Pediatric Dentistry

A comprehensive examination of the hard and soft tissues is performed at your child’s every visit to determine the overall health of your child’s mouth. We want to be able to advise you regarding any issues which need attention. It is our intention to prevent your child from developing any serious problems and needing costly treatments.

Dental cleaning involves the removal of plaque, calculus (aka tartar) and stains. Regular hygiene visits are key to healthy teeth and gums. We want you to maintain and protect your beautiful smile. We recommend  that patients return every six months for routine check-ups and cleanings, but there are many who need more frequent visits in order to maintain their periodontal condition. We will advise you on the proper maintenance schedule that is appropriate for you.

Dental sealants are made of a safe resin material which is applied to the surfaces of teeth (commonly permanent molars) to prevent cavities. The sealant material fills in the crevices of a tooth and “seals” off the tooth from cavity-causing agents like food and plaque. Once the tooth surface is prepared for the application of the sealant, it is painted directly onto the chewing surface of each tooth and then hardens. This is a one visit procedure.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral which is present in our water sources, including the oceans. Enamel is the hardest layer of the tooth, but when enamel is exposed to acids, tooth decay occurs. Fluoride is important in preventing decay by replacing lost calcium and phosphorous in our enamel. Fluoride in toothpaste is usually sufficient to prevent decay from occurring, but some children and adults may need an extra treatment of fluoride supplement in the dentist office.