Your child’s first visit
The first “regular” dental visit should be just after your child’s third birthday. The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. We may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination. You may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.
We will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken (to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child’s permanent teeth under the gums). We may clean your child’s teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most important of all, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth.
What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?
We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. Your child’s reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.
During your first visit the dentist will:
- Examine your mouth, teeth and gums.
- Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking.
- Check to see if you need fluoride.
- Teach you about cleaning your teeth and gums.
- Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.
Here are some “First Visit” tips:
- Take your child for a “preview” of the office.
- Read books with them about going to the dentist.
- Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit.
- Speak positively about your own dental experiences.
What about preventative care?
Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand in hand. At our office we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest in dental sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Dental sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health.
Your peace of mind and comfort are of the utmost importance to us.
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Request An AppointmentCavity Prevention
Most of the time cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing. Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly, of course, can help. The longer it takes your child to chew their food and the longer the residue stays on their teeth, the greater the chances of getting cavities.
Every time someone eats, an acid reaction occurs inside their mouth as the bacteria digests the sugars. This reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes. During this time the acid environment can destroy the tooth structure, eventually leading to cavities.
Consistency of a person’s saliva also makes a difference; thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. When a person eats diets high in carbohydrates and sugars they tend to have thicker saliva, which in turn allows more of the acid-producing bacteria that can cause cavities.
The first baby teeth that come into the mouth are the two bottom front teeth. You will notice this when your baby is about 6-8 months old. Next to follow will be the 4 upper front teeth and the remainder of your baby’s teeth will appear periodically. They will usually appear in pairs along the sides of the jaw until the child is about 2½ years old.
At around 2½ years old your child should have all 20 teeth. Between the ages of 5 and 6 the first permanent teeth will begin to erupt. Some of the permanent teeth replace baby teeth and some don’t. Don’t worry if some teeth are a few months early or late as all children are different.
Baby teeth are important as they not only hold space for permanent teeth but they are important to chewing, biting, speech and appearance. For this reason it is important to maintain a healthy diet and daily hygiene.
Patient Testimonials
Read dental patient reviews and testimonials for Morristown Dental Associates in Morristown, New Jersey.
Staff is excellent! I asked Bobbie many questions and she never once made me feel like I was a bother. Hygienist Deb was very careful during cleaning asking me how I was doing every step of the way. Doctor Corsella is by far the best dentist I have been to in my 64 years. Very caring and communicative. Made me feel like my dental care was something I was participating in instead of something that was happening to me. Would very highly recommend care at this practice!
Michael T. - Patient since 2022
The medical team in this office are highly skilled professionals who consistently make their patients’ dental health their highest priority. Treatment options and procedures are explained in detail so patients can make well-informed decisions. The support staff is cheerful, organized, and always helpful.
Carol F. - Patient since 2021
Terrific practice that I highly recommend. Dr. Carrara is a perfectionist who is knowledgeable, highly skilled and an excellent communicator. Office staff is experienced, helpful and courteous. Deb, the hygienist, is kind and gentle. She makes getting a cleaning virtually painless.
Michele B. - Patient since 2003
My dental care has been excellent at this practice. Dr Carrera has done an excellent job with his treatment plans and the results have have been great. The staff is also excellent including the dental assistants and the ladies at the front desk doing scheduling and administrative activities. Very professional and friendly staff . Would highly recommend this practice to family and friends.
John R. - Patient since 2020
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Each appointment is designed for one-on-one Doctor/Patient time with individual, personalized focus.
Contact Us
There are many ways to communicate with our dental office in Morristown, New Jersey. Please choose the method most convenient to you.
Phone
973-538-3456Address
Morristown Dental Associates
Richard J. Carrara, D.M.D Vincent J. Corsello, D.M.D Joshua Perlman, D.M.DThe Medical Center at James Street
261 James Street, Suite 3B
Morristown, NJ 07960
Office Hours
Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:30pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:30pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Call Us Today! 973-538-3456