Pediatric dentistry is a specialty focusing on the oral health care needs of young people. Infants, children and adolescents require unique treatment methods to accommodate their behavior, growth and development, and to avoid future dental problems. The Pediatric Dentists at Montefiore are committed to providing the highest level of care to these young, growing individuals. Specialized training allows us to treat all children, including those with complex dental issues and special health care needs.

Good oral health is an important part of total health. Establishing us as your child’s “Dental Home” provides us the opportunity to implement preventive dental health habits that keep a child free from dental/oral disease. We focus on prevention, early detection and treatment of dental diseases, and keep current on the latest advances in dentistry for children.

Pleasant visits to the dental office promote the establishment of trust and confidence in your child that will last a lifetime. Our goal, along with our staff, is to help all children feel good about visiting the dentist and teach them how to care for their teeth. From our special office environment, to our communication style, our main concern is what is best for your child.

Location and Hours:

Montefiore Medical Center - Centennial Building
3332 Rochambeau Avenue, 2nd floor
Bronx, NY 10467
(718) 920-2120

Montefiore Medical Center - DTC/Schiff Pavilion
3444 Kossuth Avenue, 1st floor
Bronx, NY 10467
(718) 920-2800

Montefiore Medical Park - Comprehensive Family Care Center (CFCC)
1516 Jarrett Place, Suite 100
Bronx, NY 10461
(718) 405-8194

Preventing Tooth Decay
Four things are necessary for cavities to form: 1) a tooth; 2) bacteria; 3) sugars or other carbohydrates; and 4) time. We can share with you how to make teeth strong, keep bacteria from organizing into harmful colonies, develop healthy eating habits, and understand the role that time plays. Remember, dental decay is an infection of the tooth. Visiting us early can help avoid unnecessary cavities and dental treatment. Studies show that children with poor oral health have decreased school performance, poor social relationships and less success later in life. Children experiencing pain from decayed teeth are distracted and unable to concentrate on schoolwork.

Importance of Primary Teeth (Baby Teeth)
It is very important that primary teeth are kept in place until they are lost naturally. These teeth serve a number of critical functions. Primary teeth:

• Maintain good nutrition by permitting your child to chew properly.
• Are involved in speech development.
• Help the permanent teeth by saving space for them. A healthy smile can help children feel good about the way they look to others

First Visit
Your child should visit the dentist by his/her 1st birthday. You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and his staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to do concerning the visit, the better.

Parents are welcome to accompany their child for cleanings and new patient visits, as well as dental experiences that involve restorations. We are all highly experienced in helping children overcome anxiety; we will even allow them to sit in their parent's lap if necessary.

It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt. The office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.

We strive to make each and every visit to our office a fun one!

Adolescents
Adolescents have special needs. Appearance and self-image are very important to them. Decayed or poorly positioned teeth or jaws might make them more self-conscious. Teens also eat frequently, and unhealthy snack foods tend to become a major part of their regular diet. We provide a professional, sensitive and caring approach to restoring and guiding teeth, and teaching preventive dental health care through the teen’s high school years. When necessary, we will provide information on sealants, oral piercing, wisdom teeth, missing teeth and tobacco use.

Young People With Special Needs
An integral part of our practice is concerned with the medical and dental health of the special patient. People with significant medical, physical, or mental disabilities often present unique challenges to dentists.

At Montefiore, we are able to provide a variety of treatment choices, including sedation and general anesthesia. The method selected is based on the specific health care needs of your child. Our training allows us to address their special needs and provide the best care possible.

Team Approach to Total Health
Good oral health is an important part of total health. When helping children, we often work with pediatricians, other physicians and dental specialists. All young people are served best through this team approach.

Our Pediatric Dentists are actively involved in the Craniofacial Center at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM). We have provided dental care to the conjoined Aguirre twins prior to their separation as well as the children of Operation Iraqi Hearts.