Family Dentistry

Childrens Care and Prevention

Beaverton Family Dentistry Kids really enjoy their visits to Smiles Northwest!

One big reason why is that many dental problems of the past can be largely eliminated with today's array of new treatments. With Smiles Northwest's focus on preventive care and preventive options such as sealants, our young patients just don't have the cavities that their parents endured. And even when treatment is needed, it's likely to be fast, easy, and pain-free.

Also, each of our young patients earns a trip to the Golden Treasure Chest to choose a toy as a reward for their visit with the Smile Northwest dental team.

Smiles Northwest even maintains a kid-friendly playroom that makes waiting more fun. Children are also welcome to play here while Mom or Dad are receiving their dental care.

Have you been wondering what kind of care to give your child's teeth? Read below for answers to some of the most common questions we receive about dental care for young children.

Do "baby teeth" need care? They're going to fall out anyway...

Primary or baby teeth are actually very important. They not only help your child chew food and learn to speak properly, they also help shape your child's face. Losing baby teeth too soon, through disease, decay, or other problems, can mean over-crowded permanent teeth. It's true. Baby teeth need care just as permanent teeth do.

At what age should my child begin seeing the dentist?

Depending on your child's maturity level, the first visit can be anytime between ages of 2½ and 3½. Regular visits should begin after that. A visit every six months is generally advisable, but your Smiles Northwest dentist is your best ally in deciding exactly how often your child should visit.

What will happen during my child's first visit to Smiles Northwest?

The dentist will gently examine the child's teeth and gums, checking for decay and any other problems. Your child's teeth may be cleaned. We'll also introduce your child to our "No Cavities" Board which helps us reinforce good dental habits. Once the visit is complete, your child will earn a trip to our Golden Treasure Chest for a toy reward.

Adult Care and Prevention

Prevention is for adults, too.

Even with our exciting, new technologies, we think you'll agree that prevention is better than treatment. And that's true not only for children, but for adults, too. Prevention is not only less expensive in terms of treatment costs, it also saves time and emotional investment.

In addition to brushing, flossing, a healthy diet, and regular visits to Smiles Northwest, your dental team may suggest additional preventive strategies to meet your individual needs. Occasionally changes in health and medications may signal the need to alter one's hygiene regimen, our dentists and hygienists take pride in delivering preventative care that is specific to each patient's individualized needs. Changes in health, taking certain medications, and other changes can signal the need for a different type of care. At Smiles Northwest, we'll talk with you about changes in your life that might indicate a need for change in care.

Sealants

A sealant is a resin material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, which are especially prone to decay. By bonding to the pits and fissures of the tooth, sealants prevent plaque and mouth acids from attacking the tooth. Sealants are great for children and teenagers as their teeth can be more prone to decay. But they can benefit adults as well. Ask your Smiles Northwest dentist if sealants are right for you.

Laser Dentistry

Get cavities filled without the drill...Laser Dentistry at Smiles Northwest.

Laser dentistry is a revolutionary, new technique that enables us to fill cavities quickly and painlessly. Imagine getting cavities filled easily and comfortably--without the digging and probing, the sound of the drill, or the numbness of anesthesia.

How does a Dental Laser work?

The dental laser identifies areas below the chewing surfaces on back teeth that have decay.
The laser emits a precise, specialized beam of light that gently targets tooth decay, which is softer than healthy tooth structure.
Lasers ablate the decay and leave the healthy part of the tooth intact.
When using the dental laser to prepare teeth for fillings, it generally does not cause discomfort.
Dental lasers may also be used to re-contour receding gum tissue.
Lasers allow the dental hygienist another mode of therapy when caring for inflamed gingival tissue.

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Dr Montrose DDS, Family Dentistry - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers and teeth whitening to the areas of Beaverton and Portland, Oregon.