Dr. Gregory Hillyard and Dr. Alexandra Monroe provide quality restorative, cosmetic, and general dental services to families in Media, PA. We afford patients various treatments to accommodate their entire family’s oral health needs. Family dentistry can include teeth cleanings, dental crowns, dental bridges, and gum disease treatment. From routine preventive care to advanced solutions, our dental team is equipped for the highest standard of care.
Early and Advanced Dental Care
Children’s dental visits include dental cleanings, digital X-rays, and examinations. Preventative treatments that help fight cavities are included in these visits. Younger patients are more cavity-prone due to sugary diets and difficulties brushing and flossing.
As patients age, we can advise them on at-home dental care, orthodontic treatment, and wisdom teeth removal. Regular dental visits are also important to establish a relationship with the dentist. These routine visits also help reduce the stress and anxiety often associated with dental care.
Family Dentistry in Media, PA
Our practice has a long tradition of family dental care in Media, Pennsylvania. We are a family-run practice that began in 1909 by Dr. Hillyard’s grandfather. Many families in Media, PA, and the surrounding areas have been loyal patients at our practice for decades. Dr. Hillyard and Dr. Monroe treat multiple generations of patients.
Our team builds strong relationships with patients and creates treatment plans to help keep their teeth and gums healthy for life. We understand that teeth and gums change as kids grow. That’s why our children’s dental care is made to fit each child’s specific needs. Our hygiene team also gives age-appropriate tips to help kids take care of their teeth at home. These tips teach kids how to keep their smiles healthy on their own.
Dental treatments for children in our office include:
- Fluoride treatment
- Dental Sealants
- Safe Dental X-rays
- Pediatric Dental Cleanings
Good oral health starts at a young age. Helping your child build healthy habits early supports their teeth and gum health as they grow. We’re happy to be part of your family’s healthcare by offering personalized dental care in a kind and caring environment.
Dental Sealants
The natural grooves in the teeth are too deep to clean once molars erupt. Food debris can stick to tooth grooves and attract harmful bacteria to the back teeth. However, using air abrasion, we can remove debris from these grooves and then use a sealant.
A sealant is a thin resin or glass ionomer coating that we place on the back teeth. Sealants create a smooth and easy-to-clean surface. This treatment decreases the likelihood of tooth decay in younger patients. We’ll recommend sealants once the first molars emerge and then after the second molars emerge. Patients between six and fourteen are good candidates for sealants after their dental cleanings.
Fluoride Treatments
Our dental office offers fluoride treatments for both children and adults. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps make your teeth stronger. It works by keeping the enamel, or outer tooth layer, healthy.
We use a fluoride varnish that we brush onto teeth after a dental cleaning. It stays on for several hours and slowly releases fluoride to protect your teeth. Kids should get fluoride treatment every 3 to 6 months to keep the enamel strong and prevent tooth cavities.
We Accommodate Your Family’s Needs
Our office treats patients of all ages. Dr. Hillyard and Dr. Monroe aim to accommodate all of your family’s needs in the most convenient manner possible with:
- Early morning hours so you can visit our office before work
- Evening hours every Wednesday
- Flexibility to bring your entire family at once
- Emergency dental care
Our friendly dental team treats patients with compassion. We accommodate patients of all ages for comfortable and stress-free dental visits. Work and after-school activities can make it difficult to make dental visits. Our office easily fits your schedule so you and your child can get dental care.
Family Dentistry FAQs
Learn more as we review answers to commonly asked questions about family dentistry in Media, PA.
How can a family dentist help with my child’s fear of the dentist?
A family dentist can help with your child’s fear of the dentist by making visits more comfortable and fun. Our dentist uses gentle techniques and explains what they’re doing in a way that kids can understand, so it’s less scary. We might show your child the tools they use and let them ask questions to feel more at ease. Building a friendly relationship with the dentist over time also helps your child feel more confident and less afraid during visits.
Is a fluoride treatment worth it?
Yes. Fluoride treatments help prevent tooth decay. A fluoride treatment is especially beneficial for people with a high risk of developing tooth decay. Fluoride will attach to dental structure and make teeth stronger. Our fluoride treatments can even reverse cavities at their initial stage, stopping them from progressing.
Can patients of all ages get fluoride treatment at the dentist?
Yes, patients of all ages can get fluoride treatment at the dentist. Dentists often recommend fluoride treatments for kids to help their developing teeth, but adults can benefit from it too, especially if they are at a higher risk for cavities. The treatment is quick, easy, and safe, and it can help keep teeth healthy for everyone, regardless of age.
How long do dental fillings last on your teeth?
Dental fillings last 5 to 10 years with proper oral health care. But the duration of the tooth fillings depends on the filling material. Some dental fillings are provisional and can last only up to 3 months. The dentist needs to replace these temporary fillings even if they are intact. They aren’t as resistant and aesthetically pleasant as a regular filling.
At what age should my child go to the dentist?
Dentists recommend that your child visit the dentist within six months after their first tooth comes in, but no later than their first birthday. The first visit is important because it allows our dentist to examine your child’s teeth and gums. We can also make a care plan if your child needs it and answer your questions.
What does a full dental exam include?
A full dental exam includes an extensive analysis of the patient’s gums, teeth, and jaw. You will also receive a dental X-ray. The dentist will examine each area and create a personalized dental treatment plan. The most common conditions dentists search for are cavities, broken teeth, signs of teeth grinding, gum disease, and even cancer.
How often should my dentist take dental X-rays?
Our dentist should give you a dental X-ray at least once a year. However, it depends on the case. People with high tooth decay risk need X-ray examinations as frequently as every six months. Not every patient has the same risks, so some patients may not need X-rays as often as others.
Dental X-rays are a good tool for diagnosing early tooth decay and assessing bone loss. Sometimes, they can show cavities that are not visible clinically. They can also help to evaluate existing restorations and infections on the bone.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes, dental X-rays are safe for children. Dentists use very low levels of radiation when taking X-rays, and they only take them when necessary. X-rays help dentists find problems like cavities or tooth infections early, so your child can get the right care. We also use lead aprons to protect your child’s body from radiation. Regular dental X-rays are a safe and helpful part of keeping your child’s teeth healthy.
Request a Dental Exam and Consultation Today
Learn more about our family dentistry services. Call for family dentistry services in our Media, PA dental office at 610.566.0291. Schedule an online appointment with one of our dentists. Dr. Hillyard and Dr. Monroe are passionate about helping patients of all ages find the right solutions to their dental concerns.
Feel free to ask if you have any questions about your child’s dental treatments. We’ll be happy to help.