Youth Dentistry

Dr. Cooke and his team are very pleased to help adolescent patients grow into healthy adults with beautiful smiles.  Young people receive the same personalized care, comfort, counsel, and compassion that we provide to our adult patients.  We take the time to carefully evaluate each child completely and easily explain these findings to both the youth and the parent/guardian to make sure they are fully aware of the details of any treatment we recommend. 

When wisdom teeth begin to show themselves on x-rays, Dr. Cooke explains what the teeth are likely to do, particularly their placement and health.  With some patients there is adequate space open for these new molars to slide into place.  In many cases there is not enough room or the wisdom teeth may be coming in at an undesirable angle.   We do also treat adolescents who are already experiencing the break-through of wisdom teeth when they first visit our office.   Dr. Cooke carefully evaluates each case and makes the appropriate recommendation after doing a thorough evaluation of the patient’s mouth.    

College students may experience an upswing in decay and dental caries.  Dr. Cooke links this with a change in diet together and/or changes in personal hygiene.  It is not uncommon to find that the back molars and premolars may have pronounced natural grooves and fissures allowing plaque and bacteria to build up and break down the healthy enamel on the chewing surfaces.  If an individual has reduced their flossing on a regular basis, this too can cause an increase in tooth decay between the teeth.  Dr. Cooke recommends that regularly scheduled appointments be made with the hygienist for young people in order to allow early detection of cavities.  This regularly scheduled appointment can mean the difference between being able to treat the tooth with a small filling rather than a large filling.   Preserving the teeth for the future is Dr. Cooke’s ongoing goal. 

Applying Sealants

One of the best ways to protect the teeth of young people, Dr. Cooke says, is to place a bonded sealer on the biting surface in order to protect the teeth from early decay.  Deep pits and crevices run across the chewing surface of many adolescent molars in younger children, and can easily trap unwanted bacteria.  Even if a child has excellent teeth brushing habits, it’s easy for a toothbrush to just skim across these surfaces, while bacteria sinks into the narrow grooves and is trapped.  It is this that leads to cavities forming on the chewing surfaces.   

Orthodontic Screenings

Having a smile one can be proud of is very important for both young people and adults.  Dr. Cooke and his talented staff want each of their patients to be proud to smile and laugh.  There are some challenges with teeth that respond best to orthodontic work.   Both youth and adults commonly utilize orthodontic plans in order to achieve their best smile.  It is very important to identify these needs as early as possible so that the goal can be achieved as quickly as possible.

The popular Invisalign Braces (clear alternative versus metal) have been a very well received alternative for patients, reducing the appearance of braces and having very close to a natural smile while undergoing the process.  The Invisalign method features clear trays to alter tooth position and angulation so that the aesthetic goal is met and the mouth has functional excellence.

Dr. Cooke carefully evaluates each patient and their unique bite.  This allows him to make an orthodontic recommendation if he feels it is warranted. Guiding each patient individually and engaging in quality discussion is something Dr. Cooke prides himself on.