Frequently asked questions
What is a specialist paediatric dentist?
Paediatric dentists are the experts in children’s oral health.
Paediatric dentists, also known as paedodontists, undertake three years of additional training to qualify as specialists. In doing so, they have expert knowledge of the most recent scientific evidence, and clinical expertise in behavioural, sedation and anaesthetic techniques to provide the best quality dental care for your child.
A referral from a general dentist is not required to see a dental specialist, including a paediatric dentist. We welcome enquiries directly from families looking for specialist dental care for their children.
We want their first visit to be a positive experience, helping them become familiar with the new faces and new environment, and look forward to future dental visits.
What options are there for dental decay?
Did you know that as soon as your baby develops their first tooth, they are at risk of dental decay, or Early Childhood Caries (ECC)?
Dental decay can affect a child of any age. The treatment of dental decay depends on how far it has progressed. Regular dental check-ups are recommended so that dental decay can be detected and managed early.
If the decay is deeper and requires restoration, some of the options include:
White filling (resin composite, resin composite strip crown, glass ionomer cement)
Combination of resin composite and glass ionomer cement
Pre-formed stainless steel crown (silver colour)
In some cases, if the decay is very deep, treatment of the nerve (pulpotomy) may be required in addition to restoration. We will discuss what options are best.
As a last resort, sometimes extractions of teeth are required. If you or your little one is missing their front teeth and would like to improve their smile, we can assess whether an anterior (front) fixed paediatric bridge (groper appliance) may be suitable.
I think my child needs dental treatment under sedation
A range of sedation options are available for your child, depending on your individual child’s needs, the type of treatment required and the number of teeth that need to be treated. We will work together to decide which option best suits your child.
Local anaesthesia with inhalation sedation
Inhalation sedation uses ‘laughing gas’, or nitrous oxide. We have extensive experience with inhalation sedation and when appropriate, can result in a safe, pleasant and relaxed dental experience. Children with ‘laughing gas’ may feel like they are floating like a feather.
General anaesthesia
A general anaesthesic (GA) is carried out in a hospital and puts a child into a deep sleep where he or she is unable to feel pain during the procedure.
Although some dental procedures can be carried out without GA, often higher quality dental work can be completed when your child is asleep. In many cases, all dental treatment can be completed in just one visit, resulting in a safer and better experience for the child. This may be an excellent option for young children, those with special needs or if many procedures are required.
Our team are accredited in a number of private hospitals in Melbourne, working with specialist doctors (anaesthetists) and highly trained nursing staff. The GA is a short day-stay procedure in a hospital with excellent paediatric and dental facilities.
My child has special needs
Every child is unique and the dental management of children with special needs should reflect this. Having had the privilege of working at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, our team is very comfortable working with children with special needs and complex medical conditions. Often initial regular short visits are really helpful to allow your child to become familiar with the new dental environment.
Before we meet your child, please feel free to contact the practice so we can get to know your child better and make his or her visit more comfortable. Perhaps your child has specific needs, behaviour triggers, likes or dislikes that we can help with? We look forward to meeting you and your child.
What are some other resources for maintaining oral health?
A number of resources are provided by the Australian Dental Association, which contain helpful methods to prevent dental decay and maintain good oral health.