- Dental ExaminationFollowing the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Stacey Sanfordsuggests infants should come in for their first oral exam between the ages of six months to 1 year old.
- X-rays
- Oral Cancer ScreeningNext, we will perform a comprehensive oral exam that may include x-rays and a non-invasive oral cancer screening. If no signs of periodontal disease are present, you will have a routine cleaning. If we notice signs of periodontal disease, we may reschedule the cleaning portion of your visit to allow for more time.
- Teeth CleaningMany patients are surprised at the large amount of surface area that we examine during an oral exam. At every hygiene visit, we examine all the tissues of your mouth including gums, cheeks, lips, tongue, and jaw. It is just as important to have regular soft tissue screenings as it is to have a professional dental cleaning.
- Fluoride TreatmentTopical fluoride treatments help keep your child’s teeth cavity-free between visits by strengthening the enamel. Depending on your child’s age, the fluoride may be brushed onto your child’s teeth or put into a foam tray and allowed to sit on their teeth. For younger children, a fluoride varnish is brushed onto the teeth. Fluoride varnish hardens when it comes in contact with saliva, forming a hard film that is brushed off later that evening.
- Dental SealantsSealants help prevent decay by protecting the surface of the teeth, especially the back teeth where brushing can be more difficult for children. They are made of a clear, liquid resin that hardens when a special light is shined on it. This creates a smooth, hard surface that prevents food from settling in the grooves of your child’s back teeth.
- FillingsCavities and small fractures can cause much larger issues if left untreated. In the past, metal restorations called amalgam fillings (or silver fillings) served a need but left many teeth discolored and strained from the wedging effect of the metal. Today, tooth-colored composite resins blend into the tooth structure and are chemically bonded to the tooth providing a strong, permanent restoration.
- Resin CompositeFillings are placed in the tooth following decay removal to preserve natural tooth structure. Nowadays most fillings are made of a composite resin that is matched to your child’s natural tooth color. In some rare instances amalgam (silver) fillings may be used.
- VeneersVeneers are the ultimate combination of dental art and science, handcrafted and customized to fit your smile. These paper-thin pieces of porcelain bond to the outside of your natural teeth. But just because they’re thin, don't be fooled. Veneers are highly versatile and can replicate all the complex nuances of a natural tooth.
- CrownsIf your child needs restorative treatment in the form of a filling or crown, Dr. Stacey Sanford and her team will create a custom treatment plan for your child and review all options with you before treatment begins. We believe a conservative approach to children’s dentistry is usually the best course of action.
- BridgesDental bridges have traditionally been a top choice for replacing missing teeth. With the widespread use of dental implants, more options are now available to bridge gaps in your smile. Resilient, natural-looking porcelains, engineered into a bridge, can eliminate spaces of every size.
- Dental Bonding
- Restorative DentistryWe know it's not always easy for you to sort through the complicated possibilities. Dr. Stacey Sanford background in restorative dentistry allows her to develop solutions for every situation.
- Root Canal TreatmentIf a baby tooth has decay that has entered the nerve, or pulp, of the tooth, or if the tooth has suffered trauma, it may cause hot and cold sensitivity or constant pain. A root canal might be recommended to preserve the tooth until it is ready to come out on its own and be replaced by its permanent counterpart.
- Deep Cleaning
- DenturesPeriodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, affects about 30% of the adult population and is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. Many denture cases begin because of this chronic condition. While not curable, with regular professional hygiene appointments and consistent home care, it is controllable.
- Dental ImplantsMany patients find the procedure of implant placement easier than they anticipated. Modern dental anesthetic numbs the site, and experienced hands carefully place the implant. A tiny guide hole provides a path for threading a small implant cylinder into place. The sterile piece is inserted into an exact location, and a smooth cover, or healing cap, protects the implant during the healing period.
- Oral SurgeryAfter graduating from dental school, Dr. Sanford completed an Advanced General Practice residency at the University of Detroit Mercy in 1991. In her residency, she received additional training in treating medically compromised patients, endodontics (root canals), oral surgery, pedodontics, periodontics (gum disease), and prosthodontics (crowns, implants, and dentures).
- Tooth ExtractionsAn extraction can make both children and parents anxious, but they are a common procedure in most dental offices. Sometimes a child’s tooth has too much decay to restore, or they need a tooth or teeth removed to make room for orthodontic treatment.
- OrthodonticsA variety of tooth and jaw issues can be resolved through orthodontics. The dentist may point out that your child's baby teeth appear crowded or the relationship between the upper and lower teeth isn’t ideal. While treatment doesn’t usually start this young, it may help you prepare for the possibility of future corrective care. As permanent teeth start to appear, usually around age 6, Dr. Stacey Sanford will monitor the situation and help you decide if early orthodontic treatment is right for your child.
- Invisalign Orthodontics
- BracesAlthough many orthodontic wearers are teenagers, braces play a role in some children's earlier years. Since permanent teeth are typically larger than baby teeth, a device called a palatal expander may be used to create more room. This allows adult teeth to move into place correctly, helping avoid more extensive treatment later on.
- Teeth WhiteningTeeth whitening removes years of dingy stains from your teeth. Coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and chocolate can dull tooth enamel. Simple and safe, most patients don't realize how discolored their teeth are until they see a new smile emerge.
- Cosmetic DentistrySmiles matter more than we realize. Volumes of research confirm the influential role of smiles in our relationships and our self-esteem. If you're confident, you smile more. If you smile more, you feel more confident. But what if you don't want to flash those pearly whites because you're embarrassed? The effects of an unattractive smile may ripple through your life. Fortunately, a growing range of options enables anyone to enjoy a stunning new smile. Dr. Stacey Sanford's passion for enhancing smiles brings you the best in modern dentistry.