Guideline on Behavior Guidance.  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry offers this guideline to educate: health care providers, parents, and other interested parties about influences on the behavior of pediatric dental patients.

Materials in Dental Amalgam Fillings. Because dental amalgam is a mixture of metals, consisting of liquid (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. Approximately 50% of dental amalgam is elemental mercury by weight. Therefore, the chemical properties of elemental mercury allow it to react with and bind together the: silver; copper; alloy particles to form an amalgam.

Because fluoride for children is an essential treatment. Therefore it helps to prevent decay and helps them grow with a healthy dentition. The guidelines for fluoride are based on their age to ensure adequate levels are met. Children under the age of two should not receive any topical form of fluoride due to the potential of swallowing it. Many communities contain fluoridated drinking water and is adequate for children two and under.

Preserving Tooth Structure. Maintaining tooth structure increases the prognosis of the tooth if the restoration should fail in the future. It is important to maintain as much of the original tooth structure in order to preserve its integrity, strength, and reduce postoperative sensitivity.

Children should have their first dental checkup within 6 months of their first tooth eruption or by their first birthday. At this age only a visual exam will be done but early dental problems may be detected and parental questions can be answered. Early checkups also provide the child with a safe first experience.

Dental Fillings. Silver mercury fillings also known as dental amalgams have been in use since the 19th century. They are composed of a mixture of silver, tin, copper and mercury. Composite fillings, first introduced in the 1960’s have undergone many generational improvements and are now both strong and cosmetic alternatives to silver mercury fillings.

Tissue conditioning is a dental procedure used to improve the health and condition of the soft tissues (gums) in the mouth, particularly in areas where dentures or other dental prostheses will be placed.

Porcelain Inlay or Onlay is a filling consisting of a solid substance (i.e. porcelain) fitted to a cavity in a tooth and cemented into place.

Medicare generally covers dental procedures when they are necessary for the treatment of a medical condition or procedure.

Medicare generally covers dental procedures when they are necessary for the treatment of a medical condition or procedure.