Oral Hygiene Instruction and Education
Routine Cleanings
Fluoride Application
Diet and Nutritional Counseling
Exams
X-Rays
Sealants
Tooth Colored Fillings
Extractions
Stainless Steel Crowns
Pulp Treatment
Space Maintainers/Early Orthodontic Assessments
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Hospital Dentistry

Oral Hygiene Instruction and Education

A large part of our practice is educating and demonstrating the techniques for keeping not only your teeth, but your entire mouth clean. We discuss ways for children to improve oral health at home and how to properly care for their teeth. We provide brushing and flossing instructions and recommendations for improvement, and we will explore and discuss risk factors for tooth decay and gum infections in the mouth.
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Routine Cleanings

Research has shown that routine cleanings by dental professionals aid in the prevention of oral diseases. A lot of parents may think that gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease is only an adult problem. However, gingivitis (the first stage of periodontal disease) is a common problem in children and adolescents. The bacteria in plaque can release toxins around the gum and cause infection. This makes the gum tissue swell, turn red, and bleed easily. Gingivitis is a serious health problem. Routine cleanings help to identify and prevent this issue, and we strongly recommend these cleanings at least twice a year.
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Fluoride Application

Fluoride encourages remineralization (a strengthening of weak areas on the tooth). Fluoride is sometimes added in water and in dental products such as toothpaste, mouthwashes and other products. Fluoride is documented to be safe and highly effective if used in the recommended quantities. You only need to use small amounts of fluoride to get the maximum benefit. It is important to keep toothpaste, gel, rinses and other supplements out of the reach of your children and only allow them to use those products with your supervision. If the water where you live does not have enough fluoride, your pediatric dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements in the form of drops or pills. At each dental follow up appointment, we apply a fluoride varnish to your child's teeth. This is a safe and effective way to aid in the prevention of cavities.
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Diet and Nutritional Counseling

We make an effort to discuss your child's diet, and make suggestions that will help to improve not only the health of their teeth, but the overall health of their body. Healthy eating habits lead to healthy teeth. Like the rest of the body, the teeth, bones and the soft tissues of the mouth need a well-balanced diet.
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Exams

Exams are a very important part of preventative care. They provide an opportunity for the dentist to observe your child's teeth, surrounding soft tissues, and jaw. They also allow us to catch any problems that may be present and discuss treatment options.
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X-Rays

Radiographs (X-Rays) are a vital and necessary part of your child's dental diagnostic process. Without them, certain dental conditions can and will be missed. Radiographs detect much more than cavities. For example, radiographs may be needed to survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, evaluate the results of an injury, or plan orthodontic treatment. Radiographs allow dentists to diagnose and treat health conditions that cannot be detected during a clinical examination. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for your child and more affordable for you. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends radiographs and examinations every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. Pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of their patients to radiation. The amount of radiation received in a dental X-ray examination is extremely small. In fact, the dental radiographs represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and untreated dental problem. Lead body aprons will protect your child. Digital radiographs and proper shielding assure that your child receives a minimal amount of radiation exposure.
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Sealants

By forming a thin covering over the pits and fissures, sealants keep out plaque and food, thus decreasing the risk of decay. Since the covering is only over the biting surface of the tooth, areas on the side and between teeth cannot be coated with the sealant. Good oral hygiene and nutrition are still very important in preventing decay next to these sealants or in areas unable to be covered. The American Dental Association recognizes that sealants can play an important role in the prevention of tooth decay. When properly applied and maintained, they can successfully protect the chewing surfaces of your child's teeth. A total prevention program includes regular visits to the dentist, the use of fluoride, daily brushing and flossing, and limiting the number of times sugar-rich foods are eaten. If these measures are followed and sealants are used on the child's teeth, the risk of decay can be reduced or may even be eliminated.
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Tooth-Colored Fillings

There are pros and cons to composite fillings. They are tooth colored and work well for aesthetic purposes. Some of them release fluoride over time and they allow for minimal removal of tooth structure. Unfortunately, there are some negative aspects. The placement must happen in a dry environment, therefore isolation of the tooth using a rubber dam is critical. Because composite fillings are made from a plastic-like material, they tend to wear out more than the traditional silver fillings, therefore they need to be monitored closely and may need to be replaced more often. Composite fillings must be kept clean due to the risk of cavities forming around the filling, and to prevent staining.
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Extractions

We perform routine extractions. Extractions may be necessary for many reasons, including risk of infection, preparation for orthodontics, crowding, large cavities, etc.
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Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless Steel Crowns are used to restore teeth that are badly damaged due to large cavities, excessive grinding or wear, etc. They are indicated when a filling is not possible in a tooth. For front teeth, we use stainless steel crowns with white facing to help with aesthetics.
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Pulp Treatment

The pulp of a tooth is the inner central core of the tooth. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue and reparative cells. The purpose of pulp treatment in Pediatric Dentistry is to maintain the vitality of the affected tooth (so the tooth is not lost). Dental cavities and traumatic injury are the main reasons for a tooth to require pulp treatment. Pulp treatment removes the diseased pulp tissue within the crown portion of the tooth. An agent is then placed to prevent bacterial growth and to calm the remaining nerve tissue. This is followed by a final restoration (usually a stainless steel crown).
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Space Maintainers/Early Orthodontic Assessments

Space Maintainers are used to hold adequate space for permanent teeth. When a baby tooth is lost too soon, the teeth beside it may tilt or drift into that empty space. Teeth in the other jaw may move up or down to fill the gap. As teeth beside the gap shift into the empty space, they create a lack of space in the jaw for the permanent teeth. When that happens, permanent teeth are crowded and can come in crooked. If left untreated, the condition may require extensive orthodontic treatment. Space maintainers are used to prevent any drifting of teeth and loss of space in your child's teeth. They keep the remaining teeth in place until a permanent tooth is in that natural position. Space maintainers are appliances made out of metal and are custom fitted to your child's mouth. Using space maintainers is more affordable and easier on your child than having to move those teeth back in place with orthodontic treatment. We try to recognize and discuss orthodontic concerns at an early age. If we are aware of problems early on, we have more options and can create a plan for the future. Then we can recommend a time to visit the orthodontist that will best meet your needs.
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Nitrous Oxide (a.k.a. Laughing Gas)

Nitrous Oxide is a gas that is breathed in and out and is used primarily for relaxation purposes. We recommend using Nitrous Oxide during restorative appointments, and can also use it during cleaning appointments for especially anxious patients. Nitrous Oxide is always mixed with oxygen. 100% oxygen is administered at the end of the appointment, eliminating the Nitrous and its effects from your child's system.
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Hospital Dentistry

Pediatric dentists often treat patients who have special challenges related to their age, behavior, medical status, developmental disabilities, etc. Cavities, gum disease, and other oral conditions, if left untreated, can lead to pain, infection, and loss of function. Therefore it is extremely important to treat these conditions. Utilizing the hospital gives us access to doctors and medical staff that are trained in general anesthesia and sedating children. This provides a safe and controlled environment to complete comprehensive dental care for children with behavior, medical, or other problems that prevent us from being able to safely complete treatment in the office.
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