Do you need a dentist that can treat your whole family? We help families schedule dental care so parents and children can receive care during the same visit. It can sometimes be difficult for families to fit dental visits into their busy schedules.
Clarkston Dental Care is a family dentist office in Clarkston, MI. Dr. Michael Sesi and his team take a comprehensive approach to dental care, offering preventative, general dental treatments for all patients.
Why Are Early Dental Visits Important?
Parents should bring their children for their first dental visit once their baby teeth emerge, typically after they turn one. Children’s dentistry is an important way of building good oral health habits. Patients who visit the dentist as a child and continue visiting the dentist as they grow have happier, healthier smiles.
Before your child’s first visit, you can play pretend that you’re at the dentist with them and describe what happens when they visit. Getting children ready for the dentist makes the experience more enjoyable. Furthermore, when children visit our friendly dental team at an early age, they feel comfortable in our office. Early visits can prevent dental fear and anxiety.
Fluoride and Sealants
We typically recommend fluoride treatment and dental sealants for children to prevent cavities. Children are prone to decay and cavities, especially in the back of the mouth, which can be difficult to clean. At routine visits, we can apply fluoride varnish to teeth. Patients must avoid eating for several hours as fluoride penetrates the tooth enamel.
Dental sealants are protective coatings we place on molars. They can work for years after application to protect molars from decay-causing bacteria. In addition, both sealants and fluoride strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
Family Dentistry For All Ages in Clarkston, MI
As we age, we can discover new dental problems or may have accidents that injure our smiles. Because of this, Clarkston Dental Care offers restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments for older patients. So whether you want to brighten your smile or need to replace a knocked-out tooth, we can help.
Our restorative treatments include dental implants and implant-secured restorations. Dental implants are small titanium screws that we place in the jaw bone. Implants create a stable foundation for single dental crowns, bridges, and dentures. In addition, implants can secure one or more replacement teeth for improved function and aesthetics.
Once patients restore their smiles, they may want to address discolored or injured teeth. Dental veneers and tooth bonding treatment can cover gaps, chips, cracks, and dull teeth. Tooth crowns fully cover broken or worn teeth. We also typically provide crowns for patients following a root canal.
Why Choose a Family Dentist?
Choosing a family dentist makes dental care easy and convenient for the entire family. You don’t have to go to a bunch of different dentists for each member of your family. A family dentist can take care of everyone. Our office offers various services so you can all get dental care under one roof. It makes scheduling easy because you can schedule checkups for everyone in the family at once, so you only have to go to our office one time.
When you visit a family dentist regularly, you build personal relationships with the staff. Our dentists learn about your family’s history and personal dental needs. Clarkston Dental Care prides itself on personalized care that’s unique to every individual. It becomes increasingly seamless when you visit our office regularly. Children also respond better when they have friendly faces that they know. They’re more comfortable getting dental care when they have a relationship with the staff.
A relationship with a family dentist can help patients of all ages feel less anxious when they come into the office. Dental anxiety impacts many people. One way to diminish it is to have an environment where you feel comfortable. The more you come into our office, the more comfortable you’ll be. You’ll be used to the office and know what to expect when sitting in the dental chair.
Monitoring Growth and Providing Education
A family dentist sees you throughout your different stages of life. Particularly with children, the mouth is always growing and changing. When you’re consistent with a family dentist, they monitor the growth and changes through the years. This allows us to see changes early, which means simpler and less expensive treatment. The earlier you get treatment for dental issues, the easier the process is.
Many children and teens require orthodontic treatment for a healthy, functional smile. Early orthodontic intervention can prevent the need for more intensive treatment with braces and other orthodontic appliances. We have relationships with local orthodontists to ensure everyone gets the teeth straightening treatment they need. For older patients, we provide treatment with Invisalign clear aligners.
Patient education is an essential part of dentistry. We teach you the best way to care for your teeth between visits to our office. This is especially important for children – first as their parents brush for them and later when they do things independently. Children need to learn the importance of oral health care early. It gets them used to good oral health habits that they’ll keep up for the rest of their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
We will answer frequently asked questions about family and pediatric dentistry.
What should you avoid after sealants?
After getting sealants, you should avoid sticky or hard foods for at least the first 24 hours. Foods like gum, caramel, and hard candies can dislodge the sealants. It’s also a good idea to be gentle when brushing the sealed teeth during this time.
How long does a fluoride treatment last?
The protective effects of a fluoride treatment can last several months. We often recommend getting them every six months during your regular check-ups. This helps keep your teeth strong and more resistant to cavities over time.
Can my child eat after sealants?
Yes, your child can eat right after getting sealants. However, it is best to avoid sticky or hard foods for the first 24 hours. This will prevent damage to the sealants. You should encourage them to eat softer foods to ensure the sealants are set correctly.
Are sealants better than fillings?
Sealants and fillings aren’t exactly better or worse. They serve different purposes. Sealants help prevent cavities by protecting the tooth surface, especially in kids. On the other hand, fillings repair a tooth after a cavity has formed. Using sealants can help your child avoid needing fillings later on.
How early should a child go to the dentist?
Your child should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth comes in. Early visits help ensure their teeth are developing properly. Plus, it sets the stage for good dental habits from the start.
Are dental sealants effective in preventing cavities?
Absolutely! They act as a protective barrier, sealing off the grooves in your teeth where food and bacteria can get trapped. Sealants can also reduce the risk of cavities by up to 80%, especially in children and teens.
Contact Our Dental Office
Do you need a family dentist? Call Clarkston Dental Care for family dentistry services today at 248-985-2906. Feel free to schedule a dental consultation with us online. Please let us know if you have questions about making your next appointment or the treatment options for your child. We are here to assist you.