Pediatric Dental Care in Westbury, NY
Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC offers complete pediatric dentistry in Westbury, NY. As family dentists, we know how crucial it is for your child to stay healthy, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that by offering preventive and restorative dental care.
Why Children Need Dental Visits?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that parents have infants’ teeth assessed by one year of age. However, most children do not need routine visits until about age 3.
All children need to see a dentist regularly to help them maintain optimal oral health. Since oral health supports overall health, it is important that your kids learn good dental hygiene habits at a young age, and one of them is regular dental visits. With consistent, routine visits, we can detect and treat infections early, preventing your kid from experiencing discomfort or early tooth loss.
Drs. Smalberg and Satornino are experienced in treating children of all ages. By communicating with children in a calm, age-appropriate way, most can be treated comfortably in our office without the need for a specialist referral. If a child has particular specialized needs, we work with the most qualified pediatric dentists in the region.
Dental Care for Kids in Westbury
As your trusted family dentist in Westbury, we focus on preventative care first, just as we do with our adult patients. Proper home care is emphasized and reviewed with the parent/guardian and child.
We frequently recommend dental sealants for kids to protect teeth from decay. Looking at your back teeth, you can probably see the “hills and valleys” of enamel (the protective outer layer on teeth). A sealant fills the narrow “valleys,” where plaque can easily collect and form a cavity. The sealant forms an extra layer of protection so that plaque cannot get into the narrow areas of the tooth and form a cavity.
Aside from child dental check-ups and sealants, Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC also provides the following pediatric dental care services:
- Teeth Cleaning
- Dental Filling
- X-Rays
- Fluoride Treatment
- Guidance for Proper Dental Hygiene
Gentle Dental Care for Children and Teens
At Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC, our team works hard to maintain your kids’ dental health, guard against future issues, and put their comfort first. We offer gentle pediatric dental care in Westbury, NY, to help children get used to dental visits while ensuring they stay cavity-free. At your child’s appointment, Dr. Smallberg or Dr. Satornino can also answer any questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry in Westbury, NY
Where can I schedule a dental appointment for my child in Westbury, NY?
You can schedule your child’s dental visit with Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC in Westbury, NY. Dr. Jordana Smallberg and Dr. Stacy Satornino provide gentle, patient-centered dental care for kids of all ages, and our team is happy to help you find an appointment time that works for your family.
How do I help my child overcome a fear of the dentist?
It helps to talk about the dentist visit in a calm, positive way ahead of time, and to avoid using words like “hurt” or “shot” that can create worry. Bringing your child in for easy early visits, such as a simple checkup, also helps them get comfortable in the office. Our Westbury team is trained to work patiently with nervous kids and explains everything in a friendly, age-appropriate way.
What's the best way to prevent cavities in children?
Good daily brushing and flossing, a diet low in sugary snacks and drinks, and regular dental checkups are the best ways to prevent cavities. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants can add extra protection, too. Our dentists will check your child’s teeth and let you know which preventive steps make the most sense for them.
What's the difference between fluoride treatments and dental sealants, and which one does my child need?
Fluoride treatment is a coating applied to the entire tooth that strengthens the outer enamel and helps prevent decay on all teeth. Dental sealants are a thin protective layer painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities often start because of deep grooves. Many children benefit from both, but our Westbury dentists will examine your child’s teeth and recommend what best fits their needs.
What should I do if my child has a toothache?
Start by gently cleaning around the tooth and checking for any visible swelling or food stuck between the teeth. You can give your child an over-the-counter pain reliever appropriate for their age, but you should call our Westbury office as soon as possible so we can determine the cause of the pain and treat it before it gets worse.
What should I do if my child chips or knocks out a tooth?
Stay calm, since children often follow your lead. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, try to find it, hold it by the crown and not the root, rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket or keep it in milk while you call our office right away. For a chipped tooth, rinse the mouth with warm water and save any broken pieces if you can. Either way, call us immediately, since quick care gives your child’s tooth the best chance of being saved.
Do you have any problems with your teeth? Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC can help you regain your healthy, confident smile. Contact us today for personalized dental care to enhance your oral health and aesthetic appeal.
