There are many ways that we use to prevent tooth decay and other dental problems:
Regular check-ups and cleanings: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as well as our office recommends that all children receive prophylactic professional cleanings every 6 months. Children and adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment (braces) would receive cleanings every 3 months.
Digital x-rays: Our ability to take digital x-rays is another method of prevention. With children, not all tooth decay is visible, and x-rays allow us to see areas in between the teeth that can not be seen or felt clinically. You will be happy to know that by using Digital x-rays we help reduce the radiation dosage to our patients by 80-90%.
DIAGNOdent: We have made commitment to using the most advanced
technology to maintain you children's optimum dental heath. DIAGNOdent is one
of the newest tools in the market and is proven to detect 90% of tooth decay
before it is obvious with traditional methods. We will use this technology to
provide the most conservative dental treatment and especially for the teeth that we
may recommend for sealants (to rule out the possibility of undiagnosed or"hidden" cavities). Please ask our doctors or staff for more information about this
wonderful new technology and its uses.
Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride treatments and fluoridated water has helped
children's teeth become stronger and healthier. We offer fluoride treatments as a
part of every 6 month appointment. If you reside in a community that does not
have water fluoridation, we can also provide age appropriate recommendations to
incorporate fluoride into your children's diet. In some cases we may also provide
prescriptions for fluoride supplements to ensure the health of your children's
permanent teeth in the future.
Sealants: Sealants are another proven method of preventing tooth decay. Sealants
work by filling the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out
food particles that could get caught in the teeth and causing cavities. The
application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many
years to come. We are proud to say that many of our patients take advantage of
sealants and experience much fewer cavities on the chewing surfaces of their
molars and premolars.
Home Care: All of our services are especially effective when we have discussed
proper oral hygiene practices at home. We ask that parents help children brush
and floss their teeth. Parents should begin brushing their child's teeth as soon as
the first tooth comes into the mouth with water and age appropriate soft bristle
toothbrush. As children become 2-3 years of age, parents can begin using toothpaste and start flossing children's teeth as they are beginning to touch. We
may also recommend a mouthwash whenever required.
Please ask your doctor about all of our preventive methods to do the bet you can to
prevent tooth decay. All aboard for healthy smiles!
Our office offers laser dentistry which eliminates the need for anesthesia and the use of
the drill for dental procedures in most cases.
How does the dental laser work? The Waterlase® system uses laser-energized water to
cut teeth and/or soft tissue. It doesn't generate heat and cause vibrations thus ease the
discomfort and anxiety of patients. Laser dentistry is also less invasive than traditional
dentistry, preserving healthier tooth structure. For soft tissue surgery, the laser ensures
less bleeding and better, faster healing at the surgery site.
What can the Waterlase® be used for?
removal of decay and cavity preparation
soft tissue surgery such as frenectomy, gingivectomy
treat aphthous ulcers (cancer sores)
And most procedures can be done without using anesthetics and drill.
In-Office Whitening
The Sapphire in-office whitening system is a revolutionary tooth whitening
procedure that lightens enamel and dentin. Sapphire's a power-assisted bleaching
process that utilizes a light-activated hydrogen peroxide gel with a bleaching lamp
(it's the bleaching lamp that provides the power assistance). It's safe, effective
and fast - very fast. Sapphire whitening is idea for anyone looking for immediate
results for discolored teeth or even if they just had their braces removed. In just
about 60 minutes, your teeth will be dramatically whiter - up to 12 shades! The
convenience, speed and effectiveness of Sapphire makes it the perfect choice for
busy kids and parents. You'll be amazed with the results!
Tooth-colored restorations
Our office uses tooth-colored composite material to restore small and moderate
size cavities, fractured teeth due to trauma, to improve tooth imperfections, to
alter tooth size and shape. Composite material is mercury free, strong, durable,
and esthetic.
Tooth-colored crowns
In some cases, a tooth needs to be restored with a crown. Traditionally, a
mercury-free metal crown is used for back teeth but our office also offers
cosmetic tooth-colored crowns. These esthetic crowns provide the same strength and durability as the metal crown while keeping the smile white and beautiful.
Crowns that are placed on front teeth are always tooth colored.
Whatever it takes to put kids at ease, you'll find it here. Cozy up with pillows and
blankets during treatment. We even have an anesthesiologist for really fearful patients
and those who require extensive work under IV sedation.
IV Sedation
IV Sedation in our office is provided by a board certified M.D. Anesthesiologist
who is present, as well your pediatric dentist and dental assistant from start to
finish monitoring your child. IV sedation is recommended for extensive treatment,
lack of cooperation due to young age or sometimes children with special needs.
During IV sedation your child will be asleep and will not remember the
procedures that have taken place. The anesthesiologist will talk with you prior to
the visit to provide the pre- and post- anesthesia instructions and to answer any
questions you may have.
Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is often used as a
conscious sedative during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of
oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during
their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious
and can talk to their dentist during their visit. After treatment, the nitrous is turned
off and oxygen is administered for five to 10 minutes 0 help flush any remaining
gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side
effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation.
Special care for special kids with special needs
We welcome patients here with special needs, where we are specially equipped to handle
their unique needs. Children with Down syndrome, autism and other learning and
developmental challenges need extra attention to address their physical and emotional
needs in the dentist's chair. We're honored to provide the high-quality care these
wonderful children deserve. We also offer familiarization and desensitization visits for
children to make them comfortable in our clinic.
Our special training in children's orthodontic care can help your young ones get on the
right track for straight, healthy smiles. We're happy to provide Phase One orthodontics,
also known as interceptive treatment. This means we spot and treat problems early,
reducing or eliminating the need for more in-depth and expensive orthodontic care in the
future. See the orthodontic section of our website for more in-depth information.
The "temporomandibular joint," more commonly referred to as the ')aw joint," assists in
the basic opening and closing movements of the jaw. Unfortunately, this joint is a
common area for recurring pain. Although conventional wisdom suggests that "popping" sounds in the jaw indicates TMJ dysfunction, this is not always true. Many times, your
child's jaw is functioning properly even if a "popping" sound is present when chewing or
talking.
We offer a pediatric TMJ exam that evaluates the joint tissue in the "hinge" of the jaw.
Possible problems include swelling, deterioration of the joint tissue or damaged joint
tissue (which cushions the jaw bones during the opening and closing movement of the
mouth.) Common pain relievers and cold compresses can provide temporary relief for
most cases of TMJ.
For more serious cases of TMJ, we will recommend alternative treatments. Often, we
will suggest using a mouth guard to relieve teeth-grinding. In some cases, we will
instruct your child to use orthodontic appliances or retainers to alleviate discomfort or
redirect positioning of the TMJ joint. Should your child have a severe case of TMJ, we
will discuss other more comprehensive treatment options.
Did you know that between 3 percent and 12 percent of preschool age children snore?
Most of these kids are perfectly healthy, without other symptoms. However, about 2
percent of children who snore have obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), a
condition that has been linked to school and behavioral problems. OSAS is a serious
health concern and should be promptly evaluated and treated.
Snoring can be caused by several things:
A small jaw or small airway.
The muscles and nerves of the throat may not be able to hold the airway open enough
during sleep.
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids (most common cause).
Please ask our doctors or any of our team members about childhood snoring and
how we can help everyone get a good night's sleep.
