Dr. Paul Karpovich is a family dentist in Timonium, MD. He encourages parents to bring their children to the dentist so they can feel comfortable receiving routine dental care. Dr. Karpovich and his team know that visiting the dentist can sometimes be anxiety-inducing or scary, especially for younger patients. We enable family dentistry services in our Timonium, MD, office by making our office a safe and comfortable place for all our patients. Our dental staff moves at each patient’s pace and can explain their general dentistry treatment so they can feel relaxed and confident.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit at our Family Dentistry in Timonium, MD
Routine dental care for children does not differ that much from adult care. Pediatric dentistry visits can include:
- Dental cleaning
- Diagnostic X-rays
- Dental cavities screening
- Gum evaluation
- Examination of the temporomandibular joints
If Dr. Karpovich finds any dental issues, he will create a treatment plan for your child. Early intervention, particularly at a young age, can prevent problems with the teeth and gums and speech and jaw development.
Ensuring Patient Comfort at Dental Visits
Dr. Karpovich, his office staff, and his dental hygienists are here to ensure you and your family feel comfortable. If your child is nervous about visiting the dentist, we can help. Our office wants to accommodate your child to ensure they feel relaxed.
To make your child’s dental visit more comfortable, you can:
- Bring a stuffed animal or fidget toys
- Let your child wear noise-cancelling headphones
- Stay with your child in the examination room
We can also help you if you avoid visiting the dentist due to dental anxiety. Call us for an appointment, and we can provide accommodations. You can tour our office before your visit to meet Dr. Karpovich and his staff.
Additionally, you can bring headphones to listen to music when you come in for your visit. We can also agree on a signal to pause treatment when needed.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Sealants protect against tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities on the back teeth or molars. Molars are more vulnerable to decay because they are often difficult to clean and some of the most used teeth to bite and chew.
We recommend sealants when children are five to seven when the molars first come in. Children will require additional treatment when the second molars emerge between the ages of ten and twelve.
Dental sealants protect the teeth from food particles, bacteria, and plaque that form from an excess of harmful bacteria. In addition, sealants can last for over ten years. We may also reapply sealants as needed.
Adult and Senior Dental Care
As we age, we are more prone to dental problems such as worn, discolored, or even lost teeth. Proper restorative and cosmetic care for these problems is essential before more issues arise. Dr. Karpovich can examine your smile at routine dental appointments to determine the best solution for your needs. He has advanced training in diagnosing and treating dental problems related to the bite’s function and the effects of tooth loss.
Dr. Karpovich may recommend dental implants, dental bridges, or dentures if you have one or more missing teeth. Dental crowns can cover and strengthen worn teeth. Professional teeth whitening whitens enamel by multiple shades. Lastly, tooth bonding or porcelain veneers can cover minor cosmetic imperfections like chips or cracks.
Family Dentistry FAQs
Learn more about family dentistry in our Timonium, MD office with answers to these frequently asked questions:
How is family dentistry different from pediatric dentistry?
A pediatric dentist focuses on the care of children under the age of 18. A family dentist, however, provides care for patients of all ages. They’re trained to be versatile, meeting the unique needs of each age group. Complete families can come to our office so that they can all get dental care together.
When should I first take my child to the dentist?
The dentist should see your child before they’re a year old or within six months of their first tooth erupting. We want to monitor your child’s development and ensure everything is progressing the way it should. We also provide patient education so you can best care for your child’s oral health at home.
Why do you need to care for baby teeth?
Baby teeth, or primary teeth, are placeholders for permanent teeth. Caring for baby teeth ensures that children can bite and chew comfortably and that their permanent teeth develop correctly.
Decay, cavities, or signs of damage in baby teeth may impact permanent teeth, affecting the way the permanent teeth emerge in the mouth. Brushing and flossing baby teeth also helps develop a good oral hygiene routine that children can learn as they grow.
What are the signs of dental problems in children?
Some signs of dental problems in children that parents should look out for include:
- Tooth Pain and Sensitivity
- Swollen or Bleeding Gums
- Bad Breath
- Loose Teeth (If their teeth are loose too early)
- Visible Cavities (Dark spots and holes in teeth)
- Discomfort Chewing
If you notice any of these signs, schedule a visit to the dentist to check for problems and keep your child’s teeth healthy.
What’s the most common dental problem for children?
Children, especially toddlers, are most susceptible to tooth decay. Their diets are usually higher in sugar, and they aren’t as adept at brushing their teeth properly. We can provide dental sealants to protect your child against tooth decay.
The material is painted on the back molars. These teeth are most prone to tooth decay. It dries on there, making it harder for bacteria to penetrate the tooth.
What’s the most common dental problem for adults?
Many of the population may have gum disease and not even realize it. The early warning signs aren’t painful and can be difficult to notice if you aren’t trained to know what you’re looking for. If you notice any symptoms, call us right away. The longer gum disease goes untreated, the more likely it is to cause severe problems with your oral health.
What’s the most common dental problem for seniors?
Like with other parts of our bodies, age takes its toll on our teeth and mouth. Seniors are increasingly likely to miss at least one of their teeth. They’re also the demographic most likely to miss their teeth. Various tooth replacement options are available to make the right choice to regain your smile.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes, dental X-rays are generally safe for children. Modern X-rays use very low levels of radiation, which means the amount is tiny and not harmful.
To keep children extra safe, dentists often use protective gear, like a lead apron to help shield the body from any radiation.
X-rays help the dentist see what’s going on inside the teeth and gums. They can spot problems that you can’t see just by looking. Your dentist will only take X-rays when needed, so it’s a good way to help keep your child’s teeth healthy.
Call Our Family Dentist
Receive family dentistry care in Timonium, MD, so your family can get the necessary care. Call Dr. Karpovich at (410) 221-3085 or schedule your next dental visit online.