Pediatric Dental Services
We offer complete array of pediatric dental services for children from newborns to 18 years of age.
CLEANINGS
When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?
The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush and water. Remember that most small children do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively. Unless your child’s pediatric dentist advises it, do not use fluoridated toothpaste until age 2-3.
FLUORIDE TREATMENTS
What guidelines will help children remain cavity free?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends:
Brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day (for children 2 years or older.) Floss children's teeth once a day. Visit your pediatric or general dentist regularly. Ensure that fluoride is consumed through drinking water, fluoride products, and fluoride supplements.
Apply sealants to the chewing surfaces of permanent molars. Snack moderately, no more than twice a day. It is best to snack on foods with minimal or no sugar content. Fresh fruits and vegetables make great snacks.
SEALANTS
What are sealants?
Dental sealants can protect your children from cavities. Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to act as a barrier between the tooth and harmful bacteria. They are most effective when applied to decay-susceptible biting surfaces as soon as the teeth come in.
The sealing material is applied to the tooth surface using an “etching” fluid. The sealant partially penetrates the tooth enamel, ensuring that it is firmly attached to the tooth. Once applied, the sealant fills in the tooth’s grooves, hardens and creates a thin plastic barrier that keeps cavity causing bacterial out of the pits and fissures.
Why are sealants used?
Sealants can stop cavities before they begin. Children are prone to cavities because of the natural shape of their growing teeth. When first molars come in around age six, deep crevices called pits and fissures form on the chewing surfaces of these back teeth. Pits and fissures are so narrow that the bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach into them, making them difficult to clean. However, these crevices provide plenty of room for bacteria to grow. Children’s eating habits also lead to cavities. Their diets generally include frequent snacking, and they rarely brush as often as necessary. Children are usually brushing their own teeth by age six, and they may not be doing an adequate job.
How are sealants applied?
Application is fast and painless. Your child will be happy to know that with sealants, there is no drilling and no discomfort. Either your dentist or a registered dental hygienist can apply sealants, and the process takes less time than having a tooth filled.
PEDIATRIC RESTORATIONS
What are amalgams (silver fillings)?
Amalgams or silver fillings are used to restore or "fill" decayed areas in teeth. Amalgam fillings have a scientifically proven history of safety and effectiveness in restoring teeth.
What are composites (tooth colored fillings)?
Composites or tooth colored fillings are used to “fill” areas of decay, restore fractured teeth in which cosmetic appearance is important. The shade of the restoration material is matched as closely as possible to the color of the natural tooth. This is typically the restoration of choice, unless treatment conditions dictate the use of another material.
BABY ROOT CANAL
Can root canal be peformed on your baby?
A pediatric dentist may perform a baby root canal if a decayed tooth or deep cavity is causing pain to a child. The problem typically results from an untreated cavity that is now deep within the tooth. Inflammation from the cavity can cause discomfort and sensitivity.
What is a Pulpotomy?
This procedure is a nerve treatment in which the sick portion of the tooth nerve is removed and medicine is placed in order to avoid extracting the tooth. A baby root canal (pulpotomy) is similar to a root canal treatment of an adult tooth. It removes all the coronal pulp tissue from the chamber of the tooth. Pulpotomy procedures are very important to prevent the unnecessary and untimely loss of baby teeth. Remember, baby teeth are important to save in order to maintain adequate space for adult teeth. If baby teeth are lost prematurely, the rest of the teeth may begin to shift, causing crowding and reducing the space for adult teeth to grow in. If this happens, braces may be needed to properly realign the teeth.
PEDIATRIC CROWNS
Pediatric Crowns for Baby Teeth
If you have a baby tooth with decay, the usually restorative option is a white filling. If the decay is extensive, a crown may be recommended. There are few options when it comes to crowns for baby teeth. For back baby teeth there really is nothing better than the good ole' stainless steel crowns. They are relatively easy to do and last till the teeth normally fall out. Since they are in the back, cosmetics is not as much of a concern. There are all zirconia crowns for front teeth that offer aesthetic value.
What are stainless steel crowns?
Stainless steel crowns are silver colored "caps" used to restore teeth that are too badly decayed to hold fillings, need a nerve treatment, or when durability is a concern.
What are zirconia crowns?
Zirconia crowns are white colored crowns made entirely of white zirconia - not metal - that are used for primary teeth requiring full coverage crowns and are available for front and back teeth.
SPACE MAINTAINERS
What are space maintainers? How does a space maintainer help?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, space maintainers are appliances made of metal or plastic that are custom fit to your child's mouth. They are small and unobtrusive in appearance. Most children easily adjust to them after the first few days.
Space maintainers hold open the empty space left by a lost tooth. They steady the remaining teeth, preventing movement until the permanent tooth takes its natural position in the jaw. Its more affordable -- and easier on your child -- to keep teeth in normal positions with a space maintainer than to move them back in place with orthodontic treatment.
What special care do space maintainers need?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, pediatric dentists have four rules for space maintainer care. First, avoid sticky sweets or chewing gum. Second, don't tug or push on the space maintainer with your fingers or tongue. Third, keep it clean with conscientious brushing and flossing. Fourth, continue regular dental visits.
FRENECTOMY
What is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a quick procedure to fully release a tongue-tie, lip-tie, or cheek-tie using a soft tissue laser. This is often performed to treat difficulties in feeding, nursing, speech, oral hygiene, and airway management. Often it yields very successful results when post-release exercises are performed.
INTERCEPTIVE ORTHODONTICS
When will my child need orthodontics/braces?
For the average child, the ideal time for orthodontics will be just before the last of the primary/baby teeth naturally fall out. This will usually occur at approximately eleven. However, there are circumstances in which children benefit from phase I or interceptive orthodontics. For this reason, the American Association of Orthodontists typically recommends that children have a screening appointment with an orthodontist at age seven. At this time, the orthodontist will discuss future treatments, including the timing of such treatment.
TREATMENT UNDER NITROUS OXIDE
What is Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen?
Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) is ALWAYS administered with oxygen. Nitrous oxide is a safe gas and is 100% exhaled by the patient. The combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen, inhaled by your child during the restorative appointment, is used to relax a mildly anxious child. Nitrous Oxide/oxygen also acts to minimize discomfort during dental treatment. Your child does not fall asleep and can effectively communicate with the dentist. Your child should be able to return to normal activities upon leaving the dental office, however limit the amount of physical activity immediately following treatment.
HOSPITAL DENTISTRY
For children with severe dental needs with dental anxiety and fears, we often offer treatment under general anesthesia at the hospital or in-office under the care of an anesthesiologist.
HABIT BREAKING
Tips for helping children develop positive dental habits.
Set a good example.
Make good oral health a family effort.
Show children that daily brushing and flossing, limited snacking and regular dental checkups are necessary for good oral health.
Support your child when they are able to brush and floss on their own- assisting and performing spot checks as needed.
What can I do to stop my child's habit?
The majority of children stop sucking habits on their own. Some children may need the help of their parents. When your child is old enough to understand the possible results of an oral habit, we will encourage your child to stop. We will explain to them what happens to the teeth if he/she doesn't stop. It is very important to get children to want to stop and to realize that it is a part of growing up. This will greatly increase their chances of terminating the habit. Once your child wants to stop, a reward system and earnest reminders will help he/she accomplish the goal. If all other options have been exhausted, we will discuss with you the use of a fixed dental appliance to exhaust the habit.
How does thumb sucking affect dental health?
Generally, thumb sucking before the age of two is normal and harmless. When thumb sucking is not stopped by the appropriate age (generally by the age of two or three), then parents should discourage the act. Prolonged thumb sucking may contribute to crowded and/or crooked teeth development, bite problems, and a constricted airway.