- Dental ExaminationOur convenient local dental office is featuring children's dentistry services for families in our community. The American Dental Association recommends that all patients follow a routine of dental examinations at least every six months, or as directed by their dentist. This is particularly important for growing children. Regular professional dental cleanings are essential for a healthy mouth. During your child's appointment, we will screen...
- X-raysPediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of child patients to radiation. With contemporary safeguards, the amount of radiation received in a dental X-ray examination is extremely small. In fact, dental X-rays represent a far smaller risk than undetected and untreated dental problems. Lead body aprons and shields help protect your child. Today’s equipment filters out unnecessary X-rays and restricts the X-ray beam to the area of interest. High-speed film, digital X-rays, and proper shielding assure that your child receives a minimal amount of radiation exposure.
- Teeth CleaningAt the first visit, we suggest you allow your child to accompany our staff through the dental experience. We can usually establish a closer rapport with your child when you are not present. Although, we do understand that all children are different. We promise to work with parents to create the best visit outcome as possible. Our main goal is to gain your child’s confidence and overcome apprehension. However, if you choose to, you are more than welcome to accompany your child to the hygiene bay for their dental cleaning. We pride ourselves on making each appointment end on a positive note. We can’t wait to meet you!
- Fluoride TreatmentTopical fluoride is a type of fluoride treatment that is applied directly to your child’s teeth by a dental professional. Your child’s dentist or dental hygienist will apply fluoride to their teeth during their bi-annual appointment. The application is quick and easy, and it only takes a few minutes.
- Dental SealantsA dental sealant creates a highly effective barrier against decay. Sealants are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of a child’s permanent back teeth, where most cavities form. Sealants help “seal out” food and plaque, and reduces the risk of decay. Applying a sealant is an easy procedure and can be performed in one dental visit. Teeth are first cleaned, then conditioned and dried. Once the sealant is applied it flows into the grooves of the tooth, and is then hardened with a special light. Your child will be able to eat right after the appointment.
- Space MaintainersIn all of these cases, if a baby tooth falls out too early, you should see your pediatric dentist. A dental space maintainer can help prevent teeth from shifting and alignment problems. Additionally, decayed baby teeth need to be treated through tooth-colored fillings or other methods. By doing so, you can strengthen the natural tooth and ensure it remains in place until the time comes for it to fall out naturally.
- Fillings
- VeneersUnless enamel hypoplasia is causing areas of tooth decay, it does not need to be treated. For children who are self-conscious about their appearance, teeth whitening, microabrasion, which involves removing a thin layer of discolored enamel, and veneers, which are thin wafers bonded over the affected teeth, can help reduce the visibility of the spots.
- CrownsFor permanent teeth: if possible find the lost tooth, if possible. Handle the tooth only by the crown, never by the root. If tooth is dirty, rinse only with water—DO NOT use soap or scrub the tooth. If possible, replace the tooth into the socket and have the child hold the tooth in place by gently biting on a gauze pad or washcloth. If it is not possible to hold the tooth in place, place the tooth in a cup of milk or cool water. Go to the dentist immediately. Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth and seeing a dentist within 30 minutes is best.
- PulpotomyExtraction of the tooth and drainage of the abscess is likely to be necessary for baby teeth. Some pediatric dentists may offer pulp and crown therapy, also called pulpectomy, pulpotomy, nerve treatment, pulp therapy, or “baby root canal therapy.” By treating the nerve, you can save the tooth and preserve its nerve structure. After this treatment is completed, a restorative crown is placed on the tooth to hold it in place until the permanent tooth emerges. Treatment depends on the severity of the abscess. In severe cases, the tooth may need to be removed.
- Root Canal TreatmentTo save permanent teeth, root canal therapy and a crown are usually required, followed by antibiotics to kill the infection. When dental infections are potentially life-threatening, surgical treatment may be recommended.
- Dental ImplantsIf the tooth is not crooked and your dentist isn’t concerned about the injury, it’s best to keep your child on a diet of soft foods for a few days so the tooth can re-implant itself. Cold foods can also reduce inflammation. You’re allowed to put your kid on an ice cream diet (yes, we’re permitting you).
- Tooth ExtractionsIt’s never too early to keep an eye on your child’s oral development. Malocclusions – crowded or crooked teeth – can often be recognized as early as 2-3 years of age. Early orthodontic treatment can prevent more extensive treatment later. Early orthodontics can enhance your child’s smile, but the benefits far surpass appearance. Pediatric orthodontics can straighten crooked teeth, guide erupting teeth into position, correct bite problems, and even prevent the need for tooth extractions.
- OrthodonticsBraces can help create a straight, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Ideally, any corrections to the bite, jaw, or mouth structure should be performed during adolescence while the mouth is still forming. Here is what you need to know before your child begins treatment with braces. Does My Child Need Braces? You might be wondering if your child is a good candidate for orthodontics, and that is a decision made in partnership with your...
- BracesBraces are perfect for achieving straight, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. Braces tend to be most effective while the patient is young and their mouth structure is still forming. If you think your child is ready for braces, here are a few things to help you make informed decisions. What’s the Point of Braces? Braces are used to correct teeth that are growing in a crooked position and to compensate for gaps between teeth. In addition,...
- Teeth WhiteningTreatment options for fluorosis are similar to those for enamel hypoplasia, which include microabrasion, bleaching if the stains are yellow or brown, or having a porcelain veneer adhered to the surface of the tooth to hide the staining and discoloration.
- General DentistryOf course, families can take their children to whichever dentist they choose, and there are probably several general dentistry practices that do a great job treating children. There are, however, very real benefits to seeing a pediatric dentist. In addition to dental school, pediatric dental specialists complete two years of additional training in a residency program where they learn about children’s dental needs as well as ways to put children at ease so they can receive the care they need.