Pediatric Dentistry

When should your child first visit a dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children have their first visit to the dentist by their “first tooth, or first birthday”. We encourage families to start bringing in children for routine dental care at least 6 months after their first baby tooth erupts. Baby teeth are critical in the development of adult teeth, and seeing the pediatric dentist helps to develop a healthy habit for routine care. We make the experience fun and comforting so that the child will not grow up with dental fears!

Dental X-Rays

Our technology includes digital X-rays, which most parents prefer because of their very low radiation. Digital X-rays can emit as much as 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays, making them better for your child’s health. Digital X-rays also give us instant images of your child’s oral health on chairside monitors. They don’t require printing, meaning we save paper and make less waste while also improving the quality of information we gather from the digital X-rays.

Cleanings

Cleanings are highly encouraged every 6 months. Have you ever wondered why? That’s exactly how much time it takes for bacteria to form a layer of plaque on your teeth, which cannot be reached with regular brushing or flossing. Only a dental professional has the tools and experience to reach those hard to reach places. While baby teeth are eventually replaced by permanent teeth, it is very important to keep them clean and cavity free. During your 6 month cleaning visit we will look for any other issues that could be forming. Maintaining good dental hygiene and preventing tooth decay can be as easy as brushing and flossing daily and visiting us twice a year for cleanings.

Pediatric Crowns

Pediatric stainless steel crowns are necessary for various reasons. Crowns are recommended when there is extensive decay, a tooth has been fractured from trauma, or the tooth did not form properly. Our teams are specially trained to utilize pediatric crowns when possible to not only restore the function but protect the teeth until they are ready to come out on their own. When located in the front, we always use white porcelain or porcelain fused to metal crowns to make the smile appear brand new!

Dental Fillings

There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin restorations are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger. Since the resin used in tooth-colored restorations contain fluoride this can help prevent decay.

Dental Sealants

Highly effective in preventing decay, dental sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic “coating” is painted onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively “seals” the deep grooves, acting as a barrier and protecting enamel from plaque and acids that cause tooth decay! Studies done by the ADA have shown that sealants placed on permanent molars have reduced the risk of caries by up to 80%.

Pediatric Extractions

Sometimes teeth have to be extracted because they are severely decayed, abscessed; or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment. No matter the reason, our specially trained staff works to ensure your child has a positive dental experience.

Space Maintainers

Dental space maintainers are devices used to maintain space needed for permanent teeth to grow in after baby teeth are lost prematurely. While it might not seem like a big problem at first, not taking care of a gap can lead to expensive problems down the road.

A space maintainer is glued onto adjacent teeth. Your child will be able to eat, speak, brush and function normally while they are wearing it. It is unobtrusive and is a very low maintenance device. Typically, the dental space maintainers will stay in place until the permanent teeth have erupted into place when they are then removed by the dentist at a later date.