Perfect Smiles is a family-friendly dental office that provides complete dental care in Bensalem, PA for children and adults. As a local family dentist, we can provide oral health care for growing and aging smiles and make it convenient for all family members to receive oral health care in one location.
Patients who visit our dental office regularly benefit from enhanced dental cleanings and routine exams. Our professional dentists and office staff welcome all ages and help patients improve and maintain their smiles.
Pediatric dental services will be the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. Our office strives to offer high-quality services for all our patients, regardless of age. We work with parents to teach them the best methods of caring for their children’s smiles. Our dental office also provides family scheduling, so that each family member can receive care in one visit. We offer family dental solutions as a part of our general dentistry services.
Your Child’s First Dentist Visit
We recommend that parents bring their children for their first dental visit after their first tooth appears or before their first birthday. The pediatric care that we provide at these routine visits is important. This is because children are prone to developing gum disease and cavities. During this first visit, we will look for:
- Tooth growth
- Dental injuries
- Cavities
Before the appointment, we encourage parents to discuss the dentist with their child. Emphasizing the exciting aspects of visiting the dentist will help prevent dental fear or anxiety. Our friendly dental team will also help ensure that your child’s first visit is a positive experience.
Dental Sealants and Flouride
We recommend dental sealants and fluoride treatments to children as they grow older. Sealants benefit patients who are between 6 to 14, while fluoride treatments benefit patients six months and older. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that we apply to teeth. We typically apply sealants to the chewing surfaces of the back molars.
Sealants fully cover the tooth surfaces to protect them from decay. For fluoride treatments, we fill a tooth tray with fluoride gel. Then, we will place the tray on the teeth for several minutes. Like sealants, fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and protects teeth from harmful bacteria.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
As children age into teenagers and young adults, wisdom teeth become an issue. Most of our mouths don’t have room for this extra set of molars. Sometimes, the teeth are impacted and don’t erupt at all, leading to pain and the chance of infection. Other times, they erupt and cause the teeth to become cramped and crooked. Crooked teeth are harder to clean, and this can then lead to tooth decay or gum disease.
Almost always, we’ll recommend removing the wisdom teeth. Extracting them allow your teeth to have room and avoid the issues that come with cramped or crooked teeth.
Dental Care for Seniors
As we age, we can develop oral health problems that we may have never experienced before. Our office provides dental care to address tooth discoloration, dental injuries, and even tooth loss. For patients who want to brighten their smiles multiple shades, we offer in-office and take-home teeth whitening treatments.
Porcelain veneers and dental bonding can be used to cover deep tooth stains that may be caused by injury or wear. Alternatively, dental veneers and tooth bonding may also fix chips and cracks in the tooth enamel and slight misalignment or gaps between teeth.
Restorative dentistry is one of the most important aspects of care for our patients. Many restorative dental treatments, like dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures, can replace missing teeth. Implants may be used alone or to secure prosthetics that restore multiple lost teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t adults get dental sealants?
Children usually receive dental sealants to protect their permanent teeth from cavities. One of the reasons why adults may receive dental sealants less frequently is that they may already have existing dental restorations or dental work, such as fillings. Additionally, adults may prioritize other preventative measures such as regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings as part of their oral hygiene routine. However, any adult without fillings or decay on the biting surfaces of their molars can be candidates for sealants. It’s just less common.
Who is a good candidate for dental sealants?
A good candidate for dental sealants is usually someone at higher risk of tooth decay, especially in their molars and premolars. Children and teenagers fit that bill because they’re often more prone to cavities. If your child’s permanent molars come between ages 6 and 12, your dentist may suggest sealants. Adults with teeth that lack fillings or no signs of decay can also benefit from sealants.
How painful is wisdom tooth extraction?
Wisdom tooth extraction varies for each individual. However, with today’s anesthesia options, the extraction itself should not be painful. You’ll likely feel pressure but not direct pain. After the procedure, you can expect some discomfort and swelling once the anesthesia wears off. Pain relievers and following your dentist’s instructions can help manage any pain during recovery. Always communicate with your dentist about any concerns or pain you might experience.
What are the options the elderly have for tooth loss?
Elderly dental patients with tooth loss have several options to restore their smile. One common option is removable dentures. The good thing about these types of dentures is that you can remove them cleaning. Another option is dental implants, titanium posts that oral surgeons place into the jawbone. Dental implants support artificial teeth. Additionally, elderly patients can use dental bridges to replace missing teeth by attaching artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth.
How long does it take for children’s teeth to grow back?
When children lose their baby teeth, the time it takes for the permanent teeth to come in can vary. Typically, once a baby loses their tooth, it can take a few months to even a year or more for the permanent tooth to emerge fully. The front teeth usually grow quicker, often within a couple of months. Molars and other teeth may take longer.
How painful are fillings for kids?
For children, getting a filling isn’t painful. This is because, before the procedure, the dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area. This will ensure minimal discomfort during the process. Some children may still feel slight pressure or vibrations during the filling placement. However, it should be manageable. Most dentists will prioritize children’s comfort and take steps to minimize any potential discomfort.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Call our dental office for family dental care at 215-770-1081. You may also feel free to request a dental appointment with our professional team on our website.