Pediatric Dental Services

“First visit by first birthday!” We follow the AAPD ADA's recommendation that a child's first dental visit be scheduled by his or her 1st birthday. At this first visit, we will conduct infant oral health exams, which include risk assessment for potential dental disease. We will also discuss diet and nutrition, proper oral hygiene, fluoride exposure, growth and development, and trauma prevention. Establishing a dental home early is the best way to ensure a healthy smile. We have fun and are gentle with your child so they can feel comfortable at the dentist from an early age.

Dental check-ups are typically recommended every 6 months for most children. Some children benefit from more frequent visits if there is an increased risk of tooth decay. At your child's routine check-up visit, we will assess oral hygiene and help educate our patients and parents about how to optimize homecare. How we clean your child's teeth depends on their age and level of comfort in the dental chair. We are flexible in our approach so that we keep visits positive and fun, and continually build a trusting relationship with our patients and families.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil and water. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the entire tooth surface more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in our mouths. Fluoride also can help to repair early decay by re-mineralizing weakened tooth structure. We use a fluoride varnish that is applied quickly and is safe for children of all ages.

X-rays are only taken when necessary in order to evaluate and protect your child's oral health. Radiographs are often the only way to detect cavities between touching teeth before they become painful and require more complex treatment. Radiographs are also used periodically to evaluate the developing dentition, identify any tooth or jaw abnormalities, in the event of trauma, and to check for normal growth and development. With digital equipment and lead aprons with thyroid shields, the amount of exposure is extremely small. Even though there is little risk, we are very careful to minimize the exposure of our patients to radiation and operate by the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle.

A sealant is a bonded coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. This prevents food and plaque from accumulating in the grooves, thereby reducing the risk of decay. Even with proper brushing, it can be difficult and sometimes impossible to remove food and bacteria from the tiny grooves and pits on the molars making the chewing surface of these teeth more vulnerable to developing cavities. Applying sealants is a quick and comfortable procedure!

Composite resins, or tooth-colored fillings, are durable and esthetic restorations that work best to repair small or medium size cavities in either the front or back teeth.

A stainless steel crown may be needed in cases where a back tooth has a large cavity, has required a pulp (nerve) treatment, has an enamel defect, or has fractured. In these instances, a crown can protect and maintain the tooth where a filling would be likely to fail over time.

The nerve of the tooth is also called pulp tissue. When bacteria from a cavity penetrates the pulp tissue, it becomes necessary to remove a portion of the pulp in order to prevent further pain and infection. Removal of pulp tissue (pulpotomy) is done quickly and comfortably. A medicament is then placed, and the tooth is restored with a stainless steel crown for best results.

Baby teeth hold space for and guide in the developing permanent dentition. If a baby molar has to be extracted, a space maintainer can be placed to prevent shifting of the surrounding teeth until the adult tooth is ready to grow in. A space maintainer holds the empty space where a baby tooth was removed early so that the adult tooth can come into its proper position. This helps to avoid more extensive and more costly orthodontic treatment in the future.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a safe, non-invasive antimicrobial agent that is painted onto a cavity. It is used to stop or dramatically slow down the progression of a cavity to buy time until restorative treatment can be provided. It is best indicated for small to medium size cavities that have not advanced to the nerve of the tooth. SDF treatment is especially helpful for young children with cavities who are not yet able to cooperate for dental treatment. It can also be used as a de-sensitizing agent for teeth that have enamel defects and are sensitive to cold.

Traumas happen commonly to both the baby and permanent dentition. We recommend calling the office as soon as possible so we can see your child and determine the extent of trauma and any indicated treatment. In the event that a permanent tooth is knocked-out, locate the tooth and handle it gently by the crown portion (not the root). If the tooth is dirty, it is best to gently clean it by swirling the tooth in cold cow's milk. It is best then to re-insert the tooth and bite on gauze to hold it in place until you are seen by your dentist. If this is not possible, leave the tooth in a cup of cow's milk and get to your dentist as soon as possible. Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

Toothaches and pain can happen for a number of reasons. Tooth infections can be very serious and become systemic health problems very quickly. It is important to call our office so we can see your child promptly, determine the cause of pain and treat accordingly. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.

As pediatric dental specialists, our doctors have received additional training in how to best care for patients with special health care needs. Our office is designed to be physically accessible for children with special healthcare needs. Additionally, the whole Pleasant Mill Pediatric Dentistry Team has a passion for providing the very best care to our patients with special health care needs. We consider it our honor and privilege to care for this patient population.

Nitrous oxide is a routinely used, safe and effective way to help children feel comfortable during a dental procedure. It is a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen that a patient breathes through a fitted mask over the nose. Nitrous oxide reduces anxiety as well as suppresses a gag reflex. It is well-tolerated, works quickly, and is quickly eliminated from the body by the end of the procedure. Your child stays awake and responsive while breathing nitrous oxide.

General anesthesia may be indicated when a child has special healthcare needs, extensive dental needs, very high anxiety, or is too young to be able to cooperate for necessary dental treatment while awake. A pediatric dentist has additional specialty training to work with an anesthesiologist should general anesthesia be indicated. If this is recommended for your child, we always have a thorough discussion about risks and benefits, how general anesthesia can be performed as safely as possible, and review any questions you may have to make an informed decision for your child.