Comprehensive dental exams
Regular dental check-ups and preventative care are very important throughout your life but especially in childhood. During our comprehensive exams, we evaluate growth and development, teeth, bums, bite, risk of decay as well as soft tissues in the head and neck. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental check-up at least twice a year but some children require more frequent visits because of increased risk factors for decay, gum disease or discrepancies in growth patterns.
Cleaning
Our pediatric dental hygienists specialize in dental cleanings based upon your child’s individual needs. Airflow therapy is often utilized for older children and teenagers. Instead of scrubbing or scraping plaque away, we can use a small instrument that exposes the teeth to a steady stream of air and water that is filled with a special powder. These small particles gently and effectively “buff” the teeth, removing harmful deposits that could lead to tooth decay and stains. This approach is not only faster than a traditional cleaning but more comfortable as well, helping routine appointments literally go by like a breeze.
Fluoride
Regular exposure to fluoride is great for patients of all ages, but it’s especially helpful for children because of their elevated cavity risk, plus it can aid in the development of their adult teeth even before they come in! At the end of your child’s checkups, we can briefly coat their teeth with a fluoride gel to give them an extra boost of cavity protection. This treatment only takes a minute, but the benefits will last all the way until their next visit with us (which should be in about six months).
Radiographs
X-rays are utilized for monitoring growth and development as well as diagnosis of oral health conditions. Early diagnosis of oral disease can greatly improve treatment outcomes. Recommendation of digital x-rays is always based on individual patient needs.
Sealants
Once your child’s back teeth come in, they are in quite a bit of danger of developing cavities. Between their location and rough surfaces, they are the perfect place for plaque and tartar to gather and cause decay. Thankfully, dental sealants can provide these teeth the extra protection they need while young children learn to brush properly. We simply apply a thin layer of composite resin to the enamel and then harden it to create a barrier that blocks plaque, bacteria, and acids from harming the tooth.
Infant Dentistry
(1) The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling a child’s first dental visit as soon as their first tooth erupts or prior to their first birthday. The first dental visit is crucial in assessing growth and development as well as building good habits and preventing tooth decay. Establishing a dental home early is vital in helping children develop a positive association with dentists, setting the stage for lifelong comfort and cooperation when receiving dental care.
(2) Sometimes called a “happy visit,” the first checkup is relatively simple and helps toddlers feel comfortable with dental care. First, we’ll visually examine their teeth and jaws (for this part, many children do great by sitting on their parent’s lap).
(3) After making sure everything is healthy, we’ll discuss how to brush and floss your child’s teeth, dietary recommendations, fluoride, how to prevent baby bottle syndrome (which causes severe tooth decay on the front teeth), and more. Cleanings and X-rays aren’t usually done until kids are 3 to 5 years of age.
Sports Mouth Guard
(Do you have a future sport’s star at home, or does your child just like to play the occasional pick-up game with their friends? Whatever the case may be, young athletes should always wear a mouthguard every time they play to keep their teeth protected from unexpected impacts. We can provide your child with a completely custom-made guard that is designed to fit over their unique teeth as well as offer premier protection. It will be much smaller and more comfortable than any guard you’ll find at the store, meaning your child will be more likely to use it and enjoy the benefits!
Tooth Colored Fillings
“Tooth-colored fillings” are another way to describe fillings made from a resin composite (also known as white fillings). The resin is made of a ceramic and plastic compound. It mimics the appearance of natural teeth and can be shaded to match your child’s mouth specifically.
Crowns - SSC and White Crowns
Pulp therapy
Extractions
Tooth Colored Fillings
“Tooth-colored fillings” are another way to describe fillings made from a resin composite (also known as white fillings). The resin is made of a ceramic and plastic compound. It mimics the appearance of natural teeth and can be shaded to match your child’s mouth specifically.
Sensory-Friendly Care
Desensitization
Patient-led appointments
Private Rooms
Trauma Care
Eliminating Dental Pain
SDF
Silver diamine fluoride enables our team to stop active cavities and preserve a child’s teeth without having to use a dental drill or needle, which our little patients certainly appreciate! Applied directly to an active cavity, the silver in the solution quickly kills any bacteria that is breaking down the enamel while the fluoride strengthens the enamel at the same time. This is a fast way to address many cavities at once, and it can also help children who have excessive dental sensitivity.
Hall Crowns
Nitrous Oxide
Sedation Dentistry