Do I Need a Tooth Extraction

When your child needs a tooth extraction, Dr. John Graneto of Kids Connextion in Phoenix, AZ has an office that is convenient for you to visit. With three offices: 2533 N 75 Ave, 2046 N 24th St, and 2046 N 24th St, it is easy to get an appointment for an evaluation.

All dentists try to preserve a tooth. Every effort is made to correct whatever the problem is without having to perform a tooth extraction. With children, their teeth often come out on their own. Baby teeth fall out regularly as adult teeth come in. But, for some children or teens, adult teeth need to be extracted and there are a few reasons why that might be necessary.

Why do teeth need to be extracted?

Excess decay is one reason why a tooth may need to be extracted. The preferred treatment for decay is to remove the decay and fill the tooth. However, if the tooth is too damaged, that may not be possible.

Impacted teeth are frequently a concern with wisdom teeth. They are the farthest back four molars and in many teens' mouths there is no room for the teeth to fit, and they cannot come out of the gums correctly.

Crowding is another reason why teeth may need to be extracted. When there is not enough room in the mouth, the teeth will shift and crooked teeth are a dental hygiene issue.

Orthodontics typically requires that some teeth be extracted in order for the teeth to be correctly positioned.

Trauma is another common cause of extraction. It can be a sports injury or the result of a car accident or some other trauma to the mouth. The result is tooth extraction and Dr. Graneto of Kids Connextion in Phoenix, AZ is the doctor to visit.

Infection can get under the tooth and cause an abscess. Some infections will respond to antibiotics, but others will not, and they end up causing a lot of pain.

If it is determined that a tooth extraction is necessary, today's modern procedures make it a fairly easy and relatively painless procedure from which recovery only takes a few days.

When your child needs a tooth extraction, Dr. Graneto of Kids Connextion in Phoenix, AZ will give you the peace of mind you need to go ahead with the procedure. Call one of their three offices, 2533 N 75 Ave (602) 833-5286, 2046 N 24th St (480) 405-3635, and 524 E Baseline Rd (480) 405-3387 for an appointment.

What is a Panorex?

 Panorex is a panoramic x-ray that will take an image of the entire mouth, all of your teeth and surrounding structures at the same time. These are two-dimensional images that can show problems in the mouth beyond just cavities. Think of a panoramic picture. A panorex provides a full view of the scenery in your entire mouth in just one image. When treating children, panoramic x-ray images are more useful as they can detect any developmental issues that may be occurring in the mouth. Dr. John Graneto from Kids Connextion in Phoenix, AZ uses panorex to detect any abnormalities that may be developing in the mouth as well as using it for preventive care.

What is a panorex?

A panorex is an x-ray tool that provides a full image of the entire contents of your child's oral cavity. A panorex can take a two-dimensional panoramic image of the full mouth, rather than just a few teeth at a time. A panorex takes a picture of not just the teeth, but the surrounding bones, structures of the jaw (both upper and lower), the temporomandibular joint, nasal sinuses, and more. These are all things that traditional x-rays are not able to provide images of.

What can a panorex be used to look for?

Dr. John Graneto from Kids Connextion in Phoenix, AZ uses panorex to diagnose and treat several different conditions, including:

• Detection of oral cancer
• Temporomandibular joint disorder
• Wisdom teeth impaction
• Detection of sinus problems causing tooth pain
• Normal development of both the teeth and jaw
• Gum disease
• Assessing the need for and monitoring of dental restorations
• Orthodontic assessments including the number, position, and growth of teeth that have not yet emerged above the jawline.

What is the process like?

It is simple and painless. Panorex films are taken by a machine that rotates around the head in just several seconds. The machine can be positioned for someone standing or sitting if the patient is unable to stand. The patient is likely to need to bite down on a special tool that has the function of maintaining the head in the proper position. But the picture taken relies on the machine itself, not on those disposable x-ray film discs historically inserted into the mouth at several different positions. Gagging and discomfort are eliminated by the procedure that used to accompany holding an x-ray film in the mouth.

Contact us for more information

Dr. John Graneto from Kids Connextion in Phoenix, AZ uses panorex for the preventive and diagnostic care of your child's mouth. It makes going to the dentist a bit less scary! Schedule a consultation for your child with us by calling one of our three locations. Our 75th Avenue location can be reached at (623) 232-0749, our 24th Street location is reached by calling (480) 666-5984, and our Baseline Road location is reached at (480) 405-4714.

Does My Tooth Need a Crown?

If you think your tooth may need a crown, Dr. John Graneto of Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Phoenix AZ offers this service for children ages 12 months through 21 years. With three offices, 2533 N 75 Ave, 2046 N 24th St, and 524 E Baseline Rd., one is sure to be convenient.

Reasons for needing a crown?

Crowns are an option to consider when the original tooth has been weakened to the point where it is in danger of being lost. It can be the result of excessive decay, it can be a cracked or damaged tooth or a too large filling that is threatening to break the tooth.If you have had a root canal, a crown will also protect it. If you have a tooth that is mishappened or discolored, this is another reason a crown may be a viable option. The main reason for getting a crown is to preserve the natural tooth.

What is a crown?

A crown is a cover, made from metal alloy, composite resin, ceramic, porcelain or a combination. Most of the time, the crown will be created in a color that blends in with the rest of the teeth to make it look natural. The best material will depend on where the tooth is located and how much use it will get. The dentist will discuss the options with you and explain the benefits and drawbacks of each of them.

How is a crown attached?

A crown is attached with cement to the remains of your permanent tooth. The tooth must be prepared before the crown can be attached. Any decay will be removed and the tooth will be filed down and shaped to be prepared to receive the crown in Phoenix, AZ. Once it has been attached it will look and feel just like your original tooth.

How to care for a crown

You should care for a crown the same way you would care for your natural teeth. Brush it twice a day with a soft toothbrush and floss once. Use toothpaste approved by the ADA. Don't chew hard things like ice that can damage your crown. Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your crown. Get professional cleaning as recommended by your dentist. If well cared for, a crown can last for a very long time.

For a crown, contact Dr.Graneto of Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Phoenix AZ. Call one of their three offices, 2533 N 75 Ave (602) 833-5286, 2046 N 24th St (480) 405-3635, and 524 E Baseline Rd (480) 405-3387 for an appointment.

What Can Sealants do for my Child's Teeth?

 If you think your child could benefit from sealants, Dr. John Graneto of Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Phoenix, AZ can provide the information and services you require. With three offices, 2533 N 75 Ave, 2046 N 24th St, and 524 E Baseline Rd one is sure to be in a convenient location.

What are sealants?

Sealants are a thin coating, made from plastic or other materials, that protect the back teeth from all the things that want to damage the top surface. While brushing and flossing are still the best way to protect your teeth, the back teeth are difficult to care for. The surface is rough, and it is the perfect place for food and bacteria to do their worst.

What age is best for sealants?

The first set of molars comes in at six years of age and the remainder at around 12 years old. As soon as the molars have fully erupted, they should be treated with sealant. The earlier the better is the best answer, but adults can benefit as well.

The benefit of sealants?

A report released by the CDC shows that children who have sealant applied to their molars had an 80% reduction in decay. Children between ages 6 and 11 have three times the number of cavities if they do not have sealant on their teeth. The indication is pretty clear that sealants help reduce the number of cavities.

How are sealants applied?

Applying the sealant in Phoenix, AZ is a quick and easy process. The tooth is first cleaned and dried. Then the surface is roughened up with an acidic gel. This helps prepare the surface so that the sealant will bond correctly. The acid is rinsed off, the tooth is dried, and the sealant is applied. A special blue light is used to harden the sealant, and it's done.

Do sealants need to be reapplied?

Yes, sealants do need to be reapplied. During your regular visits, your dentist will check the condition of the sealant and when it has deteriorated, it will be replaced. They usually last several years before needing to be renewed.

For sealants, Dr.Graneto Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Phoenix, AZ will be happy to discuss with you the benefits for your child. Call one of their three offices, 2533 N 75 Ave (602) 833-5286, 2046 N 24th St (480) 405-3635, and 524 E Baseline Rd (480) 405-3387.