Health Safety Protocols

To Our Valued Patients at Surprise Smiles,

Welcome! We are open, looking forward to seeing returning patients, accepting new patients, and operating under normal business hours! The Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDS) is still not recommending any type of closures or modification in hours. We will continue to monitor information coming from both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and AZDHS and keep you apprised of any changes or updates. We will stay on top of this information and bring it to you as soon as possible through our website, email, and social media.

As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, our dentists and dental team want to assure you that we are continuing to do our best to make sure it a priority that we are following the latest health and safety guidelines from the CDC, specifically as they relate to the dental industry. We value keeping our patients and staff members safe and comfortable.

As part of our daily standard health and safety protocols, our office follows ‘Universal Precautions’ in order to protect our patients and our staff. These are precautions we have always taken, and are not new. By taking ‘universal precautions’ means we always assume that anyone could potentially be carrying a contagious and dangerous disease. We therefore follow strict guidelines to prevent the transmission of any potential disease, be it COVID-19 (Coronavirus), hepatitis, tuberculosis, HIV, or any other disease. This has been a standard of care we follow, per the CDC, in regard to blood borne pathogens.

These measures include:
• strict hand washing protocols

• use of (single use) disposable protective equipment and barriers

• thorough disinfection of exposed or potentially exposed surfaces after every patient visit

• disinfection and high-heat steam sterilization of instruments and routine monitoring of sterilization verification

• continued education on infection control

Specific to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we have added in additional precautionary and cleaning measures including:
• disinfecting common surface areas every 30 minutes

• providing hand sanitizer in common areas

• screening everyone who enters our offices based on CDC recommendations

• offering preprocedural mouth rinse

As state and national health and safety regulations change and evolve during these times, Surprise Smiles is dedicated to monitoring and evaluating our dental practice and office space for any potential risks as we serve our patients and community. We strive to maintain an approach to our dentistry services that is both safe and beneficial to everyone we serve.

We strive to provide a safe, healthy, comfortable, and relaxed environment for everyone that comes into our dental office. We follow the American Dental Association’s Update to Office Procedures During COVID-19 in regard to safe office procedures, workplace hazards, and making decisions for best office practices. We stay informed on recent information given to dentists in this regard, as well as keeping up to date with any changes recommended by the CDC.

Please let us know if you have any questions in regard to our health and safety protocols here at Surprise Smiles. We recognize that it can be challenging during these unprecedented times of COVID-19. We all want to get back to our normal lives, and we will be able to do so, in a safe, wise, and healthy manner. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have in regard to our dental practice health and safety protocols, cleaning, and disinfecting procedures we follow.

Thank you for continuing to be a valued patient here at Bradshaw Family Dental. We look forward to continuing to serve you and your dental needs through the various services we provide for you, from preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry, sedation dentistry, dental implants and more!

Signs Your Child Needs a Space Maintainer

Space Maintainer on a model rendering of a bottom jaw.

When a child loses a baby tooth prematurely, it can have a significant impact on their dental development. A space maintainer is a vital orthodontic device that ensures the proper alignment of permanent teeth and supports healthy jaw growth. At Bradshaw Family Dental, we specialize in providing expert care for children, including early interventions like space maintainers.

What is a Space Maintainer?

A space maintainer is a custom-made dental device used in pediatric dentistry to hold the space left by a prematurely lost baby tooth. This prevents neighboring teeth from shifting into the gap, ensuring that permanent teeth grow in the correct position.

•	Definition and Role - A dental appliance designed to maintain the space of a lost baby tooth to prevent misalignment.
•	Types - Includes fixed (e.g., band and loop) and removable options.
•	Purpose - Prevents shifting teeth, supports jaw development, and minimizes future orthodontic needs.

Why are they important? Premature tooth loss is more common than many parents realize, affecting approximately 10% of children under 12. Without intervention, this can lead to crowding, speech difficulties, and the need for extensive orthodontic treatment.

Signs Your Child May Need a Space Maintainer

Knowing when your child may require a space maintainer can prevent complications. Look out for the following signs:

•	Early Tooth Loss - Due to decay, injury, or other factors.
•	Shifting Teeth - Noticeable gaps closing as surrounding teeth move.
•	Difficulty Chewing or Speaking - Caused by changes in tooth alignment.
•	Upcoming Orthodontic Treatment - If advised by your child’s dentist.

For example, if your child loses a tooth in an accident, nearby teeth may start to shift within weeks, potentially affecting the alignment of their permanent teeth. Addressing this with a space maintainer is a simple and effective solution.

Why Space Maintainers Are Important

The long-term benefits of space maintainers extend beyond keeping teeth in place. They play a critical role in maintaining oral health and reducing the need for future orthodontic interventions.

•	Prevents Misalignment - Ensures permanent teeth emerge in the proper position.
•	Supports Jaw Development - Maintains space for the jaw to grow naturally.
•	Reduces Future Costs - Early intervention can decrease the need for braces or other treatments by up to 50%.

Did You Know? Children without space maintainers are twice as likely to require braces later in life.

How Space Maintainers Work

Space maintainers are designed to be simple, comfortable, and effective. Here’s how they function:

•	Maintains Space - Holds the gap left by a lost tooth until the permanent tooth erupts.
•	Custom Fit - Each device is tailored to your child’s mouth for maximum comfort.
•	Easy Maintenance - Routine brushing and flossing keep the device clean and functional.

Children typically wear space maintainers until their permanent tooth starts to grow in, which varies depending on the individual. Most children adapt to the appliance quickly, with little to no discomfort.

When to Consult a Pediatric Dentist

If you suspect your child may need a space maintainer, it’s important to consult a pediatric dentist promptly. Regular dental check-ups can help identify potential problems early.

•	Routine Visits - Regular exams allow dentists to assess tooth loss and alignment.
•	Early Concerns - Bring up issues like tooth loss or shifting teeth during appointments.
•	Questions to Ask - Inquire about the types of space maintainers and their benefits.

For instance, during a check-up, our dental team may recommend a space maintainer if we observe signs of misalignment after tooth loss.

FAQs

Are space maintainers uncomfortable for children?

Space maintainers are custom-made for your child’s mouth, ensuring a comfortable fit. Most children adjust within a few days.

How long does a child need to wear a space maintainer?

The duration varies depending on when the permanent tooth is expected to erupt, usually ranging from several months to a few years.

Are space maintainers expensive?

Many insurance plans cover the cost of space maintainers. Our team will provide a detailed estimate during your consultation.

Next Steps for Parents

Taking proactive measures can save your child from unnecessary discomfort and extensive orthodontic treatments. Here’s how to get started:

•	Schedule a Consultation - Book a visit with our pediatric dental team to assess your child’s needs.
•	Learn More - Explore our resources on pediatric orthodontic care.
•	Act Early - Addressing issues now prevents complications later.

Contact Bradshaw Family Dental today to protect your child’s smile and ensure proper dental development. Early intervention is the key to a lifetime of healthy teeth.

Signs Your Child May Need a Space Maintainer
Learn the signs that indicate your child may need a space maintainer. Discover early solutions for lost baby teeth and proper dental alignment.
Bradshaw Family Dental, 7136 East Pav Way, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 + (928) 277-0076 + bradshawfamilydental.com + 1/11/2025 + Tags: dentist Prescott Valley +