Drs. Schapiro and his associates are well trained in all phases of Pediatric Dentistry. Before initiating any treatment, they will review your child's medical history thoroughly, and call your pediatrician if there are any medical concerns. They will answer any of your questions and review treatment options, so that you feel confident that your child is getting the best dental care possible. And before any treatment is started, fees are discussed so that there are no surprises at the end of the visit.
Oral Hygiene
An integral part of maintaining your child's dental health and establishing good habits for home care and diet are check-ups on a regular basis. The frequency of the visits depends on your child's needs and oral health, but most children are seen every six months. During these check-up visits, your child's medical history will be updated, x-rays may be taken, and the teeth will be checked for cavities. Oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) instructions will be given, and your child will be checked for any developing orthodontic needs. Fluoride treatments will be given and any supplemental fluoride tablets or drops for home use will be prescribed when appropriate (Cecil County has no fluoride in the drinking water). If you are unsure of the fluoride content of your drinking water, you can bring us a small sample of the water and we will send it to a lab to analyze the fluoride concentration for you.
. Conscious Sedation/General Anesthesia
Conscious sedation refers to a method of relaxing your child while he or she is totally awake,so that dental treatment can be performed safely and efficiently. Our primary form of sedation is nitrous oxide,or laughing gas. Your child can talk and function normally,but he or she is in a relaxed state. This is the safest form of sedation available,and is very effective under most circumstances. However,there are some patients who require a deeper form of sedation.
Very young children or extremely apprehensive patients with multiple dental problems,mentally or physically handicapped patients,or patients with significant medical problems are all candidates for general anesthesia. General anesthesia means that your child is totally asleep and in this practice is done only in a hospital setting,usually on an outpatient basis (no overnight stays). Drs. Schapiro is on the staff of Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace,and admit patients regularly for treatment under general anesthesia. Treatment is completed in one visit,while your child is continuously monitored by an anesthesiologist,or a nurse anesthetist. Children recover from general anesthesia very quickly,and is a very safe and effective means of treating those patients for whom treatment in the office is not an option.