RIDGEFIELD PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Alexi M. Damascus, D.D.S.
Practice Limited to Pediatric Dentistry

Services We Offer:

 

Dental Exams and Cleanings

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Dental exams and cleanings are important preventive services that are integral to the maintenance and health of  the gums and teeth.   Dental cleanings remove debris that build up on your child's teeth, which can cause decay and irritate the gums.  Dental exams allow us to assess your child's oral health and note any significant changes or areas of concern.  The experience of going to the dentist for a dental exam and cleaning also helps desensitize children to the dental office environment and to receiving dental treatment.  We also use this time to teach our patients about the importance of brushing, flossing and eating healthy.

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Digital X-rays

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X-rays are an important, diagnostic tool used by dentists to help observe areas that cannot be seen otherwise.  They help us diagnose cavities, infections and other diseases affecting a patient's mouth and also are used to assess growth and development. At Ridgefield Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend X-rays only when absolutely necessary and follow the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's guidelines.  While not every patient needs X-rays, if they are recommended, they are considered a necessary tool in protecting your child's dental health.  Dr. Damascus will always discuss the need for dental X-rays with you before any are taken.

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Fluoride Treatments

 

Fluoride is a natural compound that contains fluorine, an element.  Fluoride prevents the loss of minerals from tooth enamel and strengthens previously weakened enamel.  Using fluoride for prevention and control of decay is proven to be safe and effective.   We recommend children receive professional fluoride treatments twice a year to renew the fluoride content in their enamel, strengthening their teeth and preventing dental decay.  At Ridgefield Pediatric Dentistry, we routinely use a gluten, nut and dairy-free, clear fluoride varnish, which has been shown to have less ingestion and greater fluoride exposure than traditional foams and gels used in the past.  We also have a fluoride rinse, for older patients who prefer a rinse.

 

Sealants

 

Sealants are a preventive service that help keep teeth cavity free.  They are usually placed on the chewing surfaces of the back permanent teeth.  Sealants fill in the deep pits and grooves in teeth where plaque and food can become trapped or be difficult to clean using a toothbrush.  By preventing plaque and bacteria from being retained, sealants prevent cavities from forming in these areas.  At Ridgefield Pediatric Dentistry, we use a high quality, BPA-Free sealant material, which we bond to the tooth surface.

 

Dental Restorations

 

 Although our goal is to have each patient be cavity-free, dental cavities, or decay, currently is the most common disease of childhood.  At Ridgefield Pediatric Dentistry all of our composite resin ("white filling") and sealant material is high-quality, BPA-Free resin.  For restorations that extend to the nerve, we use Biodentine, a hydraulic calcium silicate material that replicates the tooth structure that has been lost to decay and helps to keep the remaining nerve tissue healthy. 

 

Nitrous Oxide

 

Sometimes a child may feel anxious about dental treatment.  Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective medication that can be used to calm a child's fear and anxiety.  It is also effective for patients whose strong gag reflex prevents treatment.  Children on nitrous oxide will feel a sensation of well-being and relaxation.  It also raises the pain threshold, thereby making treatment more comfortable.  Nitrous oxide is safe and non-allergenic.  Your child will be awake the entire time.  Nitrous oxide may not be effective for every child, especially those with severe anxiety, nasal congestion or discomfort wearing a mask over their nose.

 

General Anesthesia

 

For those patients who have extensive dental needs and are extremely uncooperative, fearful or too young to understand how to cope with traditional dental treatment, treatment under general anesthesia may be recommended.  General anesthesia is a controlled state of unconsciousness that eliminates awareness, movement and discomfort so that dental treatment can be completed safely and carefully.  Although there is some risk associated with general anesthesia, it can be administered safely and effectively.  Precautions are taken to protect your child during the entire procedure.  While we no longer treat patients in the operating room, we are able to connect patients who require general anesthesia to a nearby pediatric dental practice specializing in sedation dentistry for children.

 

Emergency Care

 

If your child is in a dental related accident, please call our office immediately.  If a baby tooth is knocked out, do not replant the tooth.  Replanting a baby tooth can cause damage to the developing permanent tooth.  If a permanent tooth is knocked out, locate the tooth and rinse it gently with cold water.  Do not scrub the tooth or use soap.  If possible, replace the tooth into the socket as soon as possible, ideally within 5 minutes, and hold it there with a washcloth or a piece of gauze.  If you are unable to replace the tooth into the socket, put the tooth immediately in cold milk or Save-A-Tooth solution (if available at accident scene), and either call our office or go to the emergency room immediately.  When a permanent tooth is knocked out, treatment is extremely time sensitive.  It is important not to wait.  If a tooth is fractured, place any segments you find in a cup of cold milk and bring them with you.    If it is after hours and you are unable to reach us right away, emergency dental treatment should be sought at the Danbury Hospital Emergency Room or the Westchester Medical Center Emergency Room.

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