Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I fix my child's baby teeth when they are going to fall out anyway?
Baby teeth are susceptible to the same problems as permanent teeth. A baby tooth can get a cavity, can become infected, can cause toothaches or swelling just like a permanent tooth. Our goal is to avoid significant tooth problems that can cause your child to have tooth aches or possible tooth infections which may lead to sleepless nights and/or time out of school.
If a baby tooth is lost prematurely due to decay or trauma, it can lead to space loss problems and potential orthodontic needs. Starting infants off with good oral care can help protect teeth leading to a lifetime of healthy smiles. The AAPD and ADA recommend that children visit a dentist no later than the first birthday and then at intervals recommended by the dentist.
What is the value of a space maintainer/Why is my child’s dentist recommending a space maintainer?
Space maintainers help hold space for permanent teeth. If your child loses a baby tooth prematurely due to decay or trauma, adjacent teeth can drift into the empty space and cause potential crowding and bite changes. To prevent this from happening, the dentist may recommend a space maintainer.
My child has a permanent tooth coming in behind the front baby teeth. Is this okay?
One concern that many parents have is permanent teeth coming in behind the baby teeth. Believe it or not, this is a common occurrence. Around the age of 6 years old, children begin to exchange their front teeth for permanent teeth. Sometimes we notice a tooth coming in behind the baby tooth rather than pushing the baby tooth out directly. As all situations may be different, we recommend that your child have an evaluation with a pediatric dentist to determine if immediate treatment is necessary.
What is the difference between baby and permanent teeth?
The enamel (hard white material that covers the tooth) and dentin (main bony part of the tooth that surrounds the pulp) are thinner in baby teeth and the pulp (inner structure of tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels) is bigger relative to the rest of the tooth. This means that if your child gets a cavity, it can spread much faster to the nerve of the tooth. Baby teeth also have shorter roots and may fall out more easily if your child falls or hits their mouth.
What insurance does Children’s Dental Village accept?
Dr. Padilla and Dr. Lepetich are contracted with dental providers for:
- Delta Dental Premier
- Health Choice Arizona
- United Healthcare Community Plan
- Molina Complete Care
- Banner - University Family Care
- Mercy Care
- Arizona Complete Health
- CMDP (through Mercy Care)
We accept any PPO insurance that allows you to select your own dental provider and would be considered an out of network benefit. Children’s Dental Village has many families that utilize various dental PPO insurance plans and depending on the employer plan selected, the reimbursement from the insurance varies. We are always happy to check your benefits when you bring your child for a visit and can also submit pre-treatment requests to the insurance for treatment plans recommended by the dentist.
Are you open on Friday or Saturday?
The office is generally open Monday through Thursday. Please contact a member of our business team to help you schedule a visit for your child.