Routine Cleaning and Exam
Routine dental cleanings and exams are important for your child to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent decay and disease. Your daily home care is critical, but the professional cleanings remove mineralized plaque that can develop despite good brushing and flossing, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach. Following the guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend that your child see us for a cleaning and exam once every six months. These preventative appointments typically last between 30 minutes and an hour.
Dental x-rays (either bitewings or panoramic radiograph) will be taken as needed to assess for cavities between teeth, detect pathology, and monitor your child's growth and development.
Following the cleaning and exam, a concentrated fluoride varnish will be applied to help keep your child's teeth strong. We recommend waiting 30 minutes before they eat or drink anything.
Sealants
A sealant is a resin material that is applied to the biting surface of teeth. It helps to make the grooves of the teeth flat to avoid food getting stuck in the grooves and sitting there for a long period of time. It can be clear or shaded. Sealants are applied in order to give the teeth a sturdy barrier between them and the food, plaque and acid that decay the tooth itself. This helps prevent tooth decay and minimize cavities. Sealants will often be recommended when the permanent molars erupt which is typically around age 6-7 years old.
Restorations and Extractions
We offer tooth-colored fillings, stainless steel crowns, esthetic white crowns and extractions based on the size of the cavity.
One of our experienced dentist will discuss the best option for your child.
Special Needs Dentistry
Our dentists have additional experience and training in Special Needs Dentistry to provide a personalized care plan for each individual.
Sedation Dentistry
While we try to provide a fun and inviting dental experience, dental anxiety still may present itself. For those with dental fears, we offer
- "Laughing Gas" aka Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide is a safe, inhaled minimal relaxant gas delivered via a mask that is placed over your child’s nose to help them relax, while also decreasing discomfort.
- Hospital-based General Anesthesia: General anesthesia will be provided by the highly experienced anesthesia team at one of the loca l hospitals that our dentists are partnered with. All dental work is able to be completed while your child is asleep.
