children.
If your child has a cavity, a filling is placed after the cavity is removed. The filling is tooth colored (white).
In a primary tooth, if a cavity is too large to restore with a filling, a crown may be recommend or the tooth may need to come out. If the cavity is too large and has involved the nerve of the tooth, then the nerve will be removed (pulpotomy) along with the cavity, and a crown will be placed. For front teeth, white restorations are used. For back teeth, stainless steel crowns are used for their durability and longevity. The purpose of the crown is to help provide structure for the tooth, to help maintain space for permanent teeth to erupt properly, and to help protect the remaining tooth.
General anesthesia may be indicated for children with extensive dental needs who are extremely uncooperative, fearful or anxious or for the very young who do not understand how to cope in a cooperative fashion. General anesthesia also can be helpful for children requiring significant surgical procedures or patients having special health care needs.
Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the face is swollen or the pain still persists, contact our office as soon as possible.
Rinse debris from injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of injury. Placement of Vaseline over the area of the broken tooth will aid in decreasing sensitivity. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments in milk.
Contact our office as soon as possible.
Your child should wear a mouthguard whenever he or she is in an activity with a risk of falls or of head contact with other players or equipment.
We usually think of football and hockey as the most dangerous to the teeth, but nearly half of sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball.
Dr. Solis will recommend the best mouth guard for your child.
Meet Dr. Solis
Dr. Solis is no stranger to Dentistry Just for Kids, since he started as a patient at the office back in 1996 with Dr. Andrew Sewell and continued with Dr. Eugene Nolfi. Throughout college Dr. Solis worked at the office during his summers and developed a deep love for the office, its staff, and the patients so much so that he has come full circle to continue providing the best care possible like his mentors before him since 2019.
Read more about Dr. Solis here.
We are here for you
and your child.
Our goal is to exceed your expectations.
From the time your child grows their first tooth until they are ready to move on to an adult dentist, Dr. Solis and his team will help care for and protect your child’s smile. Because children are so different from adults, we take a unique approach to every patient. We treat our patients as if they were our own and we want each visit to be a fun, educational visit.
Your child will feel like a star at their next visit!
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Our pediatric dental office is designed especially for your child’s fun and positive experience.
a peek at our services
Preventive
Dentistry
This includes proper brushing, flossing and eating habits, ideal fluoride levels and the use of pit and fissure sealants. We strive to provide a fun, educational environment where children learn about the importance of good dental hygiene.
Restorative
Dentistry
This includes children’s sealants, fillings, and crowns including treatment of devastating early childhood caries. We are committed to discussing all options before these procedures and answering all questions you may have. Always working for the goal of a healthy smile is our first priority.
Sedation
Dentistry
Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures, for patients with dental phobia or for patients who find it difficult to sit still. Our office offers nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation and general anesthesia.
Emergency
Treatment
We understand that the need for urgent dental care is sometimes necessary. We strive to handle dental emergencies promptly and with compassion. We are always on call and you can reach our practice any day, at any time.
HOSPITAL
DENTISTRY
Hospital dentistry is particularly beneficial for providing essential dental care to children with severe anxiety or certain conditions.
Dr. Solis has privileges at Driscoll Children's Hospital.
Learn more about Pediatric Dentistry
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