Welcome to R+R Dental, located in Hicksville, NY-the ideal destination for your child’s dental care. With over 18 years of experience, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for children of all ages, from infants to young adults. Our philosophy goes beyond focusing on teeth. We understand the significance of treating the child as a whole and helping them grow into healthy, confident adults.
Dr. Michael Richer and Dr. Nadia Rivera understand that what happens in childhood can affect how a child feels about going to the dentist for the rest of their life. That’s why we ensure your little one has a fun and positive experience at R+R Dental. From the earliest check-ups to orthodontic evaluations, we listen to your concerns and provide gentle guidance through every stage of your baby’s dental journey.
Our Pediatric Dental Services
An alarming number of young children have tooth decay these days, which can start as soon as the first tooth comes in. We suggest that you bring your child for a pediatric dentistry checkup by their first birthday or sooner if their first tooth appears before then. Regular visits every six months will help your child get used to seeing the dentist and keep their teeth healthy for life.
Routine Visits and Cleanings
When your child comes for a regular visit, we will:
- Check for cavities and signs of tooth decay
- Examine for gingivitis and signs of gum disease
- Look for any problems that may not be visible or felt
- Do a complete teeth cleaning
- Educate on brushing and flossing routine
The visit takes about 45 minutes and includes a comprehensive cleaning, where we will polish and rinse the teeth to remove plaque and tartar. Coming to our pediatric dental office every six months and addressing common dental emergencies gives you the chance to ask the dentist questions about maintaining your child’s good oral health.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a proven way to protect your child’s teeth from cavities and decay, keep plaque from hardening on the surface, and maintain excellent oral health. For this treatment, we usually use a fluoride varnish that coats the teeth with a sticky layer for a few hours after it’s applied. Your child can eat and drink right away and just needs to avoid brushing for four to six hours to let the fluoride soak into the enamel surface.
Sealants
Brushing alone may not be enough to keep your child’s teeth healthy, especially in those hard-to-reach places in their mouth. There are small cracks and grooves on the teeth that a toothbrush simply cannot clean well. If these areas are ignored, they can lead to tooth decay. To prevent this, we offer dental sealants-a plastic resin that sticks and hardens in the deep grooves on the surface of the tooth. Once we apply the sealant, the tiny recesses become smooth and are less likely to trap plaque.
Fillings
If your child has a cavity that needs to be filled, we can use composite resin (tooth-colored fillings) to fix it, keeping the healthy tooth structure intact. Our pediatric dentistry specialists perform this procedure for children the same way we do it for adults, but we explain it in a kid-friendly way so our patients don’t feel nervous. If needed, we can use local anesthesia or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to make them more comfortable.
Extractions
Sometimes, a tooth has to be taken out. Maybe a baby tooth is not falling out on its own because it has long roots. Infection, braces, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also make extraction a necessity. Whatever the reason, we can remove the tooth gently so as to not cause unnecessary discomfort. If we think your child would be better off having the tooth taken out by an oral surgeon, we can give you a referral.
Bonding
Dental bonding is a simple way to fix slightly chipped, stained, or crooked teeth from dental trauma. Our dentists near Levittown offer pediatric dental bonding solutions that are designed to last in permanent teeth and help your child maintain a healthy smile. During the visit, a tooth-colored filling is put on your child’s tooth to make it look better. This filling bonds with the tooth, and since it comes in many natural shades, it blends in well with natural teeth.
Mouthguards
If your child plays any kind of sport that involves physical contact, the American Dental Association advises that they wear a mouthguard to prevent injuries to the teeth and gums. We can help you pick the right mouthguard, whether it be custom-made or “boil-and-bite” fitted. Our custom-made mouthguards provide a perfect fit for kids’ growing mouths, ensuring both comfort and maximum protection during sports like hockey or baseball.
Nightguards
We also offer special night guards to protect your child’s teeth during sleep. These appliances are designed to fit comfortably over their teeth and prevent the harmful effects of teeth grinding and clenching. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is common among kids and may lead to dental problems if left untreated. With our nightguards, your little one can sleep peacefully-and you can have peace of mind knowing your child’s oral health is protected.
When Should Kids Have Their First Dental Appointment?
If you are wondering when is the right time to take your child to the dentist for the first time, the answer is as soon as their first tooth comes in. The American Dental Association recommends that children have their first dental visit by age 1 or within six months after their first tooth erupts, whichever comes first. This visit will help your child get used to the dentist and prevent any oral health problems.
Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment in Levittown, NY Today
At R+R Dental, we believe that starting early is the key to a lifetime of sparkling teeth and confident grins. Whether you have a tiny tot or a teenager or you need emergency root canal treatment or dental implants, head over to our dental office in Hicksville. Give us a call or request an appointment online. For dental emergencies, our pediatric dentists can schedule a same-day appointment.
