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Pediatric Dentist in Jacksonville, FL

Family Dentist Near You

What is Pediatric Dentistry

Seeing your little one smile is the best part of your day and at Point Meadows Dentistry we want to make sure it’s as healthy as can be. We are thrilled to offer pediatric dental care as part of the dental care you have come to rely on.

We’re committed to giving you one more reason to smile!

- DR. HANNA MULARKEY

Dental Check-ups and X-Rays

Dental caries (tooth decay and/or cavities) is the most prevalent disease in children, affecting up to 56% of children aged 6–8 years old. Preventative measures and habits should start early in life to reduce the number of cavities that will follow them into adulthood. After your initial visit, we will determine the next steps to help your children prevent cavities and to create healthy oral hygiene habits together. We will talk about proper brushing, flossing, fluoride usage, and more.

 

Digital X-rays | Our digital x-rays allow minimal radiation exposure and make the process easy and even fun!​​

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Fluoride Treatment | Fluoride is a dental treatment that can help prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or stop it from getting worse. Keep in mind that fluoride treatments cannot completely prevent cavities. Fluoride can best help prevent decay when a child is also brushing, flossing, regular dental care, and eating a healthy diet. 

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Laughing Gas | With our caring dental team, local anesthesia, laughing gas, and other techniques, we can make each appointment a breeze.

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Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a great way to protect your teeth from cavities and tooth decay. Dental sealants are usually suggested for children and are typically applied after their permanent back molars erupt, around the ages of 5-12. Dental sealants are most effective on children’s teeth that are more prone to decay and who often struggle to brush adequately. Sealants are applied in a quick office visit and require no recovery time. To learn more about this preventive tool, we invite you to contact our Point Meadows Dental team today.

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Dental Extractions

Extractions: There are certain occasions when a child may need to have a tooth extracted. The most common causes of tooth extraction for children include:

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  • Tooth decay is too extensive for restoration.

  • Preparation and space management for braces.

  • Baby teeth fail to fall out before permanent teeth come in.

  • Removal of teeth that are chipped or damaged beyond repair.

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In all these cases, we will take an X-ray to check the position of the permanent tooth bud and its degree of development. Any extraction will be followed by a space maintainer - a device that prevents teeth migration of the antagonist and the closure of the adjacent teeth in the available space thus affecting the permanent tooth eruption.

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Mouthguards

Even children’s sports involve contact and we recommend mouthguards for children active in sports. If your little one plays soccer, baseball, football, lacrosse or other sports, ask us about having a custom-fitted mouthguard made to protect his teeth, lips, gums, and cheeks.

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 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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  • How can I keep my teeth and gums happy?
    Brushing your teeth twice a day, and using a fluoride toothpaste at least once. Flossing regularly to remove plaque from between teeth. Visiting Point Meadows Dentistry routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning. Quitting smoking.
  • Is Periodontal Disease reversible?
    The disease is still reversible at this stage and can usually be eliminated by thorough brushing and flossing. In the more advanced stages of gum disease, called periodontitis, the gums and bone that support the teeth become seriously damaged beyond repair.
  • What are the stages of gum disease?
    Gingivitis: this is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gumline. Periodontitis: This is your final warning to take your treatment seriously. The supporting bone and tissue that keeps your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may begin to form a pocket below the gumline, which traps food and plaque causing more issues and possibly infections. Advanced Periodontitis: This is the final stage of gum disease, the tissue and bone supporting your teeth are permanently destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen.
  • Can you get Gum Disease without any teeth?
    Yes, gum disease is an ailment of the gums, and is independent of the teeth.
  • Can your gums grow back?
    Gum tissue doesn't regenerate the way other types of tissue does. As a result, receding gums don't grow back.
  • Can teeth whitening be painful?
    When performed by a dental professional, teeth whitening is an effective and safe way to brighten your smile. The most common side effect of whitening is temporary tooth sensitivity. In extreme cases the sensitivity can last up to a few days. It’s important to consult your dentist, to make sure you are a candidate for teeth whitening and to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
  • How long do Veneers last?
    Veneers generally last between 7 and 15 years, depending on material. After this time, the veneers would need to be replaced.
  • Are Veneers covered under insurance?
    The cost of veneers is not typically covered by insurance. To be certain, check with your dental insurance company.
  • Are there alternatives to Veneers?
    Yes, bondings and crowns are alternative options. Veneers may be the best option for individuals who want to change the color and shape of their teeth more than just a little bit, but not enough to require a crown.
  • My teeth are sensitive, what other whitening options do I have?"
    To avoid a hypersensitive reaction, we may recommend take-home bleaching trays with a lower concentration of carbamide peroxide – which is not as potent as hydrogen peroxide.
  • Is teeth whitening permanent?
    In-office bleaching is not a permanent solution. Like your teeth prior to the treatment, they will remain susceptible to stains. We will recommend you follow-up your treatment with a lower-percentage bleach in-home treatment that can be kept on the teeth for longer periods of time.
  • What is the difference between a cap and a dental crown?
    A crown is a prosthetic treatment for a broken or badly decayed tooth. A “cap” is an older term and is now commonly used to refer to dental crowns.
  • How long do conventional dentures last?
    The average life expectancy of a denture is seven to ten years. The denture itself is designed to last considerably longer than this, however the shape of your mouth/jawbone will change requiring new dentures.
  • How long does a dental crown last?
    On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. This depends on the amount of wear and tear the crown takes, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal habits.
  • How do you know if your dental crown needs to be replaced?
    There are a few indicators that your crown needs to replaced, here are a few common reasons: Your dental crown is old. Dental crowns can last for more than fifteen years before seeing any damage. Wear and tear Pain or swelling around the tooth Receding gum line
  • My dental crown fell off, what do I do?"
    Simply, sometimes crowns fall off. Most often the reason is from the decay of the underlying tooth or loosening of the cementing material used to place the crown. If your crown comes off, clean the crown and the front of the tooth. Contact Point Meadows Dentistry immediately, we will give you specific instructions on how to care for the tooth and crown for the day or so until you can be seen for an evaluation. We may be able to re-cement the crown in place; if not, a new crown will need to be made.
  • How long do you have to wait to get dentures after teeth are pulled?
    Typically, six to eight weeks after the extractions. This allows sufficient time for the mouth to heal. We will re-examine your mouth to ensure enough time has passed prior to fitting your dentures.
  • Are dentures typically covered by Dental Insurance?
    Most complete coverage dental insurance policies include some restorative coverage, typically up to 50% of the cost of dentures is covered. Co-pays and regular deductibles still apply.
  • Can your gums grow back?
    Gum tissue doesn't regenerate the way other types of tissue does. As a result, receding gums don't grow back.
  • Why do my dentures keep falling out?
    The most common reason for loose-fitting dentures is a process known as bone resorption, where the gums begin to shrink due to them no longer needing to hold your teeth in place followed by bone loose.
  • What is the difference between a cap and a dental crown?
    A crown is a prosthetic treatment for a broken or badly decayed tooth. A “cap” is an older term and is now commonly used to refer to dental crowns.
  • How long do conventional dentures last?
    The average life expectancy of a denture is seven to ten years. The denture itself is designed to last considerably longer than this, however the shape of your mouth/jawbone will change requiring new dentures.
  • How long does a dental crown last?
    On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. This depends on the amount of wear and tear the crown takes, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal habits.
  • How do you know if your dental crown needs to be replaced?
    Your dental crown is old. Dental crowns can last for more than fifteen years before seeing any damage. Wear and tear Pain or swelling around the tooth Receding gum line
  • My dental crown fell off, what do I do?"
    Simply, sometimes crowns fall off. Most often the reason is from the decay of the underlying tooth or loosening of the cementing material used to place the crown. If your crown comes off, clean the crown and the front of the tooth. Contact Point Meadows Dentistry immediately, we will give you specific instructions on how to care for the tooth and crown for the day or so until you can be seen for an evaluation. We may be able to re-cement the crown in place; if not, a new crown will need to be made.
  • How long do you have to wait to get dentures after teeth are pulled?
    Typically, six to eight weeks after the extractions. This allows sufficient time for the mouth to heal. We will re-examine your mouth to ensure enough time has passed prior to fitting your dentures.
  • Are dentures typically covered by Dental Insurance?
    Most complete coverage dental insurance policies include some restorative coverage, typically up to 50% of the cost of dentures is covered. Co-pays and regular deductibles still apply.
  • Why do my dentures keep falling out?
    The most common reason for loose-fitting dentures is a process known as bone resorption, where the gums begin to shrink due to them no longer needing to hold your teeth in place followed by bone loose.
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