Examination:
An examination involves more than looking at teeth. The health
history reviews the general health of your child and indicates
whether there is any need for special dental care. The examination
charts health and disease and is used to provide a diagnosis and
treatment plan for your child.
Cleaning and Fluoride:
Teeth are cleaned to remove plaque
(bacteria) and calculus (hard plaque) that can cause gum disease
and tooth decay. Topical fluoride is applied to the teeth to make
them stronger and more resistant to tooth decay. A thorough
cleaning and fluoride treatment every six months has been shown to
be an extremely effective way to prevent dental disease.
Oral Hygiene Instructions:
Prevention is the most important part of our practice. We will
provide you and your child with dental hygiene instructions that
will help maintain good oral health at home.
Bitewing Radiographs:
Bitewings are used to determine the health of the teeth and bone.
Cavities and unusual tooth shape and size are apparent on the
bitewings.
Panoramic Radiographs:
A panoramic radiograph provides an overall view of your child's
mouth and jaws. It reveals missing permanent teeth, extra teeth,
abnormal growths, and other problems. A panoramic is normally
taken every 3 - 5 years in 3 stages of dental development.
Sealants:
The chewing surfaces of children's teeth are the most susceptible
to cavities and least benefited by fluorides. Sealants (plastic
coatings) are applied to the tops of teeth and are highly
effective in preventing tooth decay.
Tooth Colored Fillings:
are used to restore front teeth or
where cosmetic appearance is important. Tooth colored fillings are
used to repair fractured teeth and/or areas of decay. The shade of
restorative material is matched as closely as possible to the
color of the natural teeth. Tooth colored fillings may also be
used for back teeth.
Composites requires excellent hygiene following restorations on
teeth.
Stainless Steel Crowns:
are used to restore back teeth
that are too badly decayed to hold silver fillings.
Pulp Treatment:
is necessary when decay has spread to the nerve of the tooth. The
procedure consists of treating the nerve of the tooth to avoid
extracting the tooth.
Extractions:
are done only as a last resort. If a primary molar is removed
prematurely, a space maintainer will be placed. Teeth may also be
extracted for orthodontic reasons.
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.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas):
May be required to relax very apprehensive patients and patients
with gag reflexes.
Conscious Sedation:
Young children who are very anxious may require in-office
sedation. Parents will be given more detailed information.
General Anesthesia:
Children with extensive dental needs and special medical
conditions may require treatment in the hospital, under general
anesthesia. Parents will be given more detailed information.
Interceptive Orthodontics:
Correction of minor Orthodontics problems such as a cross bite can
be done with simple appliances.
