CHILDREN'S DENTAL CARE
Filling Treatment
Child dental care includes fillings to restore damage from decay. First, decayed material is removed & the affected area is cleaned. Then, the cavity is filled closing spaces where bacteria enter, preventing future decay. Fillings can be made of porcelain, composite plastic resin or dark silver amalgam. Which one is determined by the extent of damage, if you are allergic, or the location of the cavities and cost.
Crown Treatment
A crown is a natural-looking, custom-made, permanently cemented cap, which restores a damaged tooth’s original shape & size. It completely encases the tooth above the gum line. This protects weak teeth, supports those with large fillings or can also support a bridge in place. They come in a variety of materials such as ceramics, porcelain-and-metal, gold, or resin; constructed of resilient & durable materials to withstand chewing for children. After cementing, it is essentially a part of the tooth. First, we apply anesthetic then with a drill & abrasive bur we remove the outer surface on the top & sides to make room for the crown. Then we make an impression of the tooth that goes to the lab to make the crown. We will place a temporary crown until the permanent one is back.
Tooth Extraction
Our office views tooth extraction as a last resort. But when a tooth becomes too heavily damaged to be repaired, or when an orthodontist calls for the removal of a tooth, it is required. If tooth decay extends to the pulp or center of the tooth bacteria can infect it. The infection could be corrected with a root canal or antibiotics but that failing an extraction becomes necessary.
Before pulling the tooth we will inject a local anesthetic. The dentist, using forceps, grasps the tooth and gently rocks it to loosen it. Sometimes, hard-to-pull teeth are removed in pieces. The patient gets instructions on how to avoid discomfort and on how to help plug the socket in a natural process of quick recovery.
Fluor Application Treatment
Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent caries & repair teeth in early, microscopic stages of decay. Those at risk of caries can take advantage of fluoride treatment by a dentist by gel, foam or varnish with a cotton swab or brush or by a rinse in a tray. Patients are asked not to rinse, eat or drink for 30 minutes for teeth to absorb the fluoride & repair microscopic caries. We may also recommend complementary measures such as OTC or prescription mouthwashes or anti-bacterial gels.
Dental Emergencies
If you feel severe pain, call our dental office even if after hours for a quick appointment on our emergency slots. If all else fails go the ER to get pain medication & an evaluation of your lesion or condition or even dental treatment by a resident oral surgeon.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Treatment
When bone is lost due to periodontal disease or tooth loss the surrounding bone reabsorbs. With bone grafting bone loss is treated to either help your gums to recover or to prepare you for a future implant. With sedation or local anesthesia a small incision in the gum allows the settlement of sterilized granules or gel from synthetic, animal, human or your own body’s material.
Bone grafts are used to save teeth from bone loss and/or to prepare an area for an implant as implants require good regenerated bone density. Patients can experience some soreness usually managed with OTC anti-inflammatory or pain relief for a day or two.
