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MARC THOMAS

Dentist (Pediatric)

Dr. MARC THOMAS is a top Dentist (Pediatric) in Parker, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. MARC THOMAS is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. MARC THOMAS is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. MARC THOMAS is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Parker, CO, Dr. MARC THOMAS is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
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16 years Experience
MARC THOMAS
  • Parker, CO
  • UCLA School of Dentistry
  • Accepting new patients

Can a 7 year old get braces?

7 years old is a great time to be evaluate by an orthodontist! The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their bite evaluated at this age. After the READ MORE
7 years old is a great time to be evaluate by an orthodontist! The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their bite evaluated at this age. After the evaluation there are two orthodontic philosophies. One is to begin orthodontics at the age of 7, with the understanding of a possible second phase of braces later on. The second philosophy is to wait until all of the baby teeth have fallen out and then doing one round of braces. The factors to weigh in the decision are cost, insurance benefits, social factors (getting teased for having a gap), the possibility of him getting burned with 2 phases of braces, his oral hygiene and the increased risk of cavities, etc. Having a consultation with a good orthodontist is a great opportunity to answer any questions you may have and also having a through evaluation of his orthodontic needs.

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

How long should a dental cleaning take for a child?

A cleaning, examination, and X-rays should take about 30 minutes for a healthy, normal child. If it is his first dental visit, it may take a little longer to show him the dental READ MORE
A cleaning, examination, and X-rays should take about 30 minutes for a healthy, normal child. If it is his first dental visit, it may take a little longer to show him the dental instruments and discuss your questions.

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

What age should a child start having dental cleanings?

The recommended age by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is to begin at one year old with a cleaning or whitening 6 months of eruption of the first baby tooth. Some dentists READ MORE
The recommended age by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is to begin at one year old with a cleaning or whitening 6 months of eruption of the first baby tooth. Some dentists or pediatricians have different thoughts, but the standard recommendation is to begin by age one. 

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

Can you put braces on just a few teeth?

Usually, if they do braces they are going to want to move all the teeth. The reason is that they want to make your teeth straight, but also have to get the bite perfect. Another READ MORE
Usually, if they do braces they are going to want to move all the teeth. The reason is that they want to make your teeth straight, but also have to get the bite perfect. Another way to go might be to consider Invisalign. If you only need a few teeth straightened that might be a great option for you.

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

How long does it take a child to wake up from anesthesia?

It depends on which drugs they give and the routes that the drugs are given. Usually, drugs are are inhaled wear off faster. IV drugs usually can last longer. Another options, READ MORE
It depends on which drugs they give and the routes that the drugs are given. Usually, drugs are are inhaled wear off faster. IV drugs usually can last longer. Another options, if it is just one extraction, might be a sedative that he can take by mouth. Usually, this is less expensive but still effective for a fast procedure. If they use full GA with inhalation agents, place an IV/breathing tube, etc., I would expect him to wake up within 5-60 minutes. A good anesthesiologist can help the wake up to be faster and more predictable. 

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

How to lessen a child's fear of the dentist?

There are a couple things that might help. I would definitely have him see a good pediatric dentist. They have techniques and instruments that are much more kid friendly. Sometimes, READ MORE
There are a couple things that might help. I would definitely have him see a good pediatric dentist. They have techniques and instruments that are much more kid friendly. Sometimes, pediatric dentists will offer "happy visits". The kiddo is able to come in, walk around the office, perhaps sit back in the chair and then get a prize. At my office I offer this for free and the idea is to positively reinforce every visit and to demonstrate that visits can be easy. Another option that can be done at home is to read "So-and-So's First Dental Visit". There are a lot of books written about the subject and if there is a cartoon character that he likes there is a chance there is a book about his or her first dental visit. Another option is to have him accompany you to your dental visits to show that it is a common, normal occurrence. Finally, I would avoid scheduling him at the dentist too close to a pediatrician visit. Sometimes kids can associate vaccines with other health care professionals which can lead them to be more anxious. 

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

I have nerve pain after my root canal?

Usually, there is inflammation around the apex of the roots for a couple days after a root canal. With a root canal, they are cleaning out the nerve and sometimes the files and READ MORE
Usually, there is inflammation around the apex of the roots for a couple days after a root canal. With a root canal, they are cleaning out the nerve and sometimes the files and medicines they used push beyond the end of the tooth into the bone. This can make you sore for a couple days afterwards. My guess is that with time you should feel a lot better. If the pain continues, I would return to the endodontist to have them reevaluate their work. 

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

What are the treatment options for a cracked tooth?

The treatment decision will depend on how deeply the tooth is cracked. A superficial crack in the enamel can usually be fixed with a filling. If the tooth is more deeply cracked READ MORE
The treatment decision will depend on how deeply the tooth is cracked. A superficial crack in the enamel can usually be fixed with a filling. If the tooth is more deeply cracked or a large part of the tooth is missing usually the best way to go is a crown. This can be either a stainless steel crown which is commonly used in pediatrics or a porcelain fused to metal crown which is more common for adults. If the crack extends into the nerve of the tooth, usually the treatment will be a root canal followed by a crown. 

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

How to recover from getting braces?

That is a hard one. Typically, there are points during braces that will hurt more. Periodically, they will change the wires which generates more force on the teeth. As the teeth READ MORE
That is a hard one. Typically, there are points during braces that will hurt more. Periodically, they will change the wires which generates more force on the teeth. As the teeth move there is less force after a few days and the braces feel better. I would recommended taking a dose of ibuprofen just before going to the orthodontist and maybe for a few days afterwards to help her feel more comfortable. 

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

What should my child know before getting braces?

Braces tend to be more uncomfortable than children expect. There is a force required to move the teeth through the bone and this can be painful or take getting used to. There can READ MORE
Braces tend to be more uncomfortable than children expect. There is a force required to move the teeth through the bone and this can be painful or take getting used to. There can also be a change in a child's diet. Orthodontists usually provide a list of foods that kids commonly eat as they can cause the brackets to pop off the teeth or get stuck in the braces. Finally, he should know the importance of excellent oral hygiene. Braces can result in cavities or gum disease if the teeth are cared for very well. 

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

Are there any natural toothpastes available?

I would recommend Tom's of Maine toothpaste. They make great products and I have used their toothpaste on my children.

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

Is fluoride toothpaste safe?

Yes, brushing with fluoridated toothpaste is safe and recommended. This is considered a topical use of fluoride and is designed to directly strengthen and harden the teeth to make READ MORE
Yes, brushing with fluoridated toothpaste is safe and recommended. This is considered a topical use of fluoride and is designed to directly strengthen and harden the teeth to make them more resistant to cavities. The systemic use of fluoride, such as children ingesting a fluoride supplement or adding fluoride to drinking water is considered more controversial. 

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

Why does my daughter need a root canal?

Generally, root canal therapy is most often performed on middle aged or elderly patients. That being said, any tooth may require endodontic treatment at any age. If cavities progress READ MORE
Generally, root canal therapy is most often performed on middle aged or elderly patients. That being said, any tooth may require endodontic treatment at any age. If cavities progress into the pulp/nerve of the tooth, bacteria can begin growing. A bacterial infection in a tooth usually progresses from mild symptoms, to sharp pain at night to a dull ache as the bacteria kill the nerve of the tooth and eventually cause the bone and tissue around the tooth to feel painful. Sometimes, children will have deep fillings placed at a young age and as a teenager another cavity can occur around the old filling and wind up in the nerve of the tooth. A root canal is a dentist cleaning out the nerve and pulp inside a tooth to remove every trace of infection. If you have doubts about the necessity of a root canal, the best option would be to have her visit an endodontist. This a specialist in performing root canals. He or she can obtain X-rays and perform testing to verify exactly what is occurring inside the teeth and can let you know if the root canals are necessary. 

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

Is flossing effective?

Yes, there are 5 surfaces of every tooth. Brushing is effective to clean 3 of those surfaces. The front and back surface of each tooth is best cleaned with floss. Toothbrush bristles READ MORE
Yes, there are 5 surfaces of every tooth. Brushing is effective to clean 3 of those surfaces. The front and back surface of each tooth is best cleaned with floss. Toothbrush bristles are unable to reach these areas and flossing helps to clean the food, plaque, and bacteria that build up there.

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

When will my child's teeth get loose?

The average age to lose a first baby tooth is 6.5 years old. There are some racial and gender variations. The average time that a first baby tooth appears in the mouth is 6 months. READ MORE
The average age to lose a first baby tooth is 6.5 years old. There are some racial and gender variations. The average time that a first baby tooth appears in the mouth is 6 months. Typically, if the first baby tooth comes in earlier than that, the child may lose baby teeth earlier. If the teeth arrive after 6 months, a child may be older before the baby teeth begin to fall out. A dentist can take X-rays periodically to track the development of the adult teeth that eventually replace the baby teeth. 

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

Is it OK for kids to use an electric toothbrush?

Yes. Sonicare markets their Sonicare for kids toothbrush to children several years old and up.

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

Are braces painful?

Orthodontic appliances can be uncomfortable. The degree to which they are uncomfortable depends on how much tooth movement is needed and her individual tolerance to pain. For most READ MORE
Orthodontic appliances can be uncomfortable. The degree to which they are uncomfortable depends on how much tooth movement is needed and her individual tolerance to pain. For most children, they will feel mild soreness when the wires are changed for a day or two. Usually this can be controlled with ibuprofen. In our society, the value of having well-aligned teeth usually will outweigh the discomfort that accompanies orthodontic treatment. 

Marc D. Thomas DDS

Can anyone get dental implants?

Unfortunately, there is an age requirement for dental implants. If placed too early a child continues to grow and the implants can get submerged in the bone or poorly positioned READ MORE
Unfortunately, there is an age requirement for dental implants. If placed too early a child continues to grow and the implants can get submerged in the bone or poorly positioned over time. The rule of thumb is to place the implant when a child stops growing, perhaps 18-21 for boys. In the mean time, he can have an orthodontist make a retainer with an artificial tooth or have an appliance like a partial denture with an artificial tooth. 

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

Is it normal for kids to fall asleep with dental sedation?

There is spectrum of dental sedation that includes minimal sedation, moderate sedation, deep sedation and general anesthesia. As a safety precaution we are always prepared to manage READ MORE
There is spectrum of dental sedation that includes minimal sedation, moderate sedation, deep sedation and general anesthesia. As a safety precaution we are always prepared to manage a patient who goes a level deeper sedation than what we intend. This includes safely monitoring a patient. If the dentist intended moderate sedation and your son fell asleep, the assumption is that a safe, successful sedation occurred as long as the appropriate monitoring was performed. 

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

Does my son need antibiotics after extraction?

No, unless there is an infection, he should not need antibiotics after a simple extraction. 

Marc D. Thomas, DDS