Initial
Exam
New
patient visit includes an examination, cleaning,
necessary x-rays, fluoride treatment, oral hygiene instruction, dental development evaluation,
dietary and nutritional counseling, and patient/parent education.
We teach you and your child how to best care for their teeth, advise
on eating habits and answer any specific questions you may have. We
explain how cavities are caused, what we
can do to prevent them and how your children can help fight gum and
tooth disease by brushing properly. All information is provided in
an age appropriate manner to help nurture and encourage your child.
Fluoride
Treatment
When the element fluoride is used in small
amounts on a routine basis it helps to prevent tooth decay. It encourages
"remineralization," a strengthening of weak areas on the
teeth. These spots are the beginning of cavity formation. Fluoride
occurs naturally in water and in many different foods, as well as
in dental products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, gels, varnish
and supplements. Fluoride is effective when combined with a healthy
diet and good oral hygiene.
Sealants
Sealants protect the grooved and pitted
surfaces of the permanent molars and pre-molars on the chewing surfaces
where most cavities in children are found. Sealants are made of clear
or shaded plastic. The application of a sealant is quick and comfortable.
It takes only one visit. The tooth is first cleaned. It is then conditioned
and dried. The sealant is then flowed onto the grooves of the tooth
and hardened with a special light. Your child will be able to eat
right after the appointment.
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Before
sealant |
After
sealant |
RESTORATIVE
DENTISTRY
In
all cases our goal is to keep our patients comfortable. We will make
sure your child’s mouth is thoroughly numb using local anesthesia
and topical anesthesia.
Nitrous
Oxide/Oxygen (“Laughing Gas”)
Nitrous oxide is combined with oxygen
and is breathed by your child during the appointment. It is a very
safe and effective way to relax a mildly anxious child and does not
put your child to sleep. It gives them a sensation something is happening
but they don’t seem to care and better tolerate the appointment.
Nitrous is given through a mask that fits snugly over their nose.
These individualized masks are latex free and come in different sizes,
scents and colors.
Fillings
Depending on the size of the cavity, we will numb the area using local anesthesia and place a rubber dam to
protect your child’s airway. We then remove the cavity, clean
the tooth, and fill the tooth with a tooth colored composite
material or silver filling.
Stainless
Steel Crowns
Crowns are used in cases where a cavity has
affected so much tooth structure that filling material cannot be used
to repair the tooth. We offer several types of crowns depending on
the location of the cavity. We choose which crown based on the patient’s
bite and the extent of the cavity.
Nerve
Treatment
Very large cavities can result in toothaches and nerve irritation
or infection. If a cavity has affected the nerve, we will clean out
the infected part of the nerve, place an antibacterial medicine on
the remaining nerve structure and finally place a protective filling
over the nerve. Once a tooth has had nerve
treatment it is weakened and must have a crown placed over it to protect it.
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Decay
grows and enters the nerve of the tooth. |
Extractions
Extractions are done only as a last
resort. 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.
Space
Maintainers
Space maintainers are used when
a primary tooth has been prematurely lost to hold space for the permanent
tooth. If space is not maintained, teeth on either side of the extraction
site can drift into the space and prevent the permanent tooth from
erupting.
