Diagnostic

• Dental Examination
  Dental cleanings and exams are two of the most important treatments provided at Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. By bringing your child to visit our pediatric dentists and team regularly, you can help them avoid developing cavities and other problems and ensure that any issues that do develop are diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible. Call us today at 208-777-9331 to learn more about dental cleanings and exams, and make your child’s appointment.
• X-rays
  Dental X-rays are used to examine your child’s teeth and supporting structures. As each patient is different, the frequency of needed X-rays may vary depending on an individual’s health needs. Children may need X-rays more frequently than adults do as their teeth and jaws are still developing and they may be at greater risk of tooth decay. Dental X-rays are typically provided as part of your child’s regular dental exams.

Preventive

• Teeth Cleaning
  Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a dental condition caused by bacteria that infects and inflames the gum tissues. In the early stages, it is known as gingivitis, and it can often be brought under control with thorough dental cleaning and an improved oral hygiene routine at home. If untreated, it can progress to a more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis, and it may eventually lead to gum recession, tooth loss and bone loss. The best way to avoid gum disease is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine and keep your child’s mouth clean and free from harmful bacteria and plaque. If gum disease is diagnosed, our pediatric dentists will work with you to create an effective treatment plan.
• Fluoride Treatment
  Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that works to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities and tooth decay. Fluoride works through a process called “remineralization,” which involves fluoride being absorbed into structures such as the bones and teeth to make them stronger and more resistant to fractures and decay. Many public water sources have fluoride added to them, and dentists can provide fluoride treatment in their offices as well.
• Dental Sealants
  Our caring pediatric dentists and team provide dental sealants to help protect your child’s teeth. This simple preventive treatment works to block out bacteria, plaque and food particles that cause cavities, helping to keep your child’s teeth strong and healthy.
• Space Maintainers
  If your child loses a tooth early, we may recommend a space maintainer to hold the place of the permanent tooth. This simple pediatric treatment helps your child’s teeth to erupt in their proper positions so that your child can maintain a beautiful smile.

Restorative

• Crowns
  If your child has a damaged tooth, our pediatric dentists may recommend a dental crown to restore it and give them back a healthy smile. Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry offers porcelain and zirconia crowns to give your child a natural-looking smile after their treatment. To schedule your child’s appointment and learn more about porcelain and zirconia dental crowns.

Endodontics

• Pulpotomy
  Pulpotomy is an endodontic treatment that is most often used on primary (baby) teeth. When decay or injury reaches the dental pulp, which is the innermost layer of the tooth, patients often experience tooth pain and sensitivity. If not treated, the tooth will likely abscess and eventually require extraction. In order to prevent this, our pediatric dentists may recommend pulpotomy.
• Root Canal Treatment
  If your child has an infected or more severely damaged tooth, our pediatric dentists may recommend a baby tooth root canal. Also known as a pulpotomy, this treatment works to remove the damaged and infected tooth tissue and restore your child’s oral health. To learn more about baby tooth root canals, and schedule a consultation.

Implants

• Dental Implants
  Smoking and using other tobacco products has a significant negative impact on oral and overall health. In fact, recent studies have shown that there is a direct link between oral tissue damage, bone loss and smoking. Individuals who use tobacco products are at greater risk for tooth loss, periodontal disease and oral cancer, as well as dental implant failure. We encourage you to help your child understand the risks and dangers of smoking and discourage them from using any kind of tobacco product. Please feel free to contact our office — our team will be happy to provide you with additional information and help you teach your child about the importance of good oral health.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Oral Surgery
  Our pediatric dentists may also use X-rays to plan your child’s treatments, including oral surgery procedures and orthodontic care.
• Tooth Extractions
  Root canals are tiny passageways that branch off from beneath the top of the tooth and work to help keep the tooth alive and healthy. If these canals or the dental pulp (nerve tissue) of the tooth become infected or are injured, it can cause increased sensitivity as well as pain and may lead to the need for a tooth extraction if not treated. Root canal therapy is a type of endodontic treatment that works to remove the damaged tooth tissue so that a patient can save the tooth and regain their oral health. When provided for children, this procedure is known as a pulpotomy or a baby tooth root canal.

Orthodontics

• Invisalign Orthodontics
  Invisalign® clear aligners are a type of orthodontic treatment. Unlike traditional braces, they straighten teeth using custom-made plastic aligners, giving a treatment that is nearly invisible as well as comfortable. A patient will wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, only removing them to eat, drink, brush and floss. As the patient switches to a new set of aligners, the teeth will gradually move into their ideal positions.
• Braces
  Braces are one of the most common orthodontic treatments available, and they work to correct issues such as misaligned teeth, crooked and crowded teeth, and bad bites. Braces are a system of metal brackets and wires that are bonded to the surfaces of the teeth. This system then gently moves the teeth into their proper positions. Children between the ages of 7 and 14 are the most common candidates for braces because their facial structures are still developing and their teeth and jaws can be more easily moved into their proper positions.

General

• Teeth Whitening
• General Dentistry
  Dr. Delonas was born and raised in Southeast Idaho. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Dominican Republic.  After attending Snow College in Ephraim, Utah where he met his future wife, Alyssa, he returned to continue his studies at Idaho State University.  He completed his dental school education at the University of Michigan and Advanced Education General Dentistry (AEGD) at Northwest Dental Residency. He is passionate about good oral health and cavity prevention.  He loves to educate the patient and parent on how to improve their oral health. Dr. Delonas and his wife have four wonderful boys which keep them very busy!  He enjoys spending time with his amazing wife and kids in his spare time, fishing and cheering for Boise State!