Mark H. Freedman, DDS 1023 Pulaski Rd. East Northport, NY 11731
631-261-2880
After
We also must consider the child's self image.  They want to look and feel good about themselves, and not be
teased by their peers.

This teenage girl was very self conscious about the brown spots on her front teeth.  The spots were delicately
abraded away, and bonded with composite
.
Why fill the cavity in her baby tooth?  It's only going to fall out anyway.

Untreated cavities in baby teeth can easily become infected causing your child pain, swelling and fever.  The
infection can spread into the jaw bone and damage the permanent tooth developing under it.


Why don't you just extract it?

Baby teeth hold a place open for the permanent tooth growing underneath.  If removed too soon, the other teeth
will drift over the space and possibly block the permanent tooth from coming in straight.

The baby first molar of this 9 year old was filled with a white bonded filling.  This tooth holds the space for the
permanent 1st bicuspid tooth which usually erupts at about age 12.
After
Children's
D
entistry
We love to have children in  our office.  It is not uncommon on a weekday afternoon to see several children
sitting on the carpet outside the treatment rooms doing their homework as they wait for their appointments.  
We treat your children as we treat our own.  Children are not just little adults.  The first experiences they have
in a dental office today, can influence their attitudes towards health care as adults.  All necessary treatment
will be patiently explained to them as well as you, in an age appropriate manner they can easily understand.    

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should I first bring my child to the dentist for a check-up?

If your child is not complaining about any discomfort, and you or your pediatrician do not see any problems in
your child's mouth, then usually between 3 and 31/2 years of age is a good time for a first visit.

What will happen at this first visit?
Our hygienist will escort your child to the treatment room, and show and explain the various dental "tools" she
will be using.  Your child's mouth will be examined in a fun and non-threatening manner, and their teeth will be
gently cleaned.  X-rays may be taken especially in an older child, and a
fluoride treatment may be given.   
Proper brushing, flossing and eating habits will be discussed.  Dr. Freedman will also examine your child's
mouth.  Your child's good behavior will constantly be reinforced, and they will always leave with a new tooth
brush, and a prize that they may choose.  Our findings will be discussed with you, and a written Oral Hygiene
Report will be given to you as well.  You will be asked to make the child's next check-up appointment before
you leave.  This is very significant as it will show your child the importance of continual routine preventive
care, and allow you to reserve the day and time you find most convenient.  If you cannot schedule an
appointment 6 months in advance, we will mail you a reminder when your child is due for a check-up.

What if my child needs a cavity filled or some other procedure?

When treated gently and compassionately, with the procedure explained carefully, even very young children
are generally cooperative.

See our adorable 3 year old patient with 2 cavities.  They were restored with a tooth colored filling.

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What if my child has an accident, breaks a tooth or has an emergency?

Accidents unfortunately do happen, at school, during sports or while just playing.  Call us, and your child will
be seen immediately, no matter how busy we are.

This young man broke his 2 front teeth during a basketball game.  We matched his tooth color with a very
light shade of composite material, and restored his teeth with bonding.