Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. At what age should my child have their first visit to the dentist?
A. We recommend a first visit at the age of 1 year or when the first tooth appears.
Q. What happens during the first dental consultation?
A. During the first visit, we conduct a comprehensive examination of the mouth and teeth and discuss oral hygiene practices with the parents. Generally, no treatment (unless urgent) is initiated during the first visit to ensure a positive experience.
Q. What anesthesia methods do you use for children?
A. We use local anesthesia, computer-assisted anesthesia (The WAND), conscious sedation with nitrous oxide (laughing gas or MEOPA), and, in some cases, general anesthesia, depending on the child’s needs.
Q. What is computer-assisted anesthesia, and what are its advantages?
A. “The Wand STA” anesthesia is a local anesthesia system used in dentistry to make dental procedures painless. The Wand system consists of a handpiece and a very thin needle connected to a small portable computer that controls the pressure in the tissues and the amount and speed of the injection, significantly reducing the pain associated with this procedure.
This system also allows our dentists to perform very targeted anesthesia, minimizing the unpleasant sensations associated with dental anesthesia, which is difficult to achieve with a conventional syringe.
This system is particularly suitable for children and adults with a fear of injections.
Q. How can I help prevent cavities in my child?
A. Teach your child to brush their teeth two to three times a day with fluoride toothpaste, use dental floss, and ensure regular visits to the dentist.
Q. What are preventive cavity treatments?
A. Fissure sealants help protect permanent teeth from cavities. A sealant is a thin protective resin layer applied to the deep grooves of the back teeth, such as molars and premolars. The process is non-invasive and painless, making it particularly suitable for children.
Q. Why is it important to detect orthodontic issues early?
A. Early detection allows for planning appropriate treatment, ensuring harmonious and functional development of the teeth and jaws.
Q. Financing dental care for children?
A. In the canton of Valais, all children residing in a Valais municipality (except those with permits G, F, and N) benefit from subsidized dental care (conservative caries treatment, hygiene care, and orthodontic treatments) from birth until December 31 of their 16th year. The municipal subsidy is at least 40%. The municipality can decide on additional participation for its citizens.
For our young patients residing in other French-speaking cantons, our clinics offer payment arrangements such as payment in 10 installments or over the duration of the treatment if it lasts longer. We do not charge interest. Our teams will be happy to inform you about these options if you are interested.
Q. The permanent tooth has come in while the baby tooth has not yet fallen out. What should I do?
A. With clean fingers, your child can wiggle the baby tooth regularly to help it fall out. If it still doesn’t fall out, make an appointment at one of our clinics for an examination by one of our experts.
Q. The teeth are coming in crooked. What should I do?
A. When you see crooked teeth in your child’s mouth, generally the only thing to do is wait. At your child’s next dental check-up, the dentist will tell you if orthodontic treatment is necessary.
Q. What problems can be detected in children?
A. The scope of pediatric dentistry includes the prevention, early detection, and treatment of oral conditions in children. Pediatric dentists detect potential cavities and enamel structure defects and provide appropriate care.
Pediatric dentists monitor the formation of the dentition, the condition of the gums and oral tissues, the growth of the jaws and mouth, to detect potential orthodontic problems and address any issues that may lead to chewing, swallowing, breathing, or pronunciation disorders.
