Pediatric Dentistry
We provide the following pediatric dentistry services to the communities of Woodbridge, Dale City, Occoquan, Belmont Bay, Dumfries, Triangle, Montclair, Lake Ridge, West Ridge, Southbridge and Stafford.
Good dental health and regular check-ups are recommended for every patient. Call us today to schedule your appointment.
Comprehensive Exams -
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) all recommend a dental visit by your child's first birthday (and we do, too!). Proper care for baby teeth fosters good nutrition by permitting proper chewing, aids speech development and helps proper development of permanent teeth by saving space for them. Dr. Kori can detect early tooth decay, provide parents with information on proper oral and facial development, determine fluoride needs and more! Delayed diagnosis of dental disease or undetected and untreated tooth decay can result in problems (infection, loss of teeth), leading to more extensive and costly care.Digital Xrays –
Our dental hygienists will also take X-rays and look for abnormalities in the child’s teeth or mouth affecting the child’s bite. When the hygienist is done cleaning, the Dr. Kori will conduct further examination of the gums and mouth for signs of impacted teeth and gum disease.Oral Hygiene -
Oral hygiene means maintenance of the mouth, teeth and gums. Oral hygiene is made up of at-home daily maintenance and regular visits by your child to your dentist. The daily brushing and flossing you do at home combined with the professional cleanings provided by your dentist and dental hygienist will ensure you keep your child’s baby and natural teeth for a life time.Fluoride Treatments -
Fluoride is naturally present in teeth and strengthens teeth while also preventing teeth decay. Brushing with toothpaste containing fluoride twice a day and flossing goes a long way in preventing tooth decay. It is recommended that you brush prior to going to bed so the fluoride can remain on your teeth during the night. Brush at least twice a day beginning when teeth come in (especially after meals/snacks/juice/milk and before bedtime). Floss your child's teeth once a day (extra well for teeth that touch).Make sure you child eats a well balanced diet and limit juice and snacks, eliminate gum with sugar, soft drinks, and taffy-like candy. Visit Dr. Kori regularly beginning with an initial exam by 12 months of age. Get fluoride via drinking water, fluoride products or supplements if necessary.Sealants -
Sealants are a plastic material that is placed in the pits and fissures of the chewing surfaces of your teeth, particularly the molars at the back because toothbrushes can’t reach all the way into the grooves to clean well. Children are notoriously bad brushers and tend to ignore the problem areas in the back of the mouth that lead to cavities and decay, making them the prime target market for sealants. (However, if adults have certain problem areas that could be cured with sealants, this could be an option for them too.) The American Dental Association recommends that children receive dental sealants as soon as their adult teeth erupt.Tooth Colored Fillings –
Once decay is removed from a tooth, a tooth colored filling is placed to restore a tooth back to its normal shape and function. Dr. Kori is great at selecting a shade that is closest to your natural tooth. You won’t even notice your new filling!Extractions -
The situation with a child is very different. Dr. Kori will determine if the tooth is primary tooth that is close to being lost naturally? If a “baby” tooth is involved, it is important to know the facts. A primary tooth is critical to forming correct speech patterns, chewing correctly, and maintaining space for the permanent tooth to erupt. Losing the tooth too soon can interrupt the natural growing process … remaining teeth can drift toward the open space creating problems when the permanent tooth is ready to come in. If the primary tooth is loose, extraction would likely be recommended. There is no reason to try to salvage a tooth that will be naturally lost very soon anyway. When a child is experiencing a problem with a permanent tooth, Dr. Kori will x-ray the tooth to determine the extent of decay or infection. When root canal therapy is indicated, Dr. Kori will take the time to explain to parent and patient what is involved. Taking your child for their first dental appointment around the age of one will help familiarize your child with the dental experience. This can be important when dental treatment is needed determining whether your child will be uneasy or be able to handle this appointment with ease.