Diagnostic

• Dental Examination
  For patients over the age of 3, we find that they thrive when allowed to accompany our staff through the dental experience; however, we respect the wishes of our parents at all times. You are welcome to be present for all cleanings and exams if that is your preference.

Preventive

• Teeth Cleaning
• Fluoride Treatment
  Good oral hygiene removes bacteria and the left over food particles that combine to create cavities. For infants, use a wet gauze or clean washcloth to wipe the plaque from teeth and gums. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water. See “Baby Bottle Tooth Decay” for more information. For older children, brush their teeth at least twice a day. Also, watch the number of snacks containing sugar that you give your children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends six month visits to the pediatric dentist beginning at your child’s first birthday. Routine visits will start your child on a lifetime of good dental health. Your pediatric dentist may also recommend protective sealants or home fluoride treatments for your child. Sealants can be applied to your child’s molars to prevent decay on hard to clean surfaces.
• Dental Sealants

Restorative

• Fillings
• Crowns
  Firstly, find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk. If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth. The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first primary (or baby) teeth to erupt through the gums are the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors. Although all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and order of their eruption varies. Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until approximately age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth, or up to 32 including the third molars (or wisdom teeth).
• Restorative Dentistry

Endodontics

• Root Canal Treatment

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Oral Surgery
  I’m impressed that my granddaughter gets excited when I tell her of upcoming dental appointments. Having an onsite orthodonrist is a plus. The referral to Dr Cecil White DDS for oral surgery was equally remarkable. Thank you Periatric Smiles for your service to the community at large.
• Tooth Extractions
  My son had a tooth extraction here and the staff was absolutely wonderful. My son had a hard time calming down for the extraction. They let us stay with him until we knew that he was calm and lets us see his vitals were stable for 3-5 minutes before beginning the extraction. Tasha at the front desk is absolutely wonderful. While giving me my sons after care instructions, the hygienist gave me her personal cell phone number so that I could get a hold of someone if I needed to after hours. Dr. Suggs and her staff were absolutely wonderful with my son and I’m so glad I found Pediatric Smiles.

Orthodontics

• Orthodontics
  After Dental School Dr. Smith became partner of a general dental practice in Colorado Springs and lived there for four years before deciding to pursue a specialty in Orthodontics. He moved to Jacksonville for residency where he specialized in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and received a Master’s of Science in Dentistry (M.S.D) at Jacksonville University.
• Braces