Regular cleanings help keep gums healthy and teeth cavity-free. A dental cleaning includes removal of tartar and plaque that is not removed during regular brushing and having teeth polished to remove stains.

For more information from the AAPD, please click here:  Preventive Dentistry

Fluoride is a natural substance that helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay. Fluoride treatments are administered at the office. It is applied to the teeth in a gel, foam, or varnish form.

After most fluoride treatments, patients should not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes to increase the fluoride’s direct contact with the teeth.

For more information from the AAPD, click here:   Flouride

During a regular check-up, oral hygiene instructions are given to both patient and parent to reduce the risk of plaque and tartar build-up, as well as cavities. Instructions include, but are not limited to, proper brushing techniques, flossing, and using mouth rinses.

For more information from the AAPD, please click here:  Regular Dental Visits

Sealants protect your child’s teeth from decay. Sealants are placed on the biting surfaces of premolars and molars to seal the grooves and pits of the teeth. The teeth are prepped for the sealant application and the sealant is painted directly on the chewing surface of the teeth and then hardens. Sealants are applied in one visit.

After a sealant is placed, your child may feel the coating on their teeth. The feeling subsides within 24 hours. After the sealant appointment your child should refrain from eating and sticky or chewy foods for 24 hours.

For more information from the AAPD, please click here:  Sealants

An oral evaluation is recommended every six (6) months to prevent cavities and other dental problems. During an oral evaluation a thorough examination is done to check the hard and soft tissues of the mouth.

Dental X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool used to identify decay, extra teeth, bone defects, tumors, cysts and check the progress of previous procedures. The latest technology now allows for digital X-rays, which reduce radiation exposure by more than 50 percent and produce instant high-quality images that can be viewed immediately by the dentist and the patient.

For more information from the AAPD, please click here:  X-Ray Use & Safety

Tooth-colored fillings are the most lifelike material used to fill cavities. Composite fillings can be done in one visit. Once the decay is removed from the tooth, it is filled with this composite material and left to harden immediately afterwards.

Pulpotomies involve treating decay within the inside of the tooth. If the inside of the tooth, known as the dental pulp, is damaged it will gradually decay if left within the tooth. The process involves removing the pulp, cleaning out the root canals, and packing the canals with material that will help restore the tooth until it is time for it to exfoliate (or fall out on its own naturally).

A dental crown is a restoration that covers or caps a tooth, restoring it to its normal size and shape. Crowns are necessary when the tooth is broken down to the point where a filling won’t be effective. In order to effectively place a crown, tooth structure may be taken away to help create an esthetically pleasing fit.

Space maintainers are used to keep teeth from drifting into an empty tooth space due to early loss of primary (baby) teeth. Baby teeth act as a guide for the eruption of the permanent teeth. A space maintainer is made of stainless steel and is fixed to the teeth.

For more information from the AAPD, please click here:  Space Maintainers

A dental extraction is the removal of extremely decayed or broken teeth. To perform an extraction, the area is anesthetized to minimize discomfort and the tooth is then rocked back and forth until it is removed from its socket.

A habit appliance is useful to help stop a thumb or finger habit and/or to help re-train an improper tongue position or swallowing pattern. It is necessary to place an appliance to minimize the harm and distortion the habits or tongue posture can have on teeth. Most habit appliances are banded for adhesion to the back molars and are not removable.

For more information from the AAPD, please click here:  Thumb, Finger & Pacifier Habits

Many sports require the use of mouth guards to protect children’s teeth while they are playing. Using impressions of your child’s mouth, we will create a unique mouth guard for your child to use during activities. Our custom made mouth guards provide superior protection and the most comfortable fit for your child’s mouth.

Metal braces are still the most popular types of braces as they produce high quality results. Clear Ceramic braces are popular with adults and teenagers who want the results of braces without the look of metal. Your visit will begin with a consultation with the doctor to go over the best alternatives for your orthodontic care. The doctor will address any questions you may have regarding your treatment and will provide a plan for orthodontic therapy.

Both removeable and fixed RPEs can be used to address crowding and other issues by expanding the upper jaw to make more room to accommodate tooth and/or jaw alignment.

Once treatment is complete, a retainer is worn for a period of time, usually just at night. The retainer helps maintain the new smile and also allows for small adjustments, if needed, once the braces have been removed.

Cosmetic bonding is the process of filling or restoring teeth with a tooth-colored material in order to maintain its natural appearance. In order to bond a tooth, tooth colored material is added to the tooth to build it up.

Nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as “laughing gas,” is an effective and safe sedation agent that is inhaled through a mask that fits over your nose to help you relax.The effects of nitrous oxide wear of quickly after the small mask is removed. Talk to the doctor about whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for you.

For more information from the AAPD, please click here:  Nitrous Oxide

In conjunction with an an anesthesiologist, we also offer general anesthesia if necessary. So that both you and your child are comfortable, the anesthesiologist will meet with you prior to this type of sedation and answer any questions you may have.

For more information from the AAPD, please click here:  General Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is the elimination of sensation/feeling, especially pain, in one part of the mouth by the topical application or injection of a local anesthetic drug.

Conscious oral sedation is an alternative minimal sedation that allows you to remain awake but relaxed. For people who have a fear of dental procedures, conscious sedation may take away some of the anxiety. The doctor will combine the use of oral sedation along with a local anesthetic so you have little to no discomfort.

For more information from the AAPD, please click here: Oral Sedation