Comfortable Care For Every Person in Your Family

Starting a child early with regular dental exams and care can mean a lifetime of better oral health. Island Smiles Dental Care recommends children have their first visit around 6 months after the eruption of their first tooth, which is typically one year of age. We believe it is essential to start dental care early, allowing us to help establish patterns of eating and hygiene that can protect against early tooth decay, as well as tooth alignment and gum problems in adulthood.

In addition to regular cleanings, the dental team can apply sealants to protect young teeth from decay. The dentist can also help select mouth guards to prevent sports injuries, and provide timely diagnosis and treatment of orthodontic problems. Island Smiles Dental Care welcomes children of all ages and will make their visit more fun!

When you experience a dental emergency, we’re here to help. Some injuries need attention in our office; others can be cared for at home. It’s best to call Island Smiles Dental Care as quickly as possible so we can determine if we need to see you or if we can guide you through handling the situation to treat the pain or injury at home.

Some of the most common dental emergencies include:

• Tooth pain
• Swollen or painful gums or jaw
• Broken or cracked tooth
• Tooth knocked out
• Filling or crown comes out
• Damaged denture or partial
• Cut and bleeding lip or tongue

At Island Smiles Dental Care we understand that many people typically do not look forward to their dental appointments. That’s why we make it a priority to provide service and care that goes above and beyond our patients’ expectations. Your dentist will do everything she can to ensure your experience is one you will enjoy again and again. Through state-of-the-art equipment and vast expertise, our dental team has everything they need to practice their craft gently and keep you, the patient, comfortable. In addition, we offer nitrous oxide, or laughing gas to those patients who need more than a gentle touch.

Dental injuries are among the most common sports injuries. Studies have shown that athletes not wearing mouth-guards are 60 times more likely to suffer mouth injuries. According to the American Dental Association, the required use of mouth-guards in high school and college football prevents over 200,000 injuries each year, according to the American Dental Association.

Mouth-guards reduce the risk of mouth, face and jaw injuries, as well as broken teeth. The basic types of mouth-guards include:

• Stock. Sold in stores, these preformed guards may not fit well, reducing the effectiveness.
• Boil and bite. Also sold in stores, these fit a little better by boiling and then inserting in the mouth to form.
• Custom-fitted. Mouth-guards that are custom-made by your dentist may be the most expensive but offer the best protection.

Island Smiles Dental can help you determine the best option for your budget and needs to protect your face and preserve your natural teeth.

Dental sealants are a great tool for preventing cavities in hard-to-reach areas. They are typically recommended for children between ages 6 and 14, but patients of virtually all ages can benefit from their application. Dental sealants are made from specially designed dental resin or plastic. They are carefully applied in liquid form onto the teeth in a thin layer. The sealant then quickly hardens and bonds directly onto the tooth, with the aid of a curing light. Sealants can remain effective for as long as a decade, but they still should be checked for wear and adhesion during every dental check-up.