Q.Tell us about yourself and your practice?
A.My Name is Dr. Karly Sukut Neppl. I practice general family and cosmetic dentistry in Costa Mesa, California. I have taken a year long post graduate residency in Cosmetic Dentistry, as well as a 2 year long post graduate residency in Bite function and Facial Cosmetics. I have two young children, ages 4 and 7. So I love working with families in my practice. I enjoy so many aspects of dentistry, so I prefer to not limit my practice only to cosmetics though that is definitely a forte of mine. I aim to provide individuals with the best possible care I can provide. My standards are high for the care I give and I believe that is something I will never allow myself to become apathetic about. Dentistry is a wonderful passion of mine and I am grateful to be able to share that skill in my career.
Q.Please explain the basic services you offer.
A.Our practice actually has 2 doctors; Dr. Albert Sukut my father and my self. Between us, we offer a wide variety of care under one roof. We place dental implants, provide restorative and preventive dentistry including extractions, fillings, early pediatric dental care and orthodontics. Our Orthodontic care includes early interceptive care, as well as comprehensive treatment with both traditional braces and or Invisalign. In addition to our general care, we provide comprehensive cosmetic treatments, as well as smile rehabilitation and or rejuvenation.
Q.Do you have special equipment and/or environments for pediatric dentistry?
A.We have special areas in our office just for kids. A child that comes to our office is greeted with warm and happy faces, a cozy stuffed animal to snuggle, warm blankets if cold and even special headphones with all the latest fun kids music on them. We have special TV’s and wonderful kid-geared dental videos for them to enjoy and get comfortable. After their visit they get to pick out a special toy, just for them. To deal with more extreme apprehension or just an extremely wiggly child, we can provide Nitrous Oxide-also known as Laughing gas. A very safe option for children and adults alike, Nitrous helps individuals relax even doze off making a procedure go by much quicker for the patient.
Q.What payment options do you offer?
A.We take all major credit cards; we offer zero interest financing programs, as well as prepayment discounts.
Q.When should parents take their children to have their first checkup?
A.According to the American Dental Association, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics Children should visit their dentist within 6 months of the eruption of their first baby tooth. For most kids this is between 10-12 months old. This first visit does not usually include a teeth cleaning. We simply get introduced with the child and parents and then discuss home care for mom, dad and baby. This visit helps reduce any fear for the child or parent, as well as eliminate some of the harmful habits we may be unknowingly be doing at home.
Q.How often does a child need to see the pediatric dentist?
A.The American Dental Association suggests every 6 months. Tooth decay in baby teeth can progress much quicker than in adult teeth. The formation of the enamel is different than adult enamel, so early intervention and bi-annual dental checkups are quite beneficial.
Q.At what age should a parent take their child to an Orthodontist?
A.A good general dentist should be able to refer your child accordingly. Interceptive orthodontics can start in 1st and 2nd grade ( usually between 7-9 years old). Comprehensive orthodontics usually begins after all adult teeth have erupted; around age 12-13 years old.
Q.What should a parent do if their child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth?
A.The first line of defense is to actually put the ”knocked out”; tooth in a zip lock bag with milk. The milk proteins keep the cells on the root vital, so that the tooth can be re-implanted. It is critical that you call your dentist immediately. Quick treatment in this situation is paramount for long term success.
Q.What can parents do to protect their children's teeth during sporting events?
A.Wear sports guards. These are inexpensive and easy to make, and save on un-necessary tooth trauma related expenses. Not to mention they can help prevent concussions from facial impact.
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