Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend that your child see a pediatric dentist by their first birthday. As dental problems can start early, the earlier your child visits the better.

The American Dental Association recommends a dental check-up at least two times per year for most adults and children. However, some adults and children will need to visit more frequently as a result of a higher risk of tooth decay or a need for more frequent dental cleanings due to increased risk of periodontal disease, insufficient oral hygiene, and braces. Your dentist will evaluate you or your child's specific needs and recommend a dental prevention regimen.

A tooth sealant is a hardened plastic material that helps protect the grooves and pits on the chewing surface of the teeth from getting decayed. Tooth sealants can last anywhere from one to five years depending on the patient's eating habits. Avoidance of sticky, sugary foods, which can "pull" at the sealants will help them last longer.

Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a combination of two different gases: Nitrous oxide and oxygen. When a patent inhales nitrous oxide, it induces a calming effect. This relaxed state allows the patient to be more comfortable during the treatment and the treatment can go more quickly and efficiently. Nitrous oxide is extremely safe and is one of the most commonly used types of sedation dentistry. You or your child will be completely alert, awake, and responsive while under the effects of the gas.It leaves the body in a short amount of time simply by breathing in normal oxygen.

Baby teeth save space for permanent teeth and they guide them into their proper position. If baby teeth are lost early as a result of trauma or decay, the adjacent teeth may shift or tilt into the empty space. Permanent teeth will no longer have space to grow properly, thereby leading to crooked or crowded teeth. These conditions can lead to expensive and extensive orthodontic treatments if a space maintainer is not implemented to keep the space. It is typically far less costly to fill a tooth than replace it by using a space maintainer. Keep in mind that some baby teeth do not usually fall our until the patient is 10 to 12 years old.

At Distinctive Dental Services of New York, P.C., we strive to use as many disposable products as we can. Suction tips, water sprayers, prophy cups, and the like are used only once and then disposed of after each patient. Virtually all surfaces that come in frequent contact with people, such as chairs in the treatment room, are thoroughly cleaned with a disinfectant/sterilizer that kills viruses and bacteria. All indisposable items, such as instruments and handpieces, are scrubbed and rinsed with a brush and then put in an ultrasonic cleaner to eliminate debris. Once the debris has been removed, the items are placed in one of our two steam autoclaves that sterilize using extremely high pressure and temperatures. We also use a gas (ethylene oxide) sterilizer for items that cannot be sterilized with heat (i.e. plastic instruments, rubber items, and the like.)