Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes—Cheshire Dental Associates does treat children!

Children's dentists like Dr. Fletcher works with children of all ages and specializes in helping special needs patients and children with special physical or behavioral needs. 

When Should My Child First Visit Their Children's Dentist in Cheshire, CT?

Dr. Dane Fletcher agrees with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that children should have their first dental visit as soon as their baby teeth arrive or by age one.  

While it may seem early to bring your little one to the dentist, these first visits allow us to build rapport and create a positive relationship with them while we begin monitoring their oral health and development. 

 The first few visits primarily involve examining and counting your child's teeth. We'll incorporate teeth cleanings as they get older and more comfortable at the dental office. 

Are You Looking for a Trusted Children's Dentist Near Me in Cheshire?

Look no further than Chesire Dental Associates! Contact us today at (203) 272-2729 to book an exam with our dedicated dental team.

Kids get cavities often, but treating them can be quick and painless with the right care. At Cheshire Dental Associates, our children's dentist in Cheshire, CT, provides gentle, kid-friendly treatment to keep your child comfortable. Here’s how what to expect:

• Gently Numb the Area — We apply a topical numbing gel to the gums, then use a local anesthetic if needed to ensure your child feels no pain.
• Remove the Tooth Decay — Our children's dentist in Cheshire carefully removes the damaged portion of the tooth using tools designed for small teeth.
• Clean and Prepare the Tooth — We thoroughly clean the area and prepare the tooth for the filling.
• Place the Filling — We restore the tooth with a tooth-colored composite resin, which blends naturally with surrounding teeth.
• Polish and Check the Bite — Finally, we smooth the filling and adjust it for a natural, comfortable bite.

Need a Dental Filling in Cheshire, CT? Call Us!

If your child needs a tooth filling, we invite you to call our children's dentist in Cheshire, CT, for expert, stress-free care. We welcome children and families from all surrounding areas, including Prospect, Hamden, Wallingford, Meriden, Southington, and Waterbury.

Contact Cheshire Dental Associates today to schedule an appointment!

Fluoride is considered a safe and necessary addition to dental care for toddlers because it helps to strengthen and build small teeth, protecting them from common problems like tooth decay and cavities. Fluoride can also help remineralize tooth enamel that's been compromised by decay when used early on. 

How to Get Fluoride for Your Child

Children can receive fluoride treatments during their professional teeth cleanings with their children's dentist, typically starting around the age of three to five years old. Our hygienist in Cheshire will apply fluoride to their teeth after their cleaning to help strengthen and protect them. 

Fluoride may also be prevalent in your town's tap water, and children can receive small, safe amounts of it by drinking the tap water. 

Your child may also receive fluoride through their toothpaste, which they apply daily during brushing. Ask your children's dentist in Cheshire, CT, which toothpaste they recommend for your child. 

If there's not fluoride in your town's tap water, your children's dentist may recommend that your little one take fluoride tablets to protect their teeth. 

Is It Time for Your Child's Next Dental Visit in Cheshire?

At Chesire Dental Associates, our dentist, Dane Fletcher, DDS welcomes new patients. So, no more searching online for a dentist near me. Contact our team at (203) 272-2729 to book an appointment for your child.

Your child’s first dental visit is a big moment for you and them; it’s normal to have questions and be a little concerned. Will they be scared? What will the dentist do?

But imagine if you felt joy instead of uncertainty and your child looked forward to going to the dentist. That’s our goal at Cheshire Dental Associates. So, what happens during your child’s first visit?

 Your Child’s First Visit: What to Expect

At Cheshire Dental Associates, we recommend making an appointment for your child by the time they turn one.

Here’s what will happen during your child’s first with us:

• First, we’ll ensure your child’s comfort.
• Then, we will examine their teeth and gums.
• Next, we’ll discuss infant oral health issues, including baby bottle tooth decay, feeding practices, pacifier habits, and finger sucking.

Our goal is to start good habits early and help your child feel comfortable during their time with us.

Looking for a Children's Dentist in Cheshire, CT?

If you’re looking online for a “children's dentist near me,” our expert dental team will happily assist you! At Cheshire Dental Associates, we can help your child relax and work to build a long-term relationship with them.

You can call us at (203) 272-2729 to schedule an appointment.

Absolutely. Dental x-rays emit low rates of radiation, especially when compared to other types of medical radiography. Additionally, at Cheshire Dental Associates, we take it a step further by using digital x-rays and digital photography to get the information we need. This further reduces the amount of radiation you are exposed to while allowing for excellent diagnostic capability. We also use lead aprons and other shielding techniques to make sure that you are exposed to the absolute minimum amount of radiation necessary.

We Provide Advanced Dental Technology

X-rays and other forms of digital imaging are our most valuable diagnostic tools. They allow us to see beneath your enamel and your gums so that we can identify developing problems in their absolute earliest stages. Here at Cheshire Dental Associates, we always want to practice the most conservative and least invasive dentistry possible, and digital imaging is an important tool that allows us to do just that. Our patients appreciate this philosophy as well because it means fewer procedures and dental expenses and more comfortable care.

Call Our Dental Office In Cheshire Today

Advances in x-ray technology have produced some marvelous features. For example, with digital imaging, we can zoom in on suspicious areas, highlight and color for better definition and education, and integrate your images directly into your patient record so that we can recall them in an instant at future visits. We're excited to offer this modern technology to our patients and thrilled at the advances in dental care that it offers.

Kids get cavities often, but treating them can be quick and painless with the right care. At Cheshire Dental Associates, our children's dentist in Cheshire, CT, provides gentle, kid-friendly treatment to keep your child comfortable. Here’s how what to expect:

• Gently Numb the Area — We apply a topical numbing gel to the gums, then use a local anesthetic if needed to ensure your child feels no pain.
• Remove the Tooth Decay — Our children's dentist in Cheshire carefully removes the damaged portion of the tooth using tools designed for small teeth.
• Clean and Prepare the Tooth — We thoroughly clean the area and prepare the tooth for the filling.
• Place the Filling — We restore the tooth with a tooth-colored composite resin, which blends naturally with surrounding teeth.
• Polish and Check the Bite — Finally, we smooth the filling and adjust it for a natural, comfortable bite.

Need a Dental Filling in Cheshire, CT? Call Us!

If your child needs a tooth filling, we invite you to call our children's dentist in Cheshire, CT, for expert, stress-free care. We welcome children and families from all surrounding areas, including Prospect, Hamden, Wallingford, Meriden, Southington, and Waterbury.

Contact Cheshire Dental Associates today to schedule an appointment!

There's no quick answer to this question, as the answer will depend on a number of individual factors. Where is your cavity located? How deep or large is it? What's your personal preference? We will take all of these into account when we recommend a dental filling. 

Why Do I Need A Dental Filling In Cheshire?

Tooth-colored fillings are an excellent choice for cavities that are located in the teeth that are visible when you smile. We can mix the composite resin material to perfectly match the natural shade of your teeth so that once the filling is cured and polished, it will flawlessly blend in. The only people who will ever know that you have had a cavity are you and your Cheshire Dental Associates dentist! 

If your cavity is located in one of your back teeth and is pretty large, we may recommend a silver (amalgam) filling. These fillings are safe and stable and are the right choice when durability and stability are important concerns. If you're worried about discoloration or other issues, we can also discuss dental crowns. 

Call Cheshire Dental Associated To Learn More

If you have additional questions or concerns about the filling we recommend, please contact us and let us know. Your safety, comfort, and aesthetics are all important to us. 

Are you holding back from restoring your smile because you fear dental implants might be painful? You're not alone; many people share this concern. But what if you found out that the procedure is often far gentler than people expect?

Imagine replacing that fear with the confidence of a beautiful, functional smile without unbearable discomfort.

Are Dental Implants in Cheshire Painful?

Your mouth is completely numb during the implant procedure, but you may experience some soreness and mild discomfort after the anesthetic wears off.

Here’s how to manage any pain you experience:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
• Place ice packs on your face to numb the area and reduce inflammation.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times each day.

What to Expect from the Procedure

Dental implants can restore your smile, allow you to eat your favorite foods, and make you look forward to smiling again. The procedure involves three steps:

1. Implant placement — The first step involves surgically placing the dental implant into your jawbone.
2. Abutment — Once your mouth heals, we add a connector piece, an abutment, to your implant.
3. Restoration — For a single implant, we finish the process with a dental crown. With more than one implant, we can add a dental bridge or denture.

Need a Dentist in Cheshire, CT?

If you’re interested in dental implants in Cheshire, CT, our dental team will happily assist you! At Cheshire Dental Associates, our goal is to help you love your smile.

Please call us at (203) 272-2729 to schedule a consultation or appointment.

Both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. If you are missing teeth, call our office so that we can schedule a consultation with either Dr. Marandino or Dr. Fletcher. 

You and your dentist will discuss issues like: 

• Your long-term goals
• The time frame for treatment
• Insurance or any budgetary restrictions

Learn More About Restorative Dentistry In Cheshire

Dentures are a popular option that have been around for ages. Denture technology has improved considerably, giving today's dentures a much more lifelike look than previously. They are often covered by insurance and are comfortable to wear. 

Implants, however, have many benefits beyond what dentures and partials can offer. Implants are a permanent solution that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. They don't require removal for cleaning, and you don't ever have to worry about them slipping at exactly the wrong moment. 

Better yet, implants also help to prevent bone loss. By preserving this bone, you protect your periodontal health and your remaining teeth as well as the shape of your face. 

Reach Out To Our Office To Schedule

Implants are not right for everybody, which is why a consultation with a skilled dentist is so important. We are happy to meet with you and create a plan that will help you meet your individual goals.

This is a common fear, and we completely understand. Root canals have a reputation as painful, difficult procedures, and many people share your apprehension when they are told that a root canal is the right treatment for their problem. 

We have some fantastic news for you, though. 

Why Are Root Canals Important?

The root canal's bad reputation is undeserved. Improvements in dental techniques and technologies have improved considerably over the years, and we can now perform comfortable and efficient root canals with a nearly perfect success rate. Most patients find that getting a root canal is no more difficult or painful than getting a filling. Your safety and comfort are both top priorities for us, and we'll make sure that you are relaxed and comfortable before we begin. 

Root canals in Cheshire are an important service. They relieve pain and clear away dangerous infections that could cause you to lose your teeth. Thanks to root canals, we are often able to save a tooth that might otherwise have to be extracted and eventually replaced. Perhaps the reason that so many people believe that root canals are painful is because they are associating the pain of the infection with the procedure itself. 

Call Our Office To Schedule Today

If you have any concerns about your treatment, let us know so that we can discuss your worries with you and help you have a good experience.

Whitening products are everywhere these days, and many people are drawn to their low price tag and promises of dazzling white teeth. The problem is, most of these products don't deliver on those promises. Whitening toothpastes can be effective on minor surface stains when they are used exactly as directed, but they also frequently contain harsh abrasives that can harm your enamel, scratch restorations, and cause tooth sensitivity. It's impossible to achieve the results of professional whitening with a whitening toothpaste or rinse. 

Pro Teeth Whitening vs. Over The Counter Products

The over-the-counter kits have a number of flaws that we, as dental professionals, find concerning. Because they are designed to be one size fits all, they usually wind up being one size fits none! Do you know anyone with the exact same smile as you? When you whiten professionally, you are under the care of skilled professionals who can address your unique needs and answer any questions that come up. We'll customize your treatment by choosing the method that is right for you. Additionally, we can start off your whitening with a thorough cleaning to remove any traces of plaque and tartar that could mar your results. 

Professional cleaning products have a higher concentration of the whitening ingredient, so you can get real results much faster. They also frequently include additional ingredients to help with any sensitivity. This means that you can whiten your teeth comfortably and safely. 

Call Our Cheshire Dental Office Today

If you're interested in learning more about teeth whitening, please give our Cheshire dental office a call today!

We offer several different options that can improve the aesthetics of your smile. Which type is right for you will depend on the specific issue that you want to fix. For example: 

We Offer A Wide Variety Of Cosmetic Dentistry Options

• Veneers are a good choice for fixing whitening-resistant discoloration, chips, poorly shaped teeth, gapped teeth, and even some alignment issues. 
• Bonding can fix many of the same issues as veneers and can often be completed in a single session. 
• Dental Crowns can fix an incredible range of both cosmetic and structural dental issues. Today's crowns are made from materials like porcelain, which are typically indistinguishable from natural tooth enamel. Plus, at Cheshire Dental Associates, we can create custom crowns right here in our office so that you can often go home with your crown the very same day.
• Teeth whitening is excellent for "brushing up" a yellowed or discolored smile. Patients are often amazed at the difference that a single teeth whitening treatment can achieve. 

Call Us To Schedule Today

If you'd like to see which options will help you achieve your goals, we encourage you to call our Cheshire dental office and schedule a consultation with Dr. Marandino or Dr. Fletcher. We'll take your goals and your current dental health into account to devise a cosmetic dental plan that is right for you.