Kirkland Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dental care is specialized dental care designed to help children under 18 enjoy happy, healthy smiles. Pediatric dentistry should help set a child up for a lifetime of good oral hygiene habits and a beautiful smile. Dr. Susan Kim, your child’s board-certified pediatric dentist, is ready to help them maintain optimal oral health.

Pediatric dentistry is important because children have different dental needs than adults do. Their jaws and teeth are still developing and need the skills of a dentist who is experienced in treating children on a regular basis. We love seeing kids of all ages in our office, so you can feel comfortable bringing them here for their smile care. Dr. Susan is certified to use Vivos and HealthyStart, Myo Munchee and Myobrace program solutions that promotes healthy development to help your child avoid the need for orthodontic care.

Generally, children should visit the dentist when their first tooth comes through, or by age 1. It’s important that your child feels comfortable about visiting the dentist, so we maintain a kid-friendly atmosphere to make their dental experiences positive from an early age. We’ll provide preventive care, closely monitor their dental development, and help with issues like pacifier use and thumb sucking.

Good oral hygiene and regular care from a pediatric dentist go a long way toward preventing cavities. Make sure your child brushes at least twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride, and see us every six months for an exam and cleaning. It’s also a good idea to limit their consumption of sugary or highly acidic foods ad drinks. For added protection against cavities, ask your dental team about treatment with fluoride and/or dental sealants.

They can be. They can affect the alignment of your child’s teeth and may even cause changes in the roof of the mouth. Dental problems related to pacifier use are more common in children older than age 2, those who vigorously suck their pacifier, and those who use one all of the time. If you’re concerned about your child’s pacifier use, let us know. We can offer suggestions to help wean them off a pacifier.

A laser infant frenectomy is a minimally invasive procedure designed to correct tongue-tie or lip-tie in infants. These conditions occur when the tissue connecting the tongue or upper lip to the mouth is too tight, restricting movement and potentially causing feeding difficulties. During the procedure, a specialized laser is used to release the tight tissue, allowing for a better range of motion. The use of a laser makes the process precise and gentle, reducing the impact on surrounding areas.

One of the key benefits of using a laser for this procedure is the reduced discomfort and minimal bleeding compared to traditional methods. The laser also cauterizes as it cuts, which promotes faster healing and less swelling. For infants, this means quicker relief from feeding difficulties and improved oral development. By addressing these issues early, a laser frenectomy helps set the stage for more effective breastfeeding or bottle-feeding and supports healthy growth and development. This information was provided by Dentistry of Bellevue! You can check them out here: https://dentistryofbellevue.com/

A laser frenectomy is generally not considered painful and is often more comfortable than traditional surgical methods. The precision of the laser allows for targeted removal of the tissue, minimizing bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. To ensure a painless experience, local anesthesia is typically used during the procedure, keeping you comfortable throughout.

One of the key advantages of using a laser is the quicker recovery time and reduced post-procedure discomfort. The laser helps seal nerve endings and blood vessels as it works, which promotes faster healing and minimizes the need for stitches. Many patients find the recovery process straightforward, with only mild soreness that resolves quickly. These benefits make laser frenectomy a popular and effective choice.

The Infant Tongue Tie Solution is generally considered safe when performed by trained healthcare professionals. Tongue tie procedures are routine and designed to address a condition where the tissue under the tongue restricts movement, potentially affecting feeding and speech. When done under the guidance of a qualified professional, the process is quick and involves minimal discomfort, with most babies recovering rapidly.

It’s essential to consult with your pediatrician or a specialist if you suspect your baby has a tongue tie. They can evaluate your baby’s situation and recommend the best approach. Addressing tongue tie issues early can have significant benefits, such as improving feeding, supporting healthy weight gain, and preventing potential speech challenges in the future. Prioritizing expert care ensures your baby’s safety and well-being throughout the process. Big thank you to Villa Orthodontics for sharing this information with us!

A dental abscess in children often presents with several noticeable symptoms. One of the most common signs is a persistent and sometimes severe toothache, which may be accompanied by sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. Parents might also notice swelling in the child’s gum or face near the affected tooth, which could lead to noticeable redness and tenderness in the area. Additionally, a child with a dental abscess may experience bad breath or a bad taste in their mouth due to pus draining from the abscess.

Other symptoms to watch for include a general feeling of discomfort or illness, as well as fever, which can indicate that the infection is spreading. Early detection is crucial as it helps prevent the abscess from worsening or spreading to other parts of the body. Seeking prompt professional dental care is essential to effectively treat the abscess and avoid potential complications, ensuring the child’s health and comfort are restored.

An infant frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that involves the removal or modification of the frenulum, which is a small fold of tissue in the mouth. This tissue can restrict movement of the tongue (known as a tongue-tie or ankyloglossia) or the upper lip (known as a lip-tie). These conditions can cause difficulties with breastfeeding, speech development, and oral hygiene if left untreated.

The procedure is usually quick and minimally invasive. It can be performed using scissors, a scalpel, or a laser. Local anesthesia or a topical numbing agent is often applied to minimize discomfort for the baby. After the frenectomy, many infants experience immediate improvements in breastfeeding and overall oral function. Recovery is typically swift, with most babies resuming normal feeding habits shortly after the procedure.