Frequently Asked Questions
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A Pediatric Dentist has completed at least a two year residency specializing in Pediatric Dentistry in addition to the four years required to earn a degree in Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.). The D.D.S. degree is preceded by a bachelors degree from college. During Dr. Caple’s two year residency, he provided dental care exclusively for children under the instruction of experts in the field. While providing treatment for the children, Dr. Caple was required to have all treatment decisions backed up with scientific research which had to be approved by his instructors. This two year intensive “hands on training” is what makes a Pediatric Dentist more uniquely prepared to meet the high standard of care for you child.
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Dr. Brent Caple graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a B. S. in Medical Science. Then Dr. Caple graduated with high honors from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Dentistry. At the University of Tennessee Dr. Caple received the following academic awards: American Society of Dentistry for Children, American Association of Endodontists, and High Honors Certificate of Merit. Dr. Caple then completed a two year residency program specializing in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Tennessee. During this residency Dr. Caple completed rotations at St. Joseph’s Hospital, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
GENERAL
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The recommended age for the first dental visit is around 12 to 18 months old, or whenever the first tooth erupts. It is strongly recommended that all children have their first dental appointment by two years of age. Most, if not all, baby teeth have erupted by this age, and should begin regular dental visits no later than this.
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You and your child will be invited back to the hygiene area so that we may review your child’s health history, diagnosis, or specific concerns. We will thoroughly explain each of the procedures to your child in terms that he or she can understand before we do the procedure. Be assured that we will treat your children with as much care and concern as we treat our own. However, some children may cry, as this is a normal response to an unfamiliar situation.
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At this visit we will emphasize oral hygiene techniques to be practiced by both you and your child. Patients can practice brushing on Mr. Frog, our stuffed animal assistant. We will answer any questions for you. A full examination of the teeth and supporting structures will be done, and the occlusion (bite) will be evaluated. Radiographs (x-rays) will be taken as necessary, usually every twelve months, to assure a thorough and comprehensive examination. Depending on the age of your child (usually 3 years or older), a prophylaxis (cleaning of teeth) and fluoride treatment will be performed. When treatment has been completed, your child will be placed on a periodic exam (recall) schedule, and you will receive an email or a text message confirmation before the appointment.
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You can play a large part in preparing your child for his or her first visit with Dr. Caple. Try to act relaxed and at ease. Any anxiety on your part will be sensed by your child. Tell your child that we will “count” and “take pictures” of his or her teeth. Do not use any fear provoking words such as “hurt, drill, pull, and needle.” Avoid statement like “the doctor will not hurt you.” (If I say to you, “Don’t think of a banana!” what is the first thing you think of? A banana! It’s the same with the word “hurt.”)
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Dr. Caple sees children from infancy to 18 years old. He values the being a child’s one dentist over these years. However, if cavities are developed in the second molars or between permanent teeth, than Dr. Caple may refer the child to a general dentist of the parent’s choice.
NEW PATIENT
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While your first visit and examination should be when the first teeth erupt, Dr. Caple recommends to start teeth cleanings at three years of age, unless the child is ready to start at two and a half years. Bitewing x-rays are not usually recommended until four years of age, unless absolutely needed.
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Dr. Caple recommends bitewing x-rays beginning at age four. Dr. Caple takes bitewing x-rays once every twelve months. If a child is cavity-prone then Dr. Caple recommends one set of bitewing x-rays every six months until a decrease in cavities is determined.
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Dr. Caple recommends a Panorex x-ray every three to five years. Dr. Caple usually takes the first one after the front teeth erupt and the last one when the wisdom teeth need to be evaluated. Dr. Caple takes this type of x-ray to check the number of teeth, the direction of growing teeth, and missing teeth.
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After a professional teeth cleaning, Dr. Caple recommends a fluoride varnish. This fluoride varnish has been proven effective in reducing cavities. If you have well water or live in an area with no fluoride in the water, sometimes Dr. Caple will also prescribe a fluoride vitamin, rinse, or prescription toothpaste. Dr. Caple recommends having the varnish treatment every six months, even though some insurance companies only reimburse one time per year. The parent will be asked before fluoride varnish is applied, so it is the parent’s choice.
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If a child needs help in managing his or her anxiety for an operative procedure, Dr. Caple will recommend a light conscious sedation, consisting of oral medication and nitrous oxide (happy gas). This usually accomplished on children who are over three years old and at least 30 pounds.
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Dr. Caple recommends Crest White Strips. Crest White Strips can be used at any age as long as your child can tolerate the treatment. Dr. Caple does not recommend daily use of whitening toothpaste at this time. Some patients have used Ultra-Bright toothpaste successfully for short term use.
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No. If your child’s teeth are crowding, you will want to call an Orthodontist of your choice or call our office for a referral.
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No. If Dr. Caple recommends going to the Hospital, then he refers young or special needs children to another pediatric dentist to provide this service. This is usually reserved for the extremely anxious child due to age, medical condition, or developmental issue.
SERVICES
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This most commonly occurs on the lower front teeth. No worries if baby teeth are loose. Just keep wiggling the baby teeth. If new teeth are halfway in and baby teeth are not loose, give two weeks to loosen up. If baby teeth are not loose after two weeks, then call Dr. Caple for an appointment to have the baby teeth removed. This is usually accomplished by using nitrous oxide and local anesthesia. Most children do well with this type of treatment.
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You do not need to be concerned if they are baby teeth. Most children out grow this by the time the permanent teeth erupt. If grinding continues, then you may want to consider a mouth guard.
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For more topics visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website at AAPD.org under the Parent Resource Center. You may also reach Dr. Caple’s office at (479) 273-6030.
OTHER
