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 aim to make our office a safe and comfortable place for all of 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
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 issues with the teeth and gums as well as speech and jaw development.
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 the molars first come in, around the age of 5 to 7. Dental sealants protect the teeth from food particles, bacteria, and plaque that forms from an excess of harmful bacteria. In addition, sealants can last for over 10 years. We may also reapply sealants as needed.
Adult & Senior Dental Care
As we age, we are more prone to dental problems such as worn, discolored, or even lost teeth. It is important to receive the right restorative and cosmetic care for these problems before more issues arise. Dr. Karpovich can examine your smile to determine the best solution for your needs at routine dental appointments. He has advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of dental problems related to the function of the bite 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, minor cosmetic imperfections like chips or cracks can be covered by tooth bonding or porcelain veneers.
Family Dentistry FAQs
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 different 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 first 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 that you can best take care of your child’s oral health when you’re at home.
Why do you need to care for baby teeth?
Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, act as placeholders for permanent teeth. Caring for baby teeth ensures that children can bite and chew comfortably and that their permanent teeth develop properly.
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’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 provide your child with an extra layer of protection against tooth decay. The material is painted on the back molars and teeth that are most susceptible to tooth decay. It dries on there, making it harder for bacteria to penetrate the actual tooth.
What’s the most common dental problem for adults?
A large amount 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 serious problems with your oral health.
What’s the most common dental problem for seniors?
Just like with the other parts of our bodies, age takes its toll on our teeth and mouth. Seniors are more and more likely to be missing at least one of their teeth. They’re also the demographic that’s most likely to be missing all of their teeth. Various tooth replacement options are available so that you can make the right choice to get back your smile.