KEEPING SMILES BRIGHT
Emergency Dentist in Queens, NY
Looking for a safe and quality pediatric dentist in Queens? Our board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Sara, has been specially trained to work with children and patients with special needs considerations. From babies to teens, we tailor each pediatric visit to your child’s unique needs. We would feel honored to be a part of your family’s dental health routine.
What Is a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dentists have gone through an additional 2-year residency training program to specialize in caring for children and those with special needs. They learn the best treatment approaches for kids as well as behavior management techniques, a unique skill set that helps children feel comfortable with dental treatment.
Our office is specifically designed with children’s needs in mind. Our knowledge and experiences enable us to specifically identify the needs of your child and solve these problems quickly.
The Role of a Pediatric Dentist
Childhood years are filled with laughter, exploration, and growth. It’s a time when kids should be free to savor every moment without worrying about dental issues. With the help of a pediatric dentist and specialized procedures, we preserve their joyful childhood while keeping their dental health in check. Below are the procedures a pediatric dentist in Queens NY like Dr. Sara can offer:
Comprehensive Oral Health Exams
Pediatric dentists conduct thorough examinations of your child’s oral health. These exams assess the development of teeth, gums, and the overall condition of the mouth. Regular check-ups are essential to catch and address issues early.
Teeth Cleaning
Routine dental cleaning involves the removal of plaque and tartar buildup, contributing to the prevention of cavities and the maintenance of healthy gums. Through regular teeth cleaning, pediatric dentists ensure that your child’s oral health remains in optimal condition.
Fluoride Treatments
When deemed necessary, pediatric dentists administer fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel. This added layer of protection further shields against tooth decay, ensuring your child’s smile stays bright and healthy.
Diagnosis and Early Orthodontic Intervention
Pediatric dentists possess the expertise to identify early signs of orthodontic issues, such as misaligned teeth or improper bites. Timely intervention can lead to effective orthodontic treatment, ensuring your child’s smile develops properly.
Cavity Removal
Cavities are common among children, and pediatric dentists are skilled at diagnosing and treating them. Whether through fillings or other procedures, they can restore teeth damaged by decay.
Dental Trauma
Accidents happen, and dental injuries like fractured or displaced teeth require prompt attention. Pediatric dentists are prepared to address such emergencies, restoring your child’s dental health and appearance.
Gum Disease Management
Gum health is integral to overall oral well-being. Pediatric dentists manage gum diseases to prevent pediatric periodontal issues, ensuring the gums remain healthy and free from infection.
Early Detection of Systemic Health Conditions
Pediatric dentists also play a role in identifying oral health conditions linked to systemic health problems. Conditions resulting from medical issues such as diabetes, asthma, hay fever, or ADHD can manifest in the mouth.
When to Schedule the First Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit six months after their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. Early visits establish a foundation for good oral health and familiarize your child with the dental environment.
But no worries if you are not able to bring them to our office this soon. It’s never too late for your child’s first visit and we are happy to see kids from ages 0 to 18 as well.
What to Expect at the Pediatric Dentist
Visiting the dentist with your child is a unique experience, tailored to ensure their comfort and well-being. Pediatric dentists specialize in providing care that caters to the specific needs of young patients, making each visit a positive and enjoyable one. Here’s what you can expect when you bring your child to a pediatric dentist:
Child-Friendly Environment
Pediatric dental offices are designed to create a welcoming atmosphere for children. These spaces feature special equipment and decorations that appeal to young patients, helping to alleviate any anxiety they may have.
Comprehensive Consultation During First Visit
A typical first visit to a pediatric dentist usually lasts approximately 30 minutes. The specific type of examination and treatment will depend on your child’s age and unique dental needs.
During a routine oral health exam with a pediatric dentist, you can expect:
- Discussion of Oral Health: The appointment often begins with a brief discussion with Dr. Sara about your child’s oral health, including their brushing and flossing habits. This provides an opportunity to address any questions or concerns you may have.
- Comprehensive Examination: Dr. Sara will conduct a thorough examination of your child’s oral cavity, including the growth and development of their teeth, gums, jaws, bite, and the surrounding oral tissues. This examination helps identify any issues or abnormalities that may require attention.
- Teeth Polishing and Cleaning: Teeth polishing and cleaning are essential parts of a routine visit. This process removes plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth, promoting overall oral health and maintaining a sparkling smile.
- X-Rays for Young Children: Pediatric dentists typically do not perform X-rays on baby teeth unless there is a specific concern, such as suspected tooth decay or the need to examine the root of a baby tooth. X-rays for young children are only recommended when medically necessary, ensuring their safety and minimizing radiation exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pediatric dentists have at least two years of residency training beyond dental school. That additional training focuses on the management and treatment of developing teeth, growth, and development of children, childhood behaviors and behavior management, and caring for children with special healthcare needs.
We’d love to, but Dr. Sara specializes exclusively in children’s oral health. We know lots of dentists around Astoria and the Long Island City area who are especially great with grown-ups. We’d love to introduce you to one of our friends if you’re looking for a dentist!
We’ll start with a toothbrush! We do this so that we can teach your kid to brush like a dentist. Research shows that a toothbrush is as effective as other tools at removing plaque, and often it’s all we need to make teeth sparkly clean for a thorough exam.
When kids have hard buildup (like stain or calculus) on their teeth, we may need to use one of our other tools such as a scaler (metal scrappy thing) or a rubber cup polisher (fancy electric toothbrush) to get the job done.
As soon as teeth start coming in, we recommend brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small (age-appropriate) amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
- For children 0 to 3 years old, use a “rice grain-sized amount” of toothpaste.
- As soon as your kid turns 3, you can brush with a “pea-sized amount” of toothpaste.
If it’s an age-appropriate amount of toothpaste, totally okay to swallow. If kids eat a little too much toothpaste, it causes an upset tummy. If they eat way too much toothpaste, it can cause discoloration of the developing adult teeth. To be safe, make sure that toothpaste is always applied to the toothbrush by a grown-up and that toothpaste is kept out of reach of kids.
We recommend changing your toothbrush approximately every three months. After three months, the bristles weaken and are less effective at removing plaque from teeth. It’s also important to ditch your toothbrush after you’ve been sick. When you are ready, PCO Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics can help dispose of your toothbrush properly!
Yes! We are a part of the Colgate Oral Care Recycling Program. We can help dispose of plastic toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes and caps, packaging, and floss containers of any brand. We’ll ensure all that stuff stays out of the landfills and oceans.
Our office is in a network with many insurances and our lovely team members can double-check before you bring your child to the office. Please call in and we can confirm for you so that your child is all set for their appointment.
PCO Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is your trusted pediatric dentist in Queens NY and pediatric dentist in Astoria, and we also offer pediatric dentistry in Long Island City, among other locations. Our office is located at 34-22 35th Street in Queens, and we accommodate every patient coming from different areas in our dental office.
Why Choose PCO Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics for Your Child’s Needs?
Kids may find dental procedures scary so they need dentists they can rely on and be comfortable with. Your child’s smile is our top priority at PCO Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. Located in Queens, NY, and serving neighboring communities, our team of professionals, headed by Dr. Sara Rasamimari and Dr. Tiya Ungphakorn is committed to providing exceptional pediatric dentistry Queens, and orthodontic care.
- Specialized Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Sara is a board-certified pediatric dentist with additional training in children’s dental needs and behavior management techniques. - Child-Centric Environment
Our office is designed with children’s comfort in mind, creating a welcoming atmosphere to ensure a positive experience. - Expert Orthodontic Care
Dr. Tiya is a board-certified pediatric orthodontist who focuses on creating healthy, beautiful smiles by properly aligning teeth and jaws.