- Dental ExaminationIn most cases, we recommend bringing your child in for their first dental appointment around the time they turn one year old or six months after their first tooth has arrived. At this point, we will focus on familiarizing your child with our team, answering any questions you may have, and performing a quick, gentle dental exam. If you have dental concerns before they have reached this age, you’re certainly welcome to give our dental office a call.
- X-rays
- Oral Cancer ScreeningAlthough extremely rare among children, the truth is that oral cancer knows no age. This is why we always perform an oral cancer screening during your child’s regular dental checkups. Requiring no additional appointments and completely painless, your little one will be checked for abnormalities that may be forming inside the mouth or near the facial structure. Red and white patches, oral sores that do not heal, and even a sore throat can be possible symptoms. Should we discover any causes for concern, we will refer you and your child to a specialist for additional testing.
- Teeth CleaningDuring a dental cleaning, a hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your child’s teeth, as well as floss and polish the teeth. We understand that this is a new experience for most children, so our team will go above and beyond to help your little one feel comfortable and at ease. We pride ourselves on the ability to adapt to the needs of individual children.
- Fluoride TreatmentFluoride treatment uses a highly concentrated form of fluoride that’s applied to the tooth’s surface to protect the enamel. In addition to being an ingredient in oral hygiene products, fluoride is often added to public drinking water sources due to its proven ability to prevent cavities. When regularly exposed to teeth, fluoride can strengthen enamel. For this reason, we recommend fluoride treatments for toddlers.
- Dental SealantsPoor oral hygiene is the most common cause of cavities; however, if your child’s back teeth have deep pits and grooves, it could put them at a greater risk. Fortunately, we offer dental sealants, which serve as an added layer of protection against tooth decay. By applying a clear coating over the chewing surfaces of the molars, your child’s teeth will be better protected. This quick and painless application creates a barrier between their tooth enamel and any bacteria or food particles that might try to burrow into the crevices of their back teeth. When maintained properly, dental sealants can remain in place for 10 years!
- Space MaintainersEven though the baby teeth are destined to fall out, it is always better if this is allowed to happen naturally. In this situation, you should still bring your child to come see us so we can make sure there isn’t any damage to the nearby teeth and gums. We may recommend placing a space maintainer to ensure your child’s teeth stay put, because over time, they might start to drift into the gap and become misaligned.
- Fillings
- Resin CompositeThe vast majority of children will develop a cavity by the age of 18, so if your child has a “sugar bug,” don’t worry—we won’t guilt trip you for it! Instead, we can repair the decay in a single appointment using a tooth-colored filling. Made of composite resin, this material can be shaded to perfectly match the surrounding enamel and virtually disappear into the smile. Even better, tooth-colored fillings bond more firmly to teeth compared to traditional metal ones, leading to a higher-quality and more durable repair.
- CrownsIf one of your child’s teeth develops a large cavity or fractures, rather than removing it, we can largely replace the upper portion using a dental crown. This fits directly over the tooth to protect the remaining enamel while also bringing back its original appearance and function.
- Dental BondingDental bonding is a procedure used to repair broken or chipped teeth, close the space between front teeth that may be too small and/or to improve the appearance of teeth that may have some developmental defects like stains or surface defects.
- Restorative DentistryNo one likes to think about their child developing a cavity or suffering a broken tooth, but we see these mishaps all the time in our dental office despite our parents’ best efforts. Thankfully, fixing these types of problems is relatively easy for our experienced dentists. Combining the latest materials with a gentle touch, we can make any dental damage virtually disappear while also restoring your child’s oral health. If your little one’s smile needs some TLC, be sure to contact us today for restorative dentistry in Grayslake, IL.
- Root Canal TreatmentHow we treat toothaches in children: How we treat your child’s toothache will depend on the cause. Sometimes, treatment may be as simple as a tooth-colored filling, fluoride treatment, or dental sealant. However, in more severe cases, we may need to perform pulp therapy (root canal for kids) or an extraction.
- Tooth ExtractionsAt Kids Dentist, we make every effort to preserve as much of your child’s natural smile as possible. In other words, the last option we want to consider is removing a natural tooth entirely, especially a permanent tooth. However, when extraction becomes the best or only way to keep their smile healthy, you can count on our experienced pediatric dentists and team to make sure your child is comfortable throughout the process. To learn more about tooth extractions from our Grayslake, IL pediatric dentist, schedule an appointment with us by contacting our dental office!
- OrthodonticsWhen your son or daughter is old enough for orthodontic treatment, the prospect of having to schedule appointments with multiple teams can seem like such a headache. At Kids Dentist, we want to help busy families simplify matters by offering dedicated consultations to discuss options for orthodontics right here in Grayslake, IL! This way, our adorable patients can feel comfortable with a team they already trust as we evaluate their unique smiles and determine if further treatment is needed.
- BracesAbsolutely! Braces are great at straightening teeth, but they can also trap plaque and food particles, increasing your child’s risk of cavities. To keep their teeth healthy throughout orthodontic treatment, we strongly recommend continuing to see us on a regular basis for cleanings and checkups. In many situations when keeping the teeth clean is a challenge, a more frequent dental cleaning is recommended. (every 3- 4 months)
- Teeth WhiteningTooth whitening or “bleaching” can be utilized to correct tooth discoloration. Causes for discoloring can be chemical damage, staining, or sometimes just aging of teeth. Using the latest in whitening technology, we offer a safer method for enhancing a “brilliant”, beautiful smile.