19 Jul.2018

Prepare for a Dental Visit: 3 Helpful Tips for a Better Experience

Wondering how to prepare for a dental visit? Going to the dentist can be overwhelming for adults, and even more so for our little ones. Although dentists are there to help, the thought of seeing one can sometimes cause anxiety. For this reason, our pediatric dentists in Tucson, AZ work extra hard on making every experience a positive one. Follow these helpful tips below to comfort your child before they make a visit.

1. Watch Positive Videos

One way to prepare for a dental visit is to watch educational videos. Begin by finding short clips that will keep your little one engaged. Be sure to check them out first and ensure that they show positive experiences. Then, listen to the words that are used, how the patient reacts, and the environment. Our office in Tucson is sports-themed and filled with fun stuff for kids. As a result, our patients have the most comfortable visits possible!

2. Read Fun Books!

Another way to comfort your child is to read dental books. There are many options when it comes to books about cleaning teeth. A couple of our favorites are:

The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss

Brush Your Teeth Please by Leslie McGuire

Choose colorful and short reads, like these rhyme or pop-up books!

3. Role Play

Finally, after watching videos and reading books about happy visits to the dentist, try role playing with your child. You can pretend to be the dentist, or even let your little one do the work first! Most importantly, have your child lay back and practice opening their mouth while you take a look. This is an excellent way to avoid surprises when they have a real visit to the dentist, and they might even look forward to it!

Prepare for a Dental Visit at Great Grins

Give us a call at (520)325-4746 to visit the BEST pediatric dentists in town! Dr. Wolfman and Dr. Lele specialize in dental care for infants, children, and teens. Let us help your child sport a winning smile!

26 Feb.2018

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WaterLase Dentistry®: The Latest in Dental Care

Laser dentistry is more popular than ever, and for good reason! Now your child get a more comfortable and efficient treatment than ever before. If you want the latest in dental care, you’ve come to the right place. Great Grins Children’s Dentistry proudly offers laser treatment using the WaterLase iPlus All-Tissue Laser and the Epic™ X Diode Laser.

What is Laser Dentistry?

With WaterLase, we can provide dental treatment without the vibration, pressure, and heat you get with a regular drill. It uses light energy and a stream of water to remove tooth decay, and reshape your gums. With many treatments, we can use less anesthetic, or in some cases, none at all. Plus, we can get you in and out of our office faster and back to your already busy schedule.

Accuracy & Precision

As a WaterLase dentist, we can remove plaque and decay with precision without disturbing the surrounding areas. This means that you keep more of your tooth’s natural structure.

Reduced Trauma

When it comes to dentistry, gentle is always better. With high-powered drills, tiny, hairline fractures and cracks can occur on the teeth that may lead to additional problems later on. With WaterLase, we can keep healthy portions of your child’s teeth just as they are—healthy!

Less Bleeding & Swelling

In addition to reduced trauma, WaterLase reduces bleeding and swelling. Thanks to its precision, our patients will feel better post-op than ever before.

Fewer Dental Visits

Because WaterLase is so versatile, we can perform a wide range of services within our office, including frenectomies, baby root canals, cavity preparation, and more. WaterLase also reduces the need for anesthesia, and in most cases, you child can go home without being numb. This makes going to the dentists less painful.

For more information, visit www.waterlase.com. For questions about our services or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!

10 Aug.2017

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Oral Sedation: Treatment Options For Your Child

Oral sedation helps to calm nerves and ensure a good dental visit. At Great Grin’s Children’s Dentistry, we love working with children. We also understand that it’s normal for them to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Our friendly staff treats every patient as our own family. Because of this, we want your child to feel comfortable at every appointment!

We offer three types of sedation to meet every child’s needs. These include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and office-based or hospital-based anesthesia. Do you have trouble calming your child for dental visits? Does your child need a lot of treatment? Then these options can help!

Nitrous Oxide

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes laughing gas as a safe option for children. It is non-addictive and effective. It is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. This helps your child relax while remaining conscious. Your child will be in control of all reflexes.

Oral Sedation

In addition to laughing gas, we also offer oral sedation. It will help your child relax while remaining conscious. It can cause drowsiness, so your child may fall asleep for a nap.

Office-Based Anesthesia

Office-based anesthesia is another option. This is I.V. sedation must be administered through the vein by our anesthesiologist. The patient is completely asleep and will have no recollection of the event. This is the best option for a child that needs a lot of dental work done.

Hospital-Based Sedation

In some cases, we can also perform hospital-based sedation. This is done under general anesthesia. It may require a stay in the hospital if your child has certain medical needs.

Great Grins

Contact our office today at (520)325-4746 to learn more about your options. Our team is happy to answer questions. We can also review insurance benefits. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

13 Jul.2017

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How Do Sealants Work

How Do Sealants Work?

Our doctors at Great Grins Children’s Dentistry offer sealants in Tucson, AZ. So, what are sealants? Sealants help protect teeth from plaque and bacteria. Just like athletes wear helmets and padding to protect their bodies, sealants shield your teeth from tooth decay and eventual cavities. These plastic resins bond and harden onto tiny grooves on the surface of the tooth, forming a protective barrier.

Brushing and flossing are essential to keeping the teeth clean and getting rid of plaque. However, brushing and flossing alone cannot always reach every part of each tooth. Oftentimes, food particles and bacteria like to hide in crevices and uneven areas on the teeth. Molars are especially hard to keep cavity-free because of their uneven surfaces.

If your child suffers from cavities, this can be a helpful preventative treatment option.

What are the Benefits?

Every tooth has the potential to get cavities, but tooth decay is typically most prevalent on the tops of the back teeth. At Great Grins Children’s Dentistry, we can provide this treatment quickly and painlessly. After sealing the teeth, the small grooves will be smoother and less likely to form plaque. Plus, it will be easier for your child to clean the teeth while brushing and can help prevent tooth decay for years to come. In addition, your child will be more likely to avoid dental fillings in the future.

Before Your Visit

To prepare your child, let them know that it is a quick and easy process. First, we will clean and dry the tooth and place an acidic gel on it to ensure proper bonding. After a few seconds, we will rinse off the gel and dry the tooth again. Next, we will apply the sealant to the tooth’s grooves. We will then use a special blue light to harden it. And that’s it!

Sealants in Tucson, AZ

If cavities are a concern because of history, or if your child refuses to brush regularly, contact Great Grins to schedule an appointment. We offer sealants in Tucson and can determine if sealants are right for your child! The earlier your child receives treatment, the healthier teeth will be and the more money you will save in the long run.

16 Mar.2017

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Nitrous Oxide/Dental Laughing Gas

Nitrous Oxide Benefits

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is a safe sedative that helps you relax. At Great Grin’s Children’s Dentistry, this is one of the most common types of oral sedation we provide.

Should My Child Receive Laughing Gas?

Many children feel anxious in unfamiliar places and feel scared at the dentist. Our goal is to help even the most anxious child feel at ease during the appointment. We encourage you to talk with your child about their upcoming visit to our office. Try to prepare them for the services they’ll receive. If they still show extreme nervousness and anxiety, dental nitrous oxide may be helpful for them. For some cases and children with special needs, we also offer office- and hospital-based anesthesia.

How Nitrous Oxide Works

Here is more information on how laughing gas works. At the beginning of the appointment, we will place a small nose piece over your child’s nose. As they breathe normally, the gas will take effect, making your child feel more relaxed. Experiencing a light-headed feeling or a tingling in the arms and legs is normal. It will not put your child to sleep. Your child will be conscious and be able to respond to any directions we may give throughout the appointment. Our doctors then administer oxygen through the nose piece when the treatment is done. This allows the effects of nitrous oxide to wear off right away.

Nitrous Oxide in Tucson Office

Throughout the years, we’ve found that children respond well to laughing gas. It can make your child feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Our goal is to ensure every child receives dental treatment comfortably and safely. Laughing gas is easy to administer, and children love the feeling of comfort it provides. Still have questions about laughing gas and your child’s appointment? Contact our office today at (520)325-4746 for more information!

24 Feb.2017

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Tooth Extractions for Children

Extractions

Does My Child Need a Tooth Extraction?

At times, extractions may be needed. Tooth decay left untreated can cause more damage. This can cause even the toughest all-stars to need a tooth removed. At Great Grin’s Children’s Dentistry, we perform extractions from the comfort of our office.

Tooth Extractions and Your Child

Our goal is to ensure that during the extraction, your child is as comfortable as possible. Before we get started, we will give your child an anesthetic to numb the area and reduce discomfort. We help your child understand that after this point, they won’t feel a thing! However, you will want to talk to your child about being careful not to bite the cheek, lip, or tongue afterward. We recommend that your child not eat any foods that require chewing for a few hours after until they regain feeling in the mouth.

Recovery Time

We strive to make your child’s appointment and recovery as comfortable as possible. After surgery, we place a gel foam in the extraction site. This helps to stop any bleeding. The gel foam goes away on its own and is okay to be swallowed if it comes out. For the first day or two after tooth extractions, stick to calm activities. Do not drink through a straw or brush near the extraction site. Ice packs and pain medication can help with any swelling.

In addition, stress the importance of keeping the mouth clean after tooth extractions with your child. Your child should still brush and floss the teeth around the healing tooth. To clean the extraction site, help your child rinse gently with a glass of warm salt water after meals. Be sure your child doesn’t rinse too vigorously.

Pediatric Dentist in Tucson

Drs. Kedar Lele and Angela Wolfman are diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. They specialize in dental care for infants, children, and teens. For more information on tooth extractions or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!

2 Feb.2017

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X-Rays: Are They Safe for Children?

Dental X-Rays: What Are They For?

Dental x-rays allow dentists to get an inside look at your child’s teeth and jaw to find issues they are unable to see with the naked eye. Cavities can form between teeth, and x-rays help dentists find them. Some children or adults have extra teeth or are more likely to need braces in the future. X-rays allow dentists to see this. So, how safe are they? Read below to learn more about radiographs and their uses.

Are X-Rays Safe?

Yes—in moderation. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) and The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), the amount of radiation we’re exposed to from dental x-rays over the course of our lifetimes is minuscule. The average radiation dose in the U.S. is 6.2 millisieverts (mSv) per year. Only about 3.1 mSv come from natural sources and approximately 3.1 mSv from man-made sources. Roughly half of the man-made radiation exposure is related to CT scanning.^*

State laws also set requirements for using radiation. At Great Grin’s children’s dentistry, we comply with all laws and regulations regarding the use and frequency of dental x-rays. We use digital, low-dose radiation x-rays to make them as safe as possible!

Kid’s Dentist in Tucson

In short, the benefits of your child getting a dental x-ray far outweigh the risks. Undetected problems can worsen over time. This can lead to pain and bigger problems in the future. The longer you wait for decay to be treated, the more costly it can be. Dr. Angela Wolfman and Dr. Kedar Lele are happy to answer any questions regarding your child’s dental health. Call Great Grins Children’s Dentistry in Tucson, AZ at (520)325-4746. Whether you have a question regarding insurance, dental x-rays, or appointment scheduling, we are happy to help!

*X-Rays. (n.d.). Retrieved July 07, 2016, from http://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/x-rays.

15 Dec.2016

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Dental Emergency Tucson, AZ

Dental Emergency Information

Emergencies can strike without warning, requiring emergency dental care. Has your child had an accident at school and hurt their teeth? At Great Grins Children’s Dentistry, we offer 24-hour care for patients of record so you can feel comfortable knowing your child is in good hands. In the case of a dental emergency, Drs. Kedar Lele and Angela Wolfman are happy to help.

Call Great Grins in Tucson, AZ

If you have an after-hours emergency and your child is a patient of record at Great Grins, call our office at (520) 325-4746 (GRIN) and follow the instructions to reach our doctors. Remember to remain calm, speak clearly, and leave your contact information in a message. One of our doctors will return your call shortly.

Dental Emergency: What To Do

If your child loses a permanent tooth, there are ways you can help treat the problem at home. As always, remain calm. First, it’s important to find the tooth. Then, hold it by the crown and gently try to reinsert it into the socket. If you notice debris in the tooth, you can gently rinse it in cool water. Do not scrub the tooth. If you’re unable to clean the tooth or reinsert it into the socket, put the tooth in a glass of milk and call us immediately. The tooth has a better chance of being saved if you act fast!

Pediatric Dentist

For more information on dental emergency situations and what to do, click here. For any emergency, the process goes smoother if you have a primary care provider or dentist. Be sure to schedule your child’s regular dental appointments. Infants can be seen as soon as 6 months after their first tooth comes in! At Great Grins Children’s Dentistry, our priority is to establish a dental home for your little one. Call us at (520)325-4746 to schedule a check up and our doctors will be there to help in the future during a dental emergency if needed.

30 Nov.2016

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Fluoride Treatment

Is fluoride treatment right for my child?

Do you or your child suffer from cavities, plaque buildup, and tooth sensitivity?

Does your child have white spots on his/her teeth?

At Great Grins Children’s Dentistry, we provide fluoride treatment to help lessen common symptoms. Read on to learn more about the uses of fluoride and how it can help build strong teeth.

Fluoride Treatment: What Does it Do?

Acids build up on your tooth enamel every day. As a result, they can make the teeth weak and susceptible to cavities and tooth decay. Unfortunately, fillings alone can’t stop buildup from happening and new cavities from forming. However, fluoride can help prevent tooth decay by making teeth become more resistant to acids in the mouth. Fluoride treatment is especially important for children ages 6 – 16 whose teeth are still growing, since it can help strengthen them.

Where to Get Fluoride Treatments

No matter how strong your child’s teeth might be, protect them against plaque with regular fluoride treatments. Contact us at Great Grins Children’s Dentistry today to make an appointment. New and current patients can reach us at 520-325-4746. At Great Grins, we are also happy to offer complimentary insurance benefit checks. Our team will let you know if fluoride treatments are covered by your plan and how often. Read below to learn more about our doctors.

Dr. Lele and Dr. Wolfman

Great Grins Children’s Dentistry is located near Alvernon and Ft. Lowell in Tucson, AZ, next to the Jewish Community Center. Drs. Kedar Lele and Angela Wolfman are both board certified pediatric dentists who specialize in the dental care for infants, children, and teens. In addition to having the same qualifications, they are a husband and wife team who truly care about their patients and oral health! Drs. Lele and Wolfman love to work in our sports-themed office and believe in making dental visits informative and fun. Feel free to contact us at 520-325-4746 to learn more about our office and schedule your child’s dental appointment!

22 Nov.2016

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Insurance Benefits: Use Them All!

How Insurance Benefits Work

Have you made the most of your insurance benefits this year? Many insurance plans have deductibles that renew every year. These deductibles sometimes have to be met in order for your insurance company to cover any services. When plan deductibles are met, policy holders and dependents have little to no out-of-pocket costs for the rest of their visits until the deductible renews again. If you or your children have met your deductible, it may be useful to visit your health care providers before the year ends!

Dental Insurance Benefits

Dental insurance plans can be a little bit different from medical. Most insurances will cover 2 dental exams and cleanings per year, but some may cover more! Deductibles do not always apply to these exams or other preventive services. If this is the case, your child may not have to meet his/her deductible as long as they do not need dental treatment. Either way, it is best to know your benefits to make the most of them. If your child has only had one dental visit this year, it is very likely that your insurance will cover another before the year ends!

How Do I Know What My Plan Covers?

At Great Grins Children’s Dentistry, we are happy to check dental insurance benefits for your child. We can find out whether they have more exam/cleaning frequencies to use up and help you schedule an appointment! If you are already paying for an insurance plan, why not get the most out of it? You can also call your insurance through the phone number on your card and get information on benefits. Click here to learn more about oral health and browse through insurance plans.

Kid’s Dentist in Tucson

We’re here to help! Call Great Grins Children’s Dentistry at (520)325-4746 or visit us at 3953 E. Paradise Falls Dr. Suite 110, Tucson, AZ 85712 to schedule an appointment for your little one. We are happy to answer any questions you may have!

Blog

1. Watch Positive Videos

2. Read Fun Books!

3. Role Play

Prepare for a Dental Visit at Great Grins

What is Laser Dentistry?

Accuracy & Precision

Reduced Trauma

Less Bleeding & Swelling

Fewer Dental Visits

Nitrous Oxide

Oral Sedation

Office-Based Anesthesia

Hospital-Based Sedation

Great Grins

How Do Sealants Work?

What are the Benefits?

Before Your Visit

Sealants in Tucson, AZ

Nitrous Oxide Benefits

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Should My Child Receive Laughing Gas?

How Nitrous Oxide Works

Nitrous Oxide in Tucson Office

Extractions

Does My Child Need a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth Extractions and Your Child

Recovery Time

Pediatric Dentist in Tucson

Dental X-Rays: What Are They For?

Are X-Rays Safe?

Kid’s Dentist in Tucson

Dental Emergency Information

Call Great Grins in Tucson, AZ

Dental Emergency: What To Do

Pediatric Dentist

Fluoride Treatment: What Does it Do?

Where to Get Fluoride Treatments

Dr. Lele and Dr. Wolfman

How Insurance Benefits Work

Dental Insurance Benefits

How Do I Know What My Plan Covers?

Kid’s Dentist in Tucson

Our Address

Our Hours

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