Sedation dentistry

For people who are nervous about getting dental work done, sedation dentistry is an option that needs to be considered. The dentists at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ provide this service. With three offices in the greater Phoenix area, you are sure to find one that is convenient for you. 

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a way to help patients to be relaxed during a dental procedure when the child or patient is anxious, and you need them to remain calm so that the procedure can be completed. It is sometimes referred to as twilight sleep. The patient will technically still be awake, but a type of short-term amnesia is created that keeps them from remembering the procedure.

To practice sedation dentistry, a dentist must have special training and must meet the requirements of the state in which they practice.

Nitrous oxide

Commonly called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is administered as a gas through a mask. It usually begins to take effect anywhere between three and five minutes. It smells and tastes quite sweet and a feeling of euphoria is the result. It is like nothing really matters anymore, your fear or anxiety dissipates, and you just feel light and happy.

When the procedure is over, your dentist will give you some oxygen to breathe, and it will clear your head almost immediately. Adverse effects are not common.

If your child is anxious about visiting the dentist, this is an option worth discussing. Many people suffer from a lifetime of anxiety when it comes to dental visits unnecessarily. Your dental health is too important to allow fear to keep you or your child from getting the regular dental care you require.

To find out more about sedation dentistry, you can count on Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ to provide this service. Contact our offices at 623-232-0749, 480-666-5984, or 480-405-4714.

Kids Dental Hygiene

Kids' dental hygiene begins early in their lives. Actually, dental care begins even before your baby's teeth come in. Good dental hygiene begins at home and continues with regular dental visits. Kidz Connextion has three locations in Phoenix, AZ, with multiple locations and flexible hours. We make it easy to find a time and place to fit dental care into your busy schedule.

Baby dental care

The CDC recommends beginning dental care even before teeth start to erupt. Parents or caregivers should use a soft cloth to wipe the inside of the baby's mouth after each feeding and before bed so that milk or formula does not remain sitting in the mouth. Once the teeth start to come in, use a soft toothbrush to brush the teeth with plain water twice a day.

At one year of age, schedule a first dental visit to detect any issues. It is a good time to talk to your dentist about putting fluoride on baby teeth as soon as they erupt. Discuss the use of fluoride toothpaste with your dentist for any children under the age of two.

Kids dental hygiene

Children should brush their own teeth twice a day as soon as they are able. After two years, fluoride toothpaste is recommended and drinking water with fluoride is also recommended. If your water doesn't have fluoride, a fluoride rinse may be recommended. Another thing to discuss is the application of sealants to cut down on decay.

If your children are less than six years old, they need supervision to make sure they are brushing correctly, not using too much toothpaste, and rinsing and spitting rather than swallowing the toothpaste. Kids who learn good dental hygiene young tend to have healthier teeth and maintain the habit of caring for their teeth for a lifetime.

An average healthy child will visit the dentist twice a year. If, however, your child tends to be cavity prone, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits. Taking good care of baby teeth helps to have healthy adult teeth.

When you are in need of kids dental hygiene for your children, you can count on Kidz Connextion, With three Phoenix, AZ locations, it is easy to get a convenient appointment. Contact our offices at N. 75th Ave. by text at 623-232-0749, at N. 24th St by text at 480-666-5984, and E. Baseline Rd by text at 480-405-4714.

Does your child need a tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction can be frightening and scary for kids as they are unsure what to expect. But when your child needs it, you have no other alternative but to prepare them as the procedure will save them a lot of pain later. The dental team at Kidz Connextion has experience when it comes to dental issues affecting kids. If your child needs a tooth extraction, you can visit any of our locations in Phoenix, AZ. Here is a guide to help you when your kid needs a tooth extraction.

Losing Their First Tooth

Children often lose their first teeth at about age 6. The adult teeth will start growing and push the baby teeth out. This is a natural process that needs no tooth extraction procedure. But when this process does not happen naturally, your child may need a tooth extraction. Since adult teeth are permanent, they need to come out without any issues. When the baby teeth hinder this process, they lead to other problems in the mouth. For instance, if a baby tooth is not coming out, it can lead to overcrowding of the teeth as there isn’t enough space in the mouth to accommodate both baby and adult teeth.

Extraction Because the Teeth Are Infected or Damaged

Another situation where your child may need a tooth extraction is when one or multiple teeth have been damaged beyond repair. This can happen after a sports injury, car accident, gum or bone infection, or a cavity that is too extensive to repair.

What Does a Child Extraction Procedure Look Like?

Each case will be different depending on the kind of treatment your child needs. For instance, if the tooth to be extracted is easy to remove, then this is a simple extraction. The doctor will numb the area and gently extract the affected tooth with forceps.

If the tooth is significantly affected, the dentist may have to remove it in pieces. This is a more complex procedure, and the dentist will sedate your child via an IV or use laughing gas.

Before the procedure, talk to your child in an assuring way to prepare them. You can also talk to your dentist about how to best prepare your child for the procedure. After the extraction, our dentist will advise you on how to care for your child, depending on the treatment they just underwent.

If you feel that your child needs a tooth extraction, schedule an appointment with Kidz Connextion at 623-232-0749. You can find our team of dentists on 24th Street, 75th Street, and Baseline Road in Phoenix, AZ, ready to attend to your kid.

Sealants Protect Your Smile

You may not have realized that sealants protect your smile, but they really do. It is hard to smile if your teeth are not in good condition and the care of your teeth begins when you are young. At Kidz Connextion your experienced dentist can explain the benefits of sealants. With multiple locations and flexible hours, it is easy to find the time and place to fit getting sealants for your child into your busy schedule.

Sealants are one of the many weapons your dentist has in their fight against tooth decay. It starts with young children and can even be used on adults to help prevent cavities. When dental sealants are placed on molars, they are effective in preventing cavities 80% of the time for the first two years and 50% for years three and four.

The evidence is pretty compelling that this is something that both you and your kids should consider getting. 

What are dental sealants?

As parents, it is natural to wonder if dental sealants are safe for their children. Sealants are made from plastic or resin and both the ADA (American Dental Association) and the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) have agreed that dental sealants are safe for both children and adults.

The sealant is painted onto the chewing surface of the molars, and it fills in the uneven surface of the teeth so that food and bacteria can't make a home there. Sealants are not supposed to take the place of good dental hygiene, you still need to brush and floss, but this can help to protect those particular teeth which do so much work when you chew.

How long do dental sealants last?

Of course, with baby teeth, the sealant often lasts until the tooth falls out. But in adult teeth, research has shown that the protection can last for up to nine years. Though it is never a good idea to just assume it is still in place, you need to have regular dental visits to check what condition the protection is in.

Kidz Connextion can make sure that you have sealants to protect your smile. Contact our offices at N. 75th Ave. by text at 623-232-0749, at N. 24th St by text at 480-666-5984, and at E. Baseline Rd by text at 480-405-4714 to make an appointment.

Thumbsucking and Oral Health

 If your child has a thumbsucking habit and you're concerned about their oral health, let Dr. John Graneto and the team at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ be your partners in addressing the issue.

 

Can Thumbsucking Really Impact My Child’s Oral Health?

Seeing a little one suck on their thumb or finger doesn’t seem like a big deal to some people, but you might hear others say that they need to stop it before they mess up their teeth. Which school of thought is correct? Can thumbsucking really impact oral health or is this a myth?

The truth is that thumbsucking can cause issues, but it really depends on the child’s actual habits. For example, if your little one really is little and their teeth have yet to come in, you shouldn’t worry. In fact, experts state that as long as the habit is broken by the time they’re seven, their teeth should be able to correct themselves if any issues form.

Another factor is the force with which they suck on their thumb. Many children simply hold their thumbs in their mouths but don’t actually suck on them. This is unlikely to cause any harm. However, those that vigorously suck on their thumb might experience dental problems.

 

What Side Effects Can Thumbsucking Have On Oral Health?

If your child’s habit does cause problems, the most likely one is a bite issue, such as an overbite. It can also make changes to the roof of the mouth and the shape of the jaw, which can cause problems with their speech.

If you feel your child’s thumbsucking habit is causing problems but don’t know how to break it, talk to Dr. Graneto and the team at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ. They’ll be happy to help guide you and your child through the process.

 

 

Put your mind and your child’s thumbsucking habits to rest with the help of Dr. Graneto at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ. Schedule an oral health appointment by texting (623) 232-0749 for the N. 75th Avenue location, (480) 666-5984 for the N. 24th Street office, or (480) 405-4714 for the Baseline Road location.

Dental Phobia in Children

 If your child suffers from dental phobia, taking them to the dentist can be a very difficult task. Dr. John Graneto and the team at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ are experienced in managing these issues and will partner with you to create the most pleasant experience.

 

What Is Dental Phobia in Kids?

Fear of going to the dentist is an issue that affects both children and adults. When your child experiences it, you might find dental visits to be a less than pleasurable experience. They might cry, start shaking, act out, and do anything they can to get out of it. You might find that they scream when the dentist touches them – even if he’s doing nothing but looking inside their mouth. And such a response can make you both dread the next dentist appointment.

 

What Can I Do To Help My Child?

Though the situation can be difficult, you are not helpless. There are several steps you can take to make it a bit easier for you both.

Understand the Difference Between a Phobia and Anxiety

Dental phobia and dental anxiety are completely different. Anxiety is common and can usually be managed with a few steps. Dental phobia is due to irrational fears and can make your child physically ill. If you’re dealing with a phobia, you might need to seek help from a therapist.

Follow Good Hygiene at Home

Dental anxiety can be exacerbated when drills and needles come into play. By keeping your children’s teeth clean, you reduce the likelihood of them having to have fillings or other work done that could add to their current fears.

Choose a Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists like Dr. Graneto at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ are specifically trained to manage young children and all that entails. They typically have a kid-friendly environment set up and know how to manage outbursts. Even if your child breaks into a crying fit, you can rest assured that it’s not the first time they’ve seen it. It’s not going to bother them, so you shouldn’t feel any shame.

Make Dental Days Fun Days

Consider heading to the park or out for a milkshake after their appointment. This will help them associate enjoyment with dental days.

 

 

If your child suffers from dental phobia or anxiety, let Dr. Graneto at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ help. Schedule an appointment by texting (623) 232-0749 for the N. 75th Avenue location, (480) 666-5984 for the N. 24th Street office, or (480) 405-4714 for the Baseline Road location.

Does My Child Need a Tooth Extracted?

 If you’re wondering if your child really needs a tooth extraction, Dr. John Graneto at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ is happy to discuss all potential solutions with you and ensure that an extraction is the right fit for the situation.

 

Do Children Really Need Tooth Extractions?

If you’ve been told that your child needs a tooth extraction, you’re likely wondering why. Baby teeth fall out, so why would they need them extracted? You don’t want your child to go through any more pain than is necessary, so it’s completely understandable that you’re asking such a question.

It’s important to understand that tooth extractions are a last resort. A dentist will not recommend this procedure if there is any other way to address the issue. However, there are times when no other solution will work and extractions must be done.

 

4 Common Reasons Children Need Tooth Extractions

One of the most common reasons children have teeth extracted is that there is an infection or abscess beneath the tooth. Leaving the infection alone can be dangerous, so measures have to be taken to address it.

Severe cavities are another common reason for tooth extractions in kids. When a cavity is addressed in time, Dr. Graneto at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ can typically remove the cavity and cover the tooth with a filling or crown.

However, these treatments require that a certain amount of healthy tooth structure be present. When a cavity is severe, there might not be enough of the tooth left for a simple fix.

Your child might also need teeth extracted if they have more teeth than space for those teeth to fit – a condition known as overcrowding. When this occurs, it can impact the health of their teeth as well as their ability to eat and speak properly.

Lastly, if your child needs to get orthodontic work done, such as braces, some teeth may need to be removed. This is to ensure that the braces can work as they need to and provide the best results.

 

If you have concerns about an extraction or would like a second opinion, Dr. Graneto is here to help. You can schedule an appointment at any of the three convenient Kidz Connextion offices in Phoenix, AZ. Text (623) 232-0749 for an appointment at the N. 75th Avenue location, (480) 666-5984 for the N. 24th Street office, or (480) 405-4714 for the Baseline Road location.