Diagnostic

• Dental Examination
  It’s never too early to keep an eye on your child’s oral development. We can identify malocclusion (crowded or crooked teeth) or bite problems and actively intervene to guide the teeth as they emerge in the mouth. Interceptive orthodontic treatment can prevent more extensive treatment later. We check the progress of your child’s bite and jaw development with routine dental examinations. This early assessment of your child’s teeth may prevent extensive orthodontic work in his/her future.
• X-rays
  In general, children need X-rays more often than adults. Their mouths grow and change rapidly. X-rays can often show weaknesses in the tooth structure (such as demineralization) that may not be visible with the naked eye. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends X-ray examinations every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. Children with a low risk of tooth decay require X-rays less frequently. We use digital radiography which uses approximately 1/4 the radiation of the traditional dental x-rays.

Preventive

• Teeth Cleaning
  During a dental visit, the dental assistant or hygienist will first review your child’s medical history with you. This is to ensure that our pediatric dentists are updated on the general health of your child so that we may review any factors that may concern your child’s dental health. Then your child’s mouth will be examined for overall oral health. Next, your child’s teeth will be thoroughly cleaned to remove plaque and calculus (hard tarter deposits), which can cause cavities and gum disease. After the cleaning, fluoride will be applied to the teeth to help protect and strengthen the weak areas against decay. For a healthy child, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a visit to the pediatric dentist at least every six months to evaluate your child’s oral health and development. However, if your child has special needs or is more predisposed to dental caries, the dentist may recommend more frequent visits to more closely manage your child’s oral health.
• Fluoride Treatment
  Sealants are thin, white plastic coatings that are applied to the tops or chewing surfaces of back teeth and are highly effective in preventing tooth decay. The naturally occurring pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth can often collect plaque. These small grooves and cracks are the most susceptible to cavities in children and teens and benefit the least from topical fluoride. Sealants and fluoride work together to help prevent tooth decay.  At every dental check-up, the dentist will check that the sealants are intact. In order to prolong the life of your child’s sealants, avoid crunchy foods and avoid chewing on ice and hard candy (i.e. Jolly Ranchers, Lifesavers, etc).
• Dental Sealants
  Tooth decay is not the only reason for a dental visit. Your pediatric dentist provides an ongoing assessment of changes in your child’s oral health. For example, your child may need additional flouride, dietary changes or sealants for ideal dental health. The pediatric dentist may identify orthodontic problems and suggest treatment to guide the teeth as they emerge in the mouth.
• Space Maintainers
  Extractions are done only as a last resort in the case of severe tooth decay. If a primary molar is removed prematurely, a space maintainer will be placed. Some extractions are needed for orthodontic reasons to help facilitate tooth alignment when crowded teeth are present. Primary teeth are essential in maintaining the correct spacing in your child’s jaw for the permanent teeth.

Restorative

• Fillings
• Resin Composite
  Tooth colored fillings are used to restore front or back teeth or where cosmetic appearance is important. Composites are used to repair fractured teeth and/or areas of decay. The shade of the composite restorative material is matched as closely as possible to the color of the natural teeth.
• Crowns
  Stainless steel crowns are used to restore back teeth that are too badly decayed to hold white fillings. When tooth decay on back teeth has been left untreated, teeth may have extensive damage to the enamel, dentin and sometimes the nerve (pulp). In such cases, tooth-colored fillings are not a viable option, and stainless steel crowns necessary. These prefabricated sliver-colored crowns are fit; then cemented onto the primary (baby) teeth to prevent further damage until these teeth are naturally lost.

Endodontics

• Pulpotomy
  Pulp therapy (pulpotomy) is the treatment of infected nerves and blood vessels in teeth. Pulp therapy generally becomes necessary for two reasons: either as a result of extensive tooth decay (dental cavities) or as the result of tooth injury. Failure to provide the necessary pulp therapy could result in your child experiencing pain, infection, swelling, or loss of the tooth.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Tooth Extractions

Orthodontics

• Orthodontics
  We evaluate all our patients for orthodontic needs, and provide the necessary guidance for present and/or future needs.  Early detection and intervention allows us to take advantage of your child’s growth and work with this natural process to “guide” growth.   Ultimately, sometimes we can prevent worse problems with early orthodontics.  The American Association of Orthodontist (AAO) recommends early orthodontic treatment for the following early warning signs...
• Braces
  In Phase Two, or full braces, the doctor is evaluating how the jaws fit and work together.  The teeth will be straightened and the bite will be properly aligned. Of special interest in Phase Two is the jaw joint (TMJ), the facial profile and periodontal (gum and bone) tissues. Phase One may reduce the time needed for full braces, depending on the case.