Autism screening is often done by pediatricians. If there are indications that further evaluation would be appropriate, it is best to work with someone who has both experience and expertise in diagnosing children on the autism spectrum. The next evaluation often is a diagnostic instrument such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, or the ADOS-2. Even with standard diagnostic tools, it is important to work with someone who understands the subtleties. For example, an expert will be able to distinguish if a child has poor eye contact because the child is shy, rather than poor eye contact in the way seen it in an autism spectrum disorder.
Shannon Senefeld, Psy.D., CPE Clinic
Our recommendation is to have a child evaluated by a dentist within 6 months of the 1st tooth erupting, which can be as early as 12 months or as late as 18 months. We feel it is incredibly important to get a head start on understanding your kids’ teeth and what is involved in keeping them healthy.
Dr. Kenny Zamora, D.M.D, Bayside Kids Dental
Sedation Dentistry is a safe, comfortable, and relaxing method of accomplishing dental treatment. Conscious sedation is achieved through small pills, eliminating the need for an IV. It is simple and painless; the patient is conscious throughout the appointment; however, little, if any, of the visit will be remembered. Patients who are fearful, have a strong gag reflex, require complex dental treatment, or have difficulty getting numb are excellent candidates for Sedation Dentistry!
DR. APRIL CALTON, Odenton Station Dentistry
Our recommendation is to have a child evaluated by a dentist within 6 months of the 1st tooth erupting, which can be as early as 12 months or as late as 18 months. We feel it is incredibly important to get a head start on understanding your kids’ teeth and what is involved in keeping them healthy.
Dr. Kenny Zamora, D.M.D, Bayside Kids Dental
What happens after a tooth is extracted?
After the extraction of a permanent tooth, bone and gingival tissue (gums) start to fill the extraction site. However, the body also starts to “melt away” the bone in a vertical and horizontal dimension. If implant tooth replacement is desired, a site preservation bone graft is usually required to prepare the surgical site, especially if bone loss occurred prior to the extraction. This recreates ideal bony contours, and makes dental implant success more predictable. The bone graft is usually performed at the time of extraction with no additional discomfort.
ZIAD BATROUNI, DDS, Maryland Oral Surgery Associates
How can I rejuvenate my tired eyes?
There are several options, both surgical and non-surgical, to rejuvenate tired eyes. The first step is identifying what your goals are and the cause for your tired eyes. Is it loose skin or weakened muscles causing the eyelids to droop and look tired? Or is it the eyebrows weighing down on the upper eyelid area? Maybe, it’s just the lines around your eyes that are giving you a tired look. After a thorough evaluation, an individualized approach will be discussed. It may be recommended to have surgery, as well as use non-surgical treatments, such as Botox and facial fillers, to further enhance your outcome giving you a refreshed, rejuvenated look.
After the extraction of a permanent tooth, bone and gingival tissue (gums) start to fill the extraction site. However, the body also starts to “melt away” the bone in a vertical and horizontal dimension. If implant tooth replacement is desired, a site preservation bone graft is usually required to prepare the surgical site, especially if bone loss occurred prior to the extraction. This recreates ideal bony contours, and makes dental implant success more predictable. The bone graft is usually performed at the time of extraction with no additional discomfort.
ZIAD BATROUNI, DDS, Maryland Oral Surgery Associates
There are several options, both surgical and non-surgical, to rejuvenate tired eyes. The first step is identifying what your goals are and the cause for your tired eyes. Is it loose skin or weakened muscles causing the eyelids to droop and look tired? Or is it the eyebrows weighing down on the upper eyelid area? Maybe, it’s just the lines around your eyes that are giving you a tired look. After a thorough evaluation, an individualized approach will be discussed. It may be recommended to have surgery, as well as use non-surgical treatments, such as Botox and facial fillers, to further enhance your outcome giving you a refreshed, rejuvenated look.
Dr. Orin Zwick, Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Chesapeake Eye Care & Laser Center
With fall and winter sports starting, are braces going to be a hazard in contact sports?
Drs. Labbe and Bolton reassure athletes that wearing braces shouldn’t impact participation in any sports; but they do remind them that over 34% of all sports injuries involve the face; therefore, a well-fitting mouth guard is critical. Athletes are 60% more likely to suffer damage to the mouth when not wearing a mouth guard. Talk to your orthodontist about providing you with a mouth guard that fits snugly around your teeth to allow you to breathe and talk freely. Your mouth guard, if fit correctly, will minimize risks of broken/chipped teeth, injuries to soft tissue, jaw fractures, and concussions.
DR. STEPHEN LABBE, DDS, Labbe Family Orthodontics
When is the correct time to take x-rays on a child?
Each patient and every situation is unique. It is our responsibility to use our training and experience to develop an appropriate protocol for each and every patient. “To see is to know…Not to see is to guess…We prefer not to guess about your child’s health.”
Drs. Labbe and Bolton reassure athletes that wearing braces shouldn’t impact participation in any sports; but they do remind them that over 34% of all sports injuries involve the face; therefore, a well-fitting mouth guard is critical. Athletes are 60% more likely to suffer damage to the mouth when not wearing a mouth guard. Talk to your orthodontist about providing you with a mouth guard that fits snugly around your teeth to allow you to breathe and talk freely. Your mouth guard, if fit correctly, will minimize risks of broken/chipped teeth, injuries to soft tissue, jaw fractures, and concussions.
DR. STEPHEN LABBE, DDS, Labbe Family Orthodontics
Each patient and every situation is unique. It is our responsibility to use our training and experience to develop an appropriate protocol for each and every patient. “To see is to know…Not to see is to guess…We prefer not to guess about your child’s health.”
Dr. Scott Lawrence & Dr. Jen Fan Weng
The Pediatric Dental Specialists
Is my dental work going to hurt?
I always let my patients know that I am good at alleviating fear and doing a painless injection with a very strong topical anesthetic. My goal is to make the patient feel as comfortable as possible.
DR. APRIL CALTON, Odenton Station Dentistry
DR. APRIL CALTON, Odenton Station Dentistry
