Time: Approximately
One/Half Hour
Every child should have a recall examination every 6 months. This examination by the pediatric dentist is important. Children can develop cavities within a six-month period of time. Small cavities can be restored or filled, but larger cavities, which have not been detected or seen by a dentist, may require pulp treatment or even extractions.
Part of the examination
process should include radiographs at regular intervals. The frequency
of the x-rays is different for each child. The usual time interval between
x-rays is one year. If the child is experiencing a high caries rate, x-rays
may be recommended every 6 months. Radiographs are necessary to detect
dental caries between teeth. The dentist cannot see nor feel these kinds
of cavities until they have grown relatively large. In baby teeth, if
one can see the cavity then, it usually is very near the pulp of the tooth.
(More Information on X-Rays)
The cleaning or prophylaxis for a child has a dual purpose. Its primary purpose is to clean and polish all the teeth. However, it is also an excellent time to evaluate the child's oral home care and educate her/him/or parent if improvements are needed. If the child's home care is poor then it is beneficial to have another follow-up visit to re-evaluate their "improvement".
The topical fluoride is applied
after the teeth are cleaned and polished. A spongy soft tray with a flavored
foam (looks like whipped cream) is placed in the child's mouth for one
minute. The flavors and textures of the fluorides have improved a lot
in the last few years thanks to the dental manufacturers. We no longer
use gelatinous fluorides, which require 4-minute applications (that is
an eternity for a child). The topical fluoride is soaked up by the tooth
enamel, rendering the enamel less soluble to acid attacks by plaque.
(More
Information on Fluoride)
Revised:
2003
Copyright
© 2003 Patricia Ridgley