3 year old visit
Dr. Sexton begins seeing children at age 3. Your child’s first exam will include an oral evaluation to monitor development, a decay check and risk assessment, development of an appropriate oral health regimen, and tips on how to care for your child’s teeth. The most important aspect of your child’s early visit is to make sure that he or she is comfortable at the dentist and that he or she has a positive experience. We want your child to ask lots of questions and to have a good time learning good dental health habits.

The first dental visit is a valuable time to establish a dental home for your child. Dr. Sexton will evaluate your child’s current dental condition and give you the tools and information needed for excellent at home care.

Sealants
Dental sealants are plastic coatings or barriers that protect the teeth against decay-causing bacteria. Usually, sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (pre-molars and molars) where decay occurs most often. Applying a sealant to your teeth can prevent cavities and the need for fillings, which may need to be replaced after a few years. Children especially benefit from sealants.

Tooth-Colored Fillings
When decay has been taken out of the tooth, it is replaced with “filling” material. In the past, amalgam (silver/mercury) fillings were placed into the cleaned out portion of the tooth. You may notice that silver fillings look dark, and can be seen easily when you laugh. With advancements in dentistry, you can now have tooth-colored fillings instead of silver fillings. Tooth-colored fillings bond to the tooth, creating a seal that helps prevent future decay. Your smile will also look wider and brighter, giving you a more youthful appearance. You may even elect to remove your old silver fillings and replace them with natural tooth-colored ones