Education & Procedures
Common Questions
Please click on the sections below for more information on each question.
General Questions
Dr. Alice Luan & Dr. Vincent Luan are certified pediatric dental specialists. This means that after receiving a D.D.S. degree, they completed a 2 year residency program to earn specialty certification. Their practice is limited to the treatment of patients from age 0-21, including young patients with special needs.
Your child should begin to see a dentist by the appearance of his/her first tooth. However, home care of the gum tissue should begin much earlier than this.
This may vary depending on your child's unique dental needs. Check-ups at least every 6 months are recommended so that we can identify and treat problems promptly.
Teeth vary in size, shape and their location in the jaws. These differences enable teeth to work together to help you chew, speak and smile. They also help give your face its shape and form.
At birth people usually have 20 primary (baby) teeth, which often erupt about six months of age. They are then shed at various times throughout childhood. By age 21, all 32 of the permanent teeth have usually erupted.
You should start brushing your child's teeth twice daily with childrens toothpaste (no fluoride) then change to fluoridated toothpaste once your child can spit properly. Prior to that, you should clean the gums with a soft cloth and water. Children less than two should get a dab of toothpaste with just enough to very thinly cover the bristles. After age 2, you can advance to a "pea-sized" portion of paste. After brushing, have your child spit out the paste.
We can help to evaluate whether your child is getting sufficient fluoride from the water source and dental products. In some cases, we may prescribe fluoride supplements to help protect the outer coating of your child's teeth during development.
Remain calm and try to locate the tooth. If possible, put it back in its socket and go directly to your dentist. If you cannot put the tooth in the socket, put it in a glass with milk instead.
We are dedicated to using modern technology to support your child's health and comfort in our care. Regarding sterilization, we believe that all procedures should be safe as well as comfortable. We use only the latest sterilization techniques. For more information on treatment techniques and sterilization see the Dental Procedures section.
Treatments & Procedures
If you have dental insurance, this may provide full or partial coverage. Our office will contact your insurance company to learn what they will cover. We do accept assignment of most insurance benefits and your responsibility will only be to cover the remainder. Please see our financial page for more information.
Your child should begin to see a dentist by the appearance of his/her first tooth. However, home care of the gum tissue should begin much earlier than this.
Your child's teeth are important for many reasons. They are needed for correct pronunciation of words and sounds. Baby teeth are needed for proper chewing so that your child gets proper nutrition.
Dental care also helps to avoid the pain and infection associated with cavities. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, baby teeth lay the groundwork for the adult teeth that will eventually take their place. Without healthy baby teeth, the adult teeth may come in poorly aligned or decayed.
We offer comprehensive pediatric dental services, which include:
- Cleanings
- Crowns
- Fluoride treatments
- Fillings
- Frenectomies (laser tongue tie correction)
- Nutritional consultations
- Oral/IV sedation and Nitrous Oxide
- General Anesthesia
- Orthodontics (minor)
- Partials (pedopartials)
- Root canal therapy
- Sealants
- Thumb sucking appliances
We are dedicated to using modern technology to support your child's health and comfort in our care. Regarding sterilization, we believe that all procedures should be safe as well as comfortable. We use only the latest sterilization techniques. For more information on treatment techniques and sterilization see the Dental Procedures section.
Post treatment instructions are available as a download here:
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Dental Emergencies
To relieve the pain, have your child swish warm salt water over the area and give him or her a child's dose of ibuprofen. If there is swelling along with the pain, use a cold compress as well. You should make an appointment for a dental exam as soon as possible. We can usually see emergencies the same day.
Remain calm and try to locate the tooth. If possible, put it back in its socket and go directly to your dentist. If you cannot put the tooth in the socket, put it in a glass with milk instead.
Preventive Questions
Your child should begin to see a dentist by the appearance of his/her first tooth. However, home care of the gum tissue should begin much earlier than this.
This may vary depending on your child's unique dental needs. Check-ups at least every 6 months are recommended so that we can identify and treat problems promptly.
A balanced diet is crucial for the proper development of your child's teeth, as well as the health of the surrounding tissues. A healthy diet includes dairy products, proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It is most important to avoid frequent use of starchy, sticky or sugary foods, as these promote bacterial growth and tooth decay.
Decay occurs when sugars or starches sit on the teeth and cause bacteria to wear away at the tooth's protective coating. The best way to prevent any decay is to limit sugary foods and drinks and to always brush after eating. Also, try to avoid giving your child a bottle with milk as they fall asleep, as the sugars in the milk will then sit on their teeth. Instead, only use water for bottles given before bedtime.
- Avoid snacking between meals.
- Brush and floss twice daily.
- Limit sugary drinks, especially between meals.
- Get a dental check up and cleaning every 6 months.
- Avoid sticky foods.
- Give "treat" foods with mealtime (rather than between meals).
- Choose nutritious snacks.
You should start brushing your child's teeth twice daily with childrens toothpaste (no fluoride) then change to fluoridated toothpaste once your child can spit properly. Prior to that, you should clean the gums with a soft cloth and water. Children less than two should get a dab of toothpaste with just enough to very thinly cover the bristles. After age 2, you can advance to a "pea-sized" portion of paste. After brushing, have your child spit out the paste.
We can help to evaluate whether your child is getting sufficient fluoride from the water source and dental products. In some cases, we may prescribe fluoride supplements to help protect the outer coating of your child's teeth during development.
To relieve the pain, have your child swish warm salt water over the area and give him or her a child's dose of ibuprofen. If there is swelling along with the pain, use a cold compress as well. You should make an appointment for a dental exam as soon as possible. We can usually see emergencies the same day.