Family Dentistry in Northeast Philadelphia
Dr. Drew Shulman offers professional family dental care to families of all sizes in his dental practice. Our team also enjoys helping young patients learn how to maintain clean and healthy smiles. Family dentistry is for young children. Children that are able to receive dental care alongside their parents or caregiver may have less dental anxiety in the future.
They will learn great dental habits earlier on and build a good patient-dentist bond. Healthy habits like brushing, flossing, and a diet rich in fruit and vegetables benefit patients in the long run.
Dr. Shulman recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday, and twice a year for the rest of their lives. Routine dental care can play a key role in your child’s overall growth. It enables our team to find and address issues in the early stages. Maintaining your child’s dental health as they grow helps improve their speech and promotes a healthy diet. It also educates them on how to prioritize the care of their teeth.
Our family dental treatments include:
- Root canal therapy
- Preventive care
- Teeth whitening
- Tooth bonding
- Invisalign for teens
- Dental fillings
- Sedation dentistry
- Tooth extractions
Age-Specific Dental Care
Children aren’t the only age group that can benefit from age-specific care. In the late teens and early 20s, wisdom teeth erupt. Usually, our mouths don’t have enough room for them to grow the way they should. Dentists always recommend wisdom tooth removal before the teenage years are over. Wisdom teeth can cause pain, crowd your jaw, and cause crooked teeth. At this time, Invisalign treatment is a popular choice for teens. It provides a subtle way for you to get a straighter smile.
Age and years of certain lifestyle choices affect our smiles too. In our senior years, our enamel thins and there are often stains from habits like smoking tobacco or drinking coffee. Professional teeth whitening or porcelain veneers can take years off of your smile. Tooth loss becomes more likely as we age as well. We offer a wide range of tooth replacement options to make sure each patient has the best one for their case. Dental implants, dentures, and dental bridges are all methods to replace your missing teeth. Dr. Shulman will create a personalized treatment plan with the best solution for your smile.
Dental Care for Children FAQs
How does one care for primary teeth?
As soon as the first tooth erupts, you will want to make sure it’s healthy. You can maintain primary teeth and gums by using a clean, wet washcloth or wet gauze to clean them. Toothpaste is not necessary at this stage. If you decide to use a toothbrush, make sure it’s an appropriate size and meant for babies or young children.
Where does decay on the primary teeth occur most often?
Decay may occur on the upper front teeth or incisors. Early-onset tooth decay in infants occurs mostly due to inappropriate or prolonged use of the baby bottle. The second most often occurring site is the upper primary molars. If there is no spacing between the primary teeth, there is a much greater chance of decay between the primary molars. You and your child should practice flossing between these teeth as soon as they come in.
Why are dental sealants beneficial for children?
Dental sealants are beneficial for children because they reduce the risk of tooth decay by up to 80%. Sealants form a barrier from food particles and plaque, helping to protect teeth from decay. We apply a dental sealant as a protective coating for the chewing surface of permanent molars. They protect the teeth from future decay, but will not last forever.
Wisdom Teeth FAQs
Dentists offer wisdom teeth removal to teens and adults in their early 20s. We offer treatment for wisdom teeth in our Philadelphia family dentist office. Wisdom teeth are the third most common teeth to develop, usually in early adulthood. They can cause pain and other issues with overcrowding and brushing. We conduct wisdom teeth extraction to alleviate these problems.
Why is it necessary to remove wisdom teeth?
It is necessary to remove wisdom teeth to avoid increased oral health problems. Problems such as an impacted tooth destroying the second molar. Wisdom teeth are the third molars in the back of the mouth.
Why do wisdom teeth cause problems?
Wisdom teeth generate problems because of the shape of the modern human mouth is too small to accommodate these teeth. They become impacted or unable to come in or move into their proper place because of this.
How do dentists remove a wisdom tooth?
Dr. Shulman removes wisdom teeth using a surgical procedure in his office. First, he removes the gum tissue surrounding or covering the tooth. Then he gently strips away the connective tissue from the tooth and bone. Finally, he removes the tooth and sutures the gum shut. We complete this procedure in one visit.
Request A Dental Exam Today
Are you looking for a family dentist near you in the Northeast Philadelphia Pennsylvania area? Our office welcomes new patients of all ages. Call (215) 372-1142 to contact us today, or schedule an appointment online with Dr. Shulman for comprehensive family dental care.