Diagnostic

• Dental Examination
  During your child’s dental exam, we have the prime opportunity to evaluate facial and oral development. Improper development of the jaws and oral cavity can lead to an undersized airway where the tongue is more prone to fall into the back of the throat, causing the airway to collapse—especially at night. Children are in a unique position where growth and development can be utilized to correct the anatomy of the upper and lower jaws. By reshaping and expanding the oral cavity, your airway can also expand, allowing you to both breathe and sleep more deeply.
• X-rays
  With contemporary safeguards, such as lead aprons and high-speed film, the amount of radiation received in a dental X-ray examination is extremely small. Even though there is very little risk, pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of child patients to radiation. In fact, dental X-rays represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and untreated dental problem.

Preventive

• Fluoride Treatment
  American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by the age of 1. A thorough and quick examination allows for early detection and prevention of dental problems and supports good home care habits. Our complimentary exam, cleaning and fluoride treatment to all children under the age of three is the perfect opportunity to get your child comfortable with visits to one of our pediatric dentists. We are always available to answer your questions or concerns.
• Dental Sealants
  Sealants are clear or shaded plastic applied to the teeth to help keep them cavity-free. Sealants fill in the grooved and pitted surfaces of the teeth, which are hard to clean, and shut out food particles that could get caught, causing cavities. Fast and comfortable to apply, sealants can effectively protect teeth for many years.
• Space Maintainers

Restorative

• Fillings
• Crowns
  To seat the crown or spacer correctly, work must be done just below the gumline; therefore, expect your child’s gums to be sore for 2-3 days. Your child’s gum tissue may bleed upon brushing for the next few days. To help with healing, keep the area clean by gently brushing two to three times a day and flossing

Orthodontics

• Orthodontics
  Dr. Steve Christensen’s winsome attitude helps kids get excited about their dental care. He completed a Pediatric Dental Residency at The Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado and was appointed chief resident by his faculty and peers. Dr. Steve was awarded for special service in children’s dentistry by the Oregon Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Association of Orthodontics. Both Drs. Steve and Stephanie Christensen achieved Diplomate status in the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. This represents the highest possible credentials within the field of Pediatric Dentistry and an extra two years of dental school to receive these pediatric specialties. According to the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, such credentials have been attained by less than 38 percent of all Pediatric Dental Specialists within the United States. This qualification ensures your child is being treated by the best of the best.
• Braces
  Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. DO NOT REMOVE any wire caught in the gums, cheek or tongue; see a dentist immediately. Emergency attention is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort.