General Dentistry in Birmingham, AL
1 year old exams
Your child’s first dental visit should be scheduled around their first birthday. One of the most important reasons of this visit is to familiarize your child with the dental office environment and to ease any anxiety associated with future visits.
Dental exam, Cleaning, and Fluoride Treatment
A twice a year professional dental cleaning and fluoride treatment are an important part of your child’s program to prevent decay and promote healthy oral hygiene. But at-home dental care and a healthy diet are equally important as visiting the dentist on a regular basis.
Dental Exam
A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by Dr. Thomas at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:
Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings will be performed by our experience staff who are Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:
- Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
- Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
- Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
Fillings and Tooth Extractions
If your child has a cavity, Dr. Thomas will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill it with a composite resin material, which are fillings that are similar in color to natural teeth.
In some cases, injury or decay damages a tooth extensively and an extraction is the proper treatment option. We can remove your child's troublesome tooth and give you the treatment options to replace it.
“We LOVE this place!
We can’t say enough good things about Dr. Clark Thomas and his practice. My son is 2 years old and has seen him twice so far. Both times, it’s obvious that the staff is used to kids and well equipped to handle them. They are kind and understanding, and made our visit way easier than I anticipated. Dr. Thomas asked about my son and even remembered the last frantic time I had contacted him in a dental emergency. He’s very good with kids (and their anxious moms!).
~ Christina H.
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