Baby Tooth Extractions
For many reasons, a patient might require a baby tooth to be extracted (removed). This can be due to injury, decay, infection, or orthodontic reasons, among others. We might recommend baby tooth removal during a routine or scheduled office visit
Dental Cleanings
A dental cleaning or dental prophylaxis is the process of cleaning dental bacteria (plaque) and tartar (calculus) from around the teeth. This is done to help prevent dental decay and gum disease (periodontal disease). These cleanings are done on a schedule based on a patient’s dental needs; typically every 6 months.
Dental Fillings
Dental Fillings or restorations are a way of replacing or restoring damaged or decayed teeth. Traditionally, dental fillings are placed into an area of a tooth after dental decay (a cavity) has been removed from that tooth. There are many options for materials and methods when placing a dental restoration. Our goal is to restore broken or decayed teeth while using the best materials for the job.
Emergency Dentistry
Unfortunately, dental emergencies are common in children and adolescents. There are many circumstances that constitute a true dental emergency, ranging from isolated toothaches to severe oral trauma. No matter the cause of the emergency, it is a good idea to get a hold of the dentist to discuss what (if any) treatments may be necessary. Feel free to call our office and doctors at any time if you have any questions.
Dental Mouthguards
A dental mouthguard is an economic and effective way of preventing most dental injuries during athletic practices and games. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, nearly 32% of injuries to the teeth and face happen while a child is playing sports. We believe that the use of a properly fitting mouthguard will help prevent or lessen those injuries. Whether it be a custom mouthguard made in our office or one bought at a store and formed at home, dental mouthguards should be used in all sports where children could suffer an injury to their teeth and face.
Pediatric Crowns
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Preventive Dentistry and Fluoride
As pediatric dentists, we place a large emphasis on the prevention of dental disease. This includes topics like diet counseling, oral hygiene instruction, in-office dental prevention, and of course, the proper use of fluoride. Through these means, we can establish a patient’s caries (cavity) risk and tailor and individual dental plan to help prevent dental problems for our patients.
Sealants
The chewing surfaces of most molars and premolars contain many deep grooves, known as pits and fissures. These anatomic grooves are difficult to clean and can easily trap food, sugar, bacteria, and debris. As such, permanent molars are highly susceptible to dental caries, otherwise known as tooth decay. One way to prevent caries on a healthy tooth is to apply a dental sealant, commonly known as a pit and fissure sealant.
Sedation Dentistry Options for Our Patients
For various reasons, some patients might benefit from sedation dentistry. There are two types of sedations we offer: conscious and unconscious. Conscious sedation includes nitrous oxide gas administered over the patient’s nose. During conscious sedation, the patient is awake and can be stimulated. General anesthesia is when a patient is completely unconscious. General anesthesia dentistry is completed at a nearby out-patient surgery center and administered in our office by a licensed dental anesthesiologist.
Space Maintainers
A space maintainer is a dental appliance placed inside a patient’s mouth to maintain space for future teeth or for future dental treatment. A space maintainer is typically placed after a tooth is lost or extracted. A space maintainer is sometimes confused with an orthodontic retainer. They are similar; however, a space maintainer is best used to minimize future orthodontic needs while an orthodontic retainer keeps teeth from moving or shifting following orthodontic treatment.
Stainless Steel Crowns
Stainless steel crowns have been a safe and effective treatment option for badly broken-down primary (baby) and permanent teeth for decades. The strength, success rate, patient tolerance, and simple placement make stainless steel crowns the gold standard of pediatric dental restorations. The National Institutes of Health deem the overall success rate of stainless steel crowns at 97.2% regardless of cavity size or nerve involvement. Where stainless steel crowns struggle as a cosmetic restoration, they make up for it in long term stability. When a stainless steel crown is placed, there is very little concern for unexpected outcomes. They are the work horse of the pediatric dental toolbox and can take the abuse a young person’s mouth can dish out.
Dental Radiographs (X-rays)
Dental radiographs are a safe, integral, and necessary tool in a dentist’s toolbox to allow for the evaluation of areas in and around the mouth that cannot be seen with a visual exam. Dental decay, dental infection, tooth positioning, and boney pathology are difficult to evaluate any other way. Digital radiographs have greatly decreased the radiation exposure to our patients. Taking dental radiographs at the proper time gives our staff the information we need to ensure your child’s dental health.