COVID-19: How we are keeping you and our team safe 

Our community has been through a lot over the last few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are all looking forward to resuming our normal habits, routine and more importantly, returning to doing what we love: cleaning and fixing teeth!

While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety. Our team has remained healthy and happy!

Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice and you may have seen this during your visits to our office. Our infection control processes are designed so that your care is both safe and comfortable.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have adapted our these procedures to keep patients and staff safe.  Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Massachusetts Dental Society and the office of Governor Baker. We constantly review the announcements of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued.

You may see some new changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our patients and our team.  For example:
• Our office will communicate with you prior to your appointment to ask some screening questions regarding COVID-19. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office.

• We no longer offer waiting room for our patients, instead, you will need to wait in the comfort of your car. Please call us when you arrive so we can take care of you.

• The patient will only be allowed to be accompanied by one parent or guardian into the office

• Everyone must wear a mask when entering our office per the Governor’s order. Our team will also be wearing masks.

• Your (and your guardian's/ parent's) temperature will be taken when you enter the office with a touchless thermometer. If you have a temperature of 99F, you will be asked to reschedule for a later day.

• We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find some in the reception area and treatment rooms for you to use as needed.

• Our waiting room will no longer offer magazines, children’s toys and so forth, since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect.

• Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. That might mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment.

• Please stand where the social distancing bubbles are placed.

• We have increased the time between patients to reduce waiting times for you, as well as to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time.

• We will ask that when the appointment is finished, you will leave through the back door of the office to allow better social distancing practices.


Engineering control to keep you safe in treatment:

• If you are able to, we will ask you to rinse with 1% Hydrogen peroxide before your treatment

• We will wear N95, KN95 and double that with surgical mask

• We will always wear our face shields

• We have always used aerosol reducing suction unit called isolite from Xyris since 2013! It is a continuous high speed suction via HVE to reduce aerosol by 90%. It is a powerful system that is designed to provide high speed suction, decrease treatment time, increase patient safety and improve dental experience for both the patient and the dentist 

• We have installed advanced medical grade air purification systems we are installing throughout the office. These purifiers contain HEPA and UV filters which eliminate volatile organic chemicals, toxins, mold, bio-aerosols, and most importantly airborne viruses. Used in hospitals to clean and sterilize the air, these purifiers are one of the most advanced on the market. These are HealthPro series air purifier from iQAir, Jade and Cascade systems from Surgically Clean Air. 

 

 

What is an orthodontist? 

An orthodontist is a dentist who is a specialist in guiding teeth into an ideal spot in the mouth and aligns the jaws in a harmonious relationship. There are three steps in an orthodontist’s education: college, dental school and orthodontic residency program. Similar to a pediatric dentist, it can take 10 or more years of education after high school to become an orthodontist. After completing college requirements, the prospective orthodontist attends dental school. Upon graduation, the future orthodontist must be accepted* as a student in an accredited orthodontic residency program, then successfully complete a minimum of two academic years of study. The orthodontic student learns the skills required to manage tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopedics).

• Only those who have successfully completed this formal education may call themselves “orthodontists.”

• Orthodontists limit their scope of work to orthodontics only.**

• Orthodontists are uniquely qualified in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of orthodontic problems. They dedicate their professional lives to creating healthy, beautiful smiles in children, teens and adults. Well-aligned teeth are more than attractive: they make it possible to bite, chew and speak effectively. Orthodontic care is often part of a comprehensive oral health plan.

• Orthodontists use a variety of “appliances,” including braces, clear aligner trays and retainers, to move teeth or hold them in their new positions. Because of orthodontists’ advanced education and clinical experience, they have the knowledge and skills necessary to recommend the best kind of appliance to meet every individual patient’s treatment goals.

• Only orthodontists are eligible for membership in the American Association of Orthodontists.

*On average, there are about 15 applicants for every opening.

**Unless they have also completed specialty education in another dental specialty recognized

Source: AAO.org

When should my child see an orthodontist?

The AAO recommends all children should be screened for orthodontic problems by an orthodontist no later than age 7.

Here are reasons why children should be seen by an orthodontist by age 7:

Orthodontists can detect subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect. The check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. Or, the orthodontist may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development, and then if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for the child. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.

Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to:

• Guide jaw growth

• Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth

• Correct harmful oral habits

• Improve appearance

• Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position

• Improve the way lips meet

• Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.

Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, the orthodontist’s goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time. (source AAO.org)

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?

A pediatric dentist specializes in treating infants, children, adolescents, and those with special needs. A pediatric dentist has two or three years of specialty training after dental school. That adds up to a total of 10 years or more of education beyond high school. He or she is best qualified to meet the special needs of children and their oral health.

What is a Diplomate or a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist?

The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry certification assures the public that a pediatric dentist has successfully completed accredited pediatric dental residency training post dental school and completed a voluntary rigorous series of examinations to become a Diplomate. It recognizes the value of renewal of the certification and continuing education for its diplomates to ensure their desire to practice pediatric dentistry at the highest level. For more information, please visit ABPD.org

When should I take my child to the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that the first dental visit should take place shortly after the first tooth comes in or no later than the child's first birthday. Thereafter, a routine visit every six months can help prevent unnecessary dental treatment.

Why are baby teeth important?

Primary teeth or "baby" teeth are important for a number of reasons. They provide proper function and help maintain good nutrition for your child. Baby teeth are important in speech development and reserve the space for the permanent teeth. Early loss of primary teeth from decay or trauma can affect the permanent teeth. Finally, a healthy smile builds confidence.

What can I do for my child's toothache?

You can rinse the area with warm salt water; floss the area to remove any impacted food; apply a cold compress on face if it is swollen; give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain, and see your dentist as soon as possible.

How can parents prevent tooth decay?

Good oral hygiene at home removes bacteria and leftover food that combines and form cavities.

1) For infants, use a wet washcloth to wipe the teeth and gums. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle with milk, juice, or any sugar containing drink.

2) For older children, brush their teeth twice a day, eat a well-balanced diet, and avoid frequent snacking on foods containing sugar. Also, remember to floss at least once a day to prevent cavities and other dental diseases.

3) Drink only water between snacks and meals

4) Visit your pediatric dentist every six months

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are clear or shaded plastic protective coatings placed on back teeth to prevent cavities. These teeth tend to have natural groves and pits where most cavities begin in children.

What should I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?

You should remain calm. First find the tooth, hold it by the crown, and avoid handling the root. If it's dirty, rinse it gently in cool water, replace the tooth in the socket, and hold in place with a cloth. If you cannot place the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a glass of milk.

Call and go to see your pediatric dentist immediately.

How can I prevent dental injuries?

You can reduce mouth injuries for children by having them wear mouthguards when participating in sports. Always use a car seat for young children and require everyone to wear their seat belts in the car. Child proof your home to prevent falls and electrical injuries such as children biting on electrical cords. Finally, you can prevent unnecessary toothaches with regular dental preventive care.

What is nitrous oxide?

Nitrous Oxide, commonly referred to as "laughing gas," is a colorless, almost odorless gas. When it is inhaled, it has a calming effect on the patient. The relaxed state it produces in the patient allows him to respond more favorably to treatment. Nitrous oxide is very safe. The child remains fully awake and alert and can respond easily to stimuli. It is eliminated quickly from the body with normal breathing.

What is conscious sedation?

Conscious sedation is a minimally depressed level of consciousness that retains the patient's ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond appropriately to physical stimulation or verbal command. For phobic or fearful patients who want to be totally relaxed and have little memory of their appointment, conscious sedation is often recommended.

What is general anesthesia?

General anesthesia is a management technique that uses medications to cause the child to become unconscious and asleep while receiving dental care. It is provided by a physician or dentist who has special training in anesthesia. Children with severe anxiety and/or inability to cooperate are candidates for general anesthesia. These children may be young or have compromised health or special needs. They usually require extensive dental treatment and their anxiety cannot be controlled with conscious sedation techniques.