Our Services

Regular cleanings help keep gums healthy and teeth cavity-free. A dental cleaning includes removal of tartar and plaque and having the polished to remove stains and further buildups of plaque that are not removed when regular tooth brushing is performed.

Fluoride is a natural substance that helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay.. Fluoride treatments are administered at the office. It is applied to the teeth in a gel, foam or varnish form.

During a regular check-up, oral hygiene instructions are given to both patient and parent to reduce the risk of plaque and tartar build-up, as well as cavities. Instructions include, but are not limited to proper brushing techniques, flossing, and using mouth rinses.

Sealants protect your child’s teeth from decay. Sealants are placed on the biting surfaces of premolars and molars to seal the grooves and pits of the teeth. The teeth are prepped for the sealant application and the sealant is painted directly on the chewing surface of the teeth and then hardens. Sealants are applied in one visit.

An oral evaluation is recommended every six (6) months to prevent cavities and other dental problems. During an oral evaluation a thorough examination is done to check the hard and soft tissues of the mouth.

Dental X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool used to identify decay, extra teeth, bone defects, tumors, cysts and check the progress of previous procedures. Latest technology now allow for digital X-rays, which reduce radiation exposure more than 50 percent, and produce instant, high-quality images that can be viewed immediately by the dentist and the patient.

Tooth-colored fillings are the most lifelike material used to fill cavities. Composite fillings can be done in one visit. Once the decay is removed from the tooth, it is filled with this composite material and left to harden immediately afterwards.

Root canals involve treating decay within the inside of the tooth. If the inside of the tooth, known as the dental pulp, is damaged it will gradually decay if left within the tooth. The process involves removing the pulp, cleaning out the root canals, and packing the canals with material that will help restore the tooth until it is time for it to exfoliate (or fall out on its own naturally).

Crowns are used to restore damaged or decayed teeth in children. Crowns completely cover the remaining tooth structure after it has been treated. They can be made of many different materials, including stainless steel, composite materials, polycarbonate, resin, porcelain, and zirconia. We offer several different options, allowing us to choose what is best for each child and each tooth.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a conservative approach to active dental decay. It can be used to help prevent dental cavities from forming, from growing, or from spreading to other teeth. SDF works to remineralize small areas of decay in the enamel or to attempt to stop the growth of larger areas of decay. This treatment does not necessarily prevent the need for the placement of a filling, but may able to delay or eliminate further treatment. The application of SDF is quick, pain free and easy for young children to tolerate.

A dental extraction is the removal of extremely decayed or broken teeth. To perform an extraction, the area is anesthetized to minimize discomfort and the tooth is then rocked back and forth until it is removed from its socket.

Cosmetic bonding is the process of filling or restoring teeth with a tooth-colored material in order to maintain its natural appearance. In order to bond a tooth, tooth colored material is added to the tooth to build it up.

Whitening, also known as bleaching, is the procedure used to brighten teeth. In-Office Whitening usually requires only one office visit. A protective gel or a rubber shield is placed over the gums to protect the soft tissue. A bleaching agent containing carbamide peroxide is applied to the teeth, and a laser light is then used to enhance the action of the whitening agent.

A habit appliance is useful to help stop a thumb or finger habit and/or to help re-train an improper tongue position or swallowing pattern. It is necessary to place an appliance to minimize the harm and distortion the habits or tongue posture can have on teeth. Most habit appliances are banded for adhesion to the back molars and are not removable.

Space maintainers are used to keep teeth from drifting into an empty tooth space due to early loss of primary (baby) teeth. Baby teeth act as a guide for the eruption of the permanent teeth. A space maintainer is made of stainless steel and/or plastic. It can be removable or fixed to the teeth.

Many sports require the use of mouth guards to protect children’s teeth while they are playing. Using impressions of your child’s mouth, we will create a unique mouth guard for your child to use during activities. Our custom made mouth guards provide superior protection and the most comfortable fit for your child’s mouth.

Nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as “laughing gas,” is an effective and safe sedation agent that is inhaled through a mask that fits over your child’s nose to help them relax. Mixed with oxygen, Nitrous oxide allows the patient to breathe normally through their nose and within minutes they should start to feel the effects. They may feel light-headed or a tingling in their arms and legs. Some patients comment that their legs and arms feel heavy. Ultimately, they should feel comfortable and calm. The effects of nitrous oxide wear of quickly after the small mask is removed. Talk to the doctor about whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for your child.

Most pediatric dental procedures are completed using local anesthesia. However, very young, fearful or uncooperative children may require sedation. Depending upon your child’s health history, temperament, age and dental care needs, your dentist and our physicians will recommend the type of sedation that is best for your child. Safety will always be the number one priority in every aspect of your child’s care. In conjunction Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates, we offer in office IV Sedation that is administered by a qualified Pediatric Anesthesiologist if necessary.

We also offer hospital sedation for those children that may be medically compromised and would need to be seen in a hospital setting.

**Video copyrighted by our anesthesiology partner Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates

Once IV sedation is recommended for your child:

• Our office staff will call you to review the following:
  • Discuss your child’s current medical history
  • Provide pre-sedation information and instructions
  • Discuss the IV sedation procedures with you
• Our pediatric anesthesiologist will review each child’s medical history and may call you if more information is needed about your child. Children with very complex medical conditions may need to have their dental procedures at the hospital.
• When considering a medical or dental procedure for your child, you deserve to have all of your questions answered and all of your concerns addressed prior to the procedure. Please feel free to call our office to discuss your child’s procedure; we can also arrange a preoperative call with the pediatric anesthesiologist.

**Content copyrighted by our anesthesiology partner Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates

• When you arrive for your child’s procedure, the nurse will ask when was your child’s last meal, review the medical history, and explain what to expect.
• After all your questions are answered, you will be asked to sign the sedation anesthesia consent.
• Your child will be distracted with toys and/or video games while flavored sleepy air or a twilight medication injection are administered.
• Once asleep, an IV will be placed for continuous administration of anesthesia medications until the dental procedure is completed. We recommend you do not tell your child about the IV, in our experience this only increases their anxiety and may make them more resistant. We like to make it a fun experience for your child to make future dental visits go
  smoothly.
• You will not be able to come in the room while your child is being sedated. This is solely for your child’s safety. Our doctors will be accompanied with a medical team who will be caring for your child.

**Content copyrighted by our anesthesiology partnerPediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates

• Your child will have EKG, blood pressure, breathing, and oxygenation monitors throughout the procedure.
• The sedative medication infusion is continued throughout the dental treatment.
• Nitrous oxide in oxygen provides your child additional pain relief for the minor discomfort associated with the dental treatment.
• The pediatric dentist will inform you if local anesthesia was used.

**Content copyrighted by our anesthesiology partner Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates

• At the end of the dental treatment, the IV medicine is turned off, and the IV and monitors are removed as your child begins to awaken.
• You can be with your child as they awaken.
• Our Recovery Nurse will monitor your child’s progress and review with you the Discharge Instructions and home care.
• It usually takes about about 30 to 60 minutes before your child will be ready to travel home.
• Your child may be sleepy and dizzy for 3 to 4 hours.
• Children can drink and eat soft foods soon after the procedure.
• Nausea and vomiting are rare.
• Expect a follow up call from us to check on your child’s progress.

**Content copyrighted by our anesthesiology partnerPediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates