Questions and Answers
CAN MY CHILD BE “ASLEEP” DURING DENTAL TREATMENT?
Yes, we work with a dental anesthesiologist. The dental anesthesiologist comes to our office for a scheduled visit, and Dr. Merlino can accomplish all of the needed dental treatment in one visit while the patient is sedated. Our first step will be a consultation visit where we will get to know your child and understand your concerns and treatment needs. We will then make a recommendation as to the type of sedation dentistry that would be best. With any type of dental work, it is important to be well informed and make a decision that you feel is best for your child’s health. Call 718-761-2090 for more information.
WHAT ARE DENTAL SEALANTS AND WHO BENEFITS FROM THEM?
The chewing surface of children’s teeth are the most susceptible to cavities. Sealants are adhesive coatings that are applied to the tops of teeth and can be highly effective in preventing tooth decay. Studies show that 4 out of 5 cavities in children under age 15 develop on the biting surface of back molars. Molars commonly decay because plaque accumulates in the tiny grooves of the chewing surfaces. Sealants prevent the cavities that fluoride cannot effectively reach. As a preventive mechanism, sealants are an important part of a cavity-free generation.
WHAT ARE COMPOSITES (TOOTH COLORED FILLINGS)?
Composites or tooth colored fillings are used to restore teeth for which cosmetic appearance is important. Tooth colored fillings are used to repair fractured teeth and/or areas of decay. The shade of the restoration material is matched as closely as possible to the color of the natural tooth. A tooth colored filling that covers the entire tooth is called a strip crown.
WHAT ARE CROWNS?
Crowns are full coverage restorations that completely cover and protect the entire tooth. Crowns are used to restore teeth that were badly decayed or fractured. Crowns for primary teeth can be metal (stainless steel) or tooth colored (made of Zirconium - a porcelain like material). Dr. Merlino is familiar with both types of crowns and is proud to be one of only a few Pediatic Dentists in Staten Island trained to work with Zirconium crowns for children.
WHAT ARE PULPOTOMIES AND PULPECTOMIES?
A pulpotomy (also known as a baby root canal) is a procedure that consists of treating the infected portion of the nerve to avoid extracting the tooth.
A pulpectomy is necessary when the nerve (pulp) of the tooth is dead or abscessed. The entire infected pulp is removed from the roots of the tooth and medication is placed in the root canals.
WHAT IS NITROUS OXIDE?
Nitrous Oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is breathed in by your child with oxygen during the restorative appointment. It is used to relax a mildly anxious child.
WHAT ARE SPACE MAINTAINERS?
Space maintainers are used when a baby tooth has been prematurely lost to hold space for the permanent tooth. If space is not maintained, teeth on either side of the extraction site can drift into the space and prevent the permanent tooth from erupting.
WHY ARE “BABY TEETH” SO IMPORTANT?
Primary teeth have been labeled “baby teeth”. However, the first tooth usually isn’t lost until 6 years of age and some primary molars must function until 12 or 13 years of age before they are replaced. Primary teeth are necessary for proper chewing, proper speech, the proper development of the jaws and for esthetics. Care of the primary teeth is important not only for proper function, but also to avoid a number of unpleasant conditions that result from their neglect.
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
We are not participating providers to every insurance company. We will assist you in filing your insurance as a benefit to you, and there are some insurances that will pay their portion directly to us. We do request full payment for each visit. Once the insurance benefits have been verified, we can estimate what your portion of payment will be. We accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express as forms of payment. Financing is available through CareCredit.
It is best for you to contact us with any insurance questions yo may have at 718-761-2090.
DO YOU ALLOW PARENTS TO COME BACK WITH THEIR CHILDREN?
As the parent you are welcome to accompany your child into the treatment area during the visit. Expect your child to do well and enjoy their visit to our office and chances are they will do just that!
IS YOUR OFFICE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE?
Yes, our office is fully accessible. Our front entrance, the waiting room, the restroom, and all three dental operatories are fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
DO YOU HAVE A DIGITAL X-RAY SYSTEM?
Yes! Our radiographic system is completely digital and up-to-date. This system uses very little radiation to capture the images that are needed to treat and examone each patient thoroughly. X-rays are a very important part of our diagnostic process.
ARE YOU AFFILIATED WITH A HOSPITAL?
Yes, Dr. Merlino is an Attending Dentist in Pediatric Dentistry at Staten Island University Hospital's Department of Dentistry located at the North Site. She is involved in teaching the dental residents in the Dental Clinic as well as in the Operating Room. Dr. Merlino has privileges at SIUH to bring patients to the Operating Room and to be admitted.
SDF or SILVER DIAMINE FLUORIDE
This is a topical medicament used to treat and prevent dental caries and relieve dental sensitivity. It is applied to teeth that are decayed and is used in addition to restorative treatments.
Dr. Merlino is a member of:
