Dr. Gregory Ganzkow, DDS 
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Pedodontics: Specializing in the treatment of children's teeth. It's an age-defined specialty that provides both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special care needs. See our Tooth Charts Page for more information on tooth eruption and development for children. As we all know, from broken teeth to broken bones, childhood accidents unfortunately happen. Listed below are just a few helpful and important tips to ensure your child gets through any dental accident in the safest way possible. Make sure you call your dentist or other health care provider immediately following any emergency and seek dental/medical attention as soon as possible. For a dental emergency after hours, please call 425-338-2725. Your Child's First Dental Visit? The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. This visit gives your child an opportunity to meet the dentist in a non-threatening and friendly way. Some dentists may ask the parent to sit in the dental chair and hold their child during the examination. The parent 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. During the examination, your dentist will check all of your child's existing teeth for decay, examine your child's bite, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues. If indicated, the dentist or hygienist will clean any teeth and assess the need for fluoride. He or she will also educate parents about oral health care basics for children and discuss dental developmental issues and answer any questions. Topics your dentist may discuss with you might include: 1. Good oral hygiene practices for your child's teeth and gums and cavity prevention 2. Fluoride needs 3. Oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip sucking) 4. Developmental milestones 5. Teething 6. Proper nutrition 7. Schedule of dental check up visits. Many dentists like to see children every 6 months to build up the child's comfort and confidence level in visiting the dentist, to monitor the development of the teeth, and promptly treat any developing problems. You will be asked to complete medical and health information forms concerning the child during the first visit. Come prepared with the necessary information. 
Chipped Teeth Check to see if your child is experiencing pain or sensitivity in the tooth. If they are, call your dentist and seek treatment immediately. If your child is experiencing discomfort, the tooth's nerve may be injured. Your dentist may perform a root canal to save the tooth; a porcelain veneer or sculpted resin may applied to restore the tooth. If your child is not experiencing any pain or sensitivity, contact your dentist to see if your child should be seen right away or whether a scheduled appointment can be arranged. Usually chipped teeth aren't considered emergencies and do not require immediate treatment. Prevention Mouth guards - If your children are in contact sports (i.e.. hockey, football, soccer, etc.), have your dentist make them a mouth guard or pick up a performed one at your local sports supply store. They act as shock absorbers for the teeth and help too avoid fractures. There are four types of mouth guards: stock, boil and bite, vacuum custom made and pressure laminated. Please check out this website for some detailed sports dentistry information; http://www.sportsdentistry.com/mouthguards.html . Please feel free to Ask Dr. Ganzkow which type would be the best for your sports enthusiast. Water Fountains - Kids have a surprising tendency to bump into each other while drinking from water fountains. Tell your kids to watch out - this happens all the time. Permanent Teeth - If knocked-out, a permanent tooth can be replaced in the socket by your dentist; most have a fair chance of surviving. Every minute the tooth is out of the socket decreases the chance of its survival. Deciduous (Baby) Teeth - If a deciduous tooth is avulsed, do not place it back in the socket. Deciduous teeth which have been replaced tend to fuse to the bony socket and present with difficulties when it's time for the tooth to exfoliate (fall-out). Also, there's a risk of damaging the permanent tooth underneath when the deciduous tooth is replaced. Here's a good link for dental emergencies at home: http://firstaid.webmd.com/broken_or_knocked-out_teeth_treatment_firstaid.htm |
| Lasers in Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry
Lasers allow dentists to very precisely reshape tissues to proper contours for the best esthetic result possible. They allow this to be done with the least amount of postoperative pain and swelling which is a big advantage lasers have over other methods. Lasers can be used safely and effectively in many soft tissue procedures in dentistry. Reshaping or removing gum tissue (Gingivectomy). This type of procedure may be done for the following reasons:
Clipping muscle attachments (Frenectomy) The procedure is primarily used to remove an attachment that is interfering with normal speech or causing excessing soft tissue loss around teeth. Removing soft tissue growths (Firbroma or Hemangioma removals) The procedure is used to remove excess tissue or growths that may be an esthetic or functional issue. Removing swollen tissue (Gingivoplasty) This procedure is used to remove excess tissue caused by systemic disease, medication, or poor oral hygiene. |
Contact Information18528 Firlands Way North Suite A Shoreline, WA 98133-3985 (206) 542-3535 ganzkowdds@comcast.net Follow Us |
