Services

Before your child is evaluated we will review his or her medical and dental history. A thorough history allows us to know your child better and provides us with insight on how to properly treat and serve your child. Please inform us of all health concerns and allergies your child may have.

The exam will include an evaluation of the teeth, gums and jaw alignment. From this, we can discover your child’s susceptibility to oral health issues (dental decay, gum disease and/or need for orthodontic treatment) and create a treatment plan that leads to a healthy smile.

Teeth are cleaned to remove plaque (bacteria) and calculus (hard plaque) that can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Topical fluoride is applied to the teeth to make them stronger and more resistant to tooth decay. A thorough cleaning and fluoride treatment every six months has been shown to be an extremely effective way to prevent dental disease.

The chewing surfaces of children’s teeth are the most susceptible to cavities and least benefited by fluorides. Sealants (plastic protectant coverings) are applied to the tops of teeth and are highly effective in preventing tooth decay. They are recommended for both the 6 and 12 year molars.

Resin Fillings are used to restore front teeth or where cosmetic appearance is important. Tooth colored fillings are used to repair fractured teeth and/or areas of decay. The shade of restorative material is matched as closely as possible to the color of the natural teeth. Tooth colored fillings may also be used for back teeth. Their use is determined on a case-by-case situation. Larger cavities, especially in primary (baby) teeth, usually respond better to placement of amalgam fillings.

Stainless Steel Crowns are used to restore back teeth that are too badly decayed to hold fillings or on teeth that require a pulpotomy (see below). We do not make porcelain crowns for baby teeth. For front baby teeth requiring a crown we will use a product that is a stainless steel crown with a resin/plastic facing for cosmetic purposes.

You will hear some practitioners call this a “baby root canal.” This procedure involves removing the top-part of the tooth’s nerve and treating the remaining nerve with a material that disinfects, soothes and protects. A pulpotomy is necessary when decay has spread to the nerve of the tooth. Once a tooth has received this treatment, it is usually recommended that the tooth be fully covered through placement of a stainless steel crown.

Extraction involves removing a tooth that has become infected or is badly broken down and cannot be restored. If a primary molar is extracted, the placement of a space maintainer is usually recommended. Additionally, teeth be extracted for orthodontic reasons.

Space Maintainers are used when a primary tooth has been prematurely lost to hold space for the permanent tooth. If space is not maintained, teeth on either side of the extraction site can drift into the space and prevent the permanent tooth from erupting.

May be required to relax apprehensive patients and patients with gag reflexes. Nitrous oxide is given through a small breathing mask which is placed over the child’s nose, allowing them to relax, without putting them to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes this technique as a safe and effective technique for treating children. The gas is mild and easily inhaled with normal breathing and is quickly eliminated from the body. It is non-addictive. While inhaling nitrous oxide/oxygen, your child remains fully conscious and keeps all natural reflexes.

Prior to your child’s appointment:

• Nothing to eat 3 hours before an appointment that requires nitrous oxide.
• Please inform us of any change to your child’s health and/or medical condition.
• Tell us about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the effectiveness of the nitrous oxide/oxygen.
• Let us know if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment.