Services

Pediatric dental services we offer include (but are not limited to):

Comprehensive Oral Evaluation

An oral evaluation is recommended every 6 months to prevent cavities and other dental problems. An oral evaluation will involve a head and neck examination, as well as an exam of the hard and soft tissues of the mouth.

Dental Cleaning (aka prophylaxis)

Regular cleanings can help keep your child’s gums healthy and teeth cavity-free. Your child’s teeth will be polished and scaled to remove stains and buildup of plaque and tartar that are not removed with daily tooth brushing. Oral hygiene instructions will be reviewed with you and your child during the cleaning.

Dental Radiographs (X-rays)

Dental X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool used to evaluate a number of dental conditions, such as cavities, erupting teeth, bone disease, and teeth injury. X-rays may also be needed to plan for orthodontic treatment. Since no two children are alike, dental X-rays are prescribed on an individual basis. We follow the American Academy of Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines for taking dental X-rays. In general, children need X-rays more often than adults because their mouths grow and change rapidly. They are also more susceptible than adults to tooth decay. With recent advances in technology, radiation exposure has been greatly reduced. Lead aprons, high-speed film and digital X-rays are used to ensure safety.

Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)

Nitrous oxide/oxygen is an effective and exceptionally safe sedative agent that can help your child remain at ease during dental treatment. A blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen is inhaled through a mask that fits over your child’s nose. Within moments of breathing nitrous oxide, your child should feel comfortable and calm. Your child will remain fully conscious, however some children report “dreaming” and their arms and legs may feel “tingly”. For some children, nitrous oxide may make the time appear to pass quickly. Once treatment is completed, the effects of nitrous oxide wear off rapidly.

Pediatric dentists know that not all children are alike. Nitrous oxide may not be effective for some children, especially those who have severe anxiety, nasal congestion, or discomfort wearing a nasal mask.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a natural substance that helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay. These quick and easy treatments are administered at the office in a gel, foam or varnish form.

Sealants

Sealants are a great way to protect your child’s teeth from decay. Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Sealants “seal out” food and plaque, thus reducing the risk of cavities. Sealants generally last several years and the cost of sealants is very low compared to getting cavities fixed.

Restorative Services

We provide all of the restorative services (fillings, crowns, etc) necessary for our pediatric patients. Our restorative procedures are performed with or without local anesthesia depending on the severity of the decay. Parents are always allowed to be with the child while treatment is being rendered.

Space Maintainers

Sometimes injury or dental decay can cause a baby tooth to be lost prematurely. When this happens, the pattern of permanent teeth eruption can be altered, resulting in crowding or crooked permanent teeth down the road. Fortunately, if your child loses a tooth prematurely, there’s a dental appliance we can make to hold space for the permanent tooth. “Space maintainers” are small metal appliances that help to preserve your child’s best bite and hopefully avoid the need for braces in the future.

Mouth Guards

Injuries can occur when a child begins to participate in recreational activites and organized sports. Of all of the dental injuries that we treat, it is estimated that over 25% of them are sports-related, and the majority of these involve the top front teeth. A properly fitted mouth guard is an important piece of athletic gear that can help protect your child’s smile, and should be used during any activity that could result in a blow to the face or mouth. These activities include football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, even gymnastics. Mouth guards help prevent broken teeth, as well as injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. A properly fitted mouth guard will stay in place while your child is wearing it, making it easy for them to talk and breathe.