Diagnostic

• Dental Examination
  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental exam for children by age one. Toddlers and preschoolers present with unique personalities ranging from shy to outgoing and curious. We do realize these amazing young patients have a limited attention span. The first exam is designed to be quick, thorough and provide anticipatory guidance for parents. We will create a dental home for your children providing...
• X-rays
  We recommend taking X-rays around the age of three to five, (when a child will typically be able to tolerate them). The first set consists of simple pictures of the front upper and lower teeth, which familiarizes your child with the process. Then regular (at least yearly) X-rays are recommended. Permanent teeth start coming in around age six, and X-rays help us make sure your child’s teeth and jaw are healthy and properly aligned. If your child is at a high risk of dental problems, we may suggest having X-rays taken more often and/or at an earlier age.

Preventive

• Teeth Cleaning
  A thorough dental exam and cleaning may cause some bleeding and swelling that can lead to tenderness and discomfort. You can follow these at-home remedies to help alleviate this discomfort.
• Fluoride Treatment
• Dental Sealants
  Along with appropriate use of fluorides, sealants have made a major impact on efforts to reduce tooth decay. The grooves and pits on back teeth are very difficult to keep clean and free from bacteria and food. A sealant covers and protects the grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces. Sealant material is a resin. Sealants are typically applied to children’s permanent first and second molars (which have more grooves, pits and fissures than primary molars) as a preventive measure against tooth decay. It is more common to seal “permanent” teeth rather than “baby” teeth, but every patient has unique needs, and the dentist will recommend primary sealants and/or sealants on permanent bicuspids on a case-by-case basis.
• Space Maintainers
  Sometimes when a primary molar is nonrestorable (due to infection and/or large decay with insufficient tooth structure), we may recommend a space maintainer. The purpose of a space maintainer is to preserve/hold the space for the developing permanent tooth under the primary tooth, which was removed and prevent adjacent teeth from drifting into this space.

Restorative

• Fillings
  Our office no longer (and hasn't for many years) utilize amalgam fillings (silver). Our doctor does feel this is a inferior filling material. The FDA just recently (fall 2020) released new guidance no longer recommending use of amalgam fillings in children under 6 years, people with kidney problems, pregnant/nursing women and those with neurological problems.
• Crowns
  A pulpectomy is required when the entire pulp of the tooth is invloved (due to trauma and/or infection). The diseased nerve tissue is completely removed from the crown and root. The canals are cleaned, disinfected and for a primary tooth filled with a resorbable material. A permanent tooth receives a non-resorbable material.

Endodontics

• Pulpotomy
  If the decay has progressed deep enough to affect the pulp(nerve) of a primary tooth a pulpotomy is performed. The nerve tissue in the pulp chamber (crown segment) is cleaned out and the remaining vital tissue in the root canals is preseved. An agent is placed in the pulp chamber to prevent bacterial growth followed by a resorbable material for a primary tooth. A permanent molar receives a material in the pulp chamber which maintains pulp vitality and allows continued and full root development.
• Root Canal Treatment

Orthodontics

• Braces
  Choosing the right mouthguard is essential. There are three basic types of mouthguards: the pre-made mouthguard, the “boil-and-bite” fitted mouthguard, and a custom-made mouthguard. When choosing a mouthguard, be sure to pick one that is tear-resistant, comfortable and well fitted to your child’s mouth, easy to keep clean, and does not prevent him from breathing properly. If he wears braces or a retainer, it is imperative for him to wear a mouthguard. Your dentist can show your child how to wear a mouthguard properly and how to choose the right mouthguard.