Pedodontic Services

An oral evaluation is recommended every six (6) months to prevent cavities and other dental problems. During an oral evaluation, a thorough examination of the mouth, head, and neck is performed to detect abnormalities.

Regular cleanings help keep gums healthy and teeth cavity-free. A dental cleaning includes removal of tartar and plaque and polishing of the teeth to remove stains and prevent further buildup of plaque.

Fluoride is a natural substance that helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay. Fluoride treatments are administered at this office as an important component of pediatric dental treatment. The fluoride is applied to your child’s teeth using a varnish that comes in a variety of fun flavors.

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. Advances in technology now allow for digital X-rays, which reduce radiation exposure more than 50 percent, and produce instant, high-quality images that can be viewed immediately by the dentist and the patient.

During a regular check-up, oral hygiene instructions are given to both patient and parent.  Good home care can reduce the risk of plaque and tartar build-up which can lead to cavities. Instructions include proper techniques for brushing, flossing, and using mouth rinses.

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. The teeth are prepared for the sealant application and the sealant is painted directly onto the chewing surface of each tooth and then hardens. Sealants are applied in one visit.

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, the tooth is filled with this composite material that hardens immediately after placement.

“Pulp” or “nerve” treatment is used to treat damage to the inside of a tooth, also known as the dental “pulp.” Once damaged by dental caries or injurty, the pulp will gradually decay if left within the tooth.

There are two types of “children’s root canal” treatment:

Pulpectomy: This treatment is necessary when the entire pulp is damaged or diseased. The decayed pulp tissue is removed from the crown and the root, the canals are cleaned and filled. Once the treatment is complete, we can place a final restoration to protect the tooth.

Pulpotomy:  involves removing the pulp only from the crown of the tooth, 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).

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, crowns can be a good choice for children who have severely damaged teeth or have undergone a pulpotomy (root canal). Dental crowns are strong and can last for many years, especially if your child brushes and flosses her teeth regularly. However, crowns tend to be expensive and require the removal of some of the permanent tooth structure to ensure a good fit.

If your child is in need of a crown to protect a primary (baby) tooth, we typically recommend stainless steel crowns. For front primary teeth, we may recommend tooth colored metal crown that is covered in porcelain or resin so that it blends with your child’s natural teeth. Pediatric dental crowns are prefabricated, come in a variety of sizes and are usually inserted immediately. When the baby tooth is ready to fall out, the crown will naturally come out with the tooth.

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 sometimes 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.

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/or plastic. It can be removable or fixed to the teeth.

Cosmetic bonding is the process of filling or restoring teeth with a tooth-colored material in order to maintain a natural appearance.

Whitening, also known as bleaching, is the procedure used to brighten teeth. In-office whitening usually requires only one office visit. A protective gel or a rubber shield is placed over the gums to protect the soft tissue. A bleaching agent containing carbamide peroxide is applied to the teeth, and a laser light is then used to enhance the action of the whitening agent.

Children and adults with special needs often require specific techniques and skills and overall support to help them feel comfortable receiving dental care. Our office is experienced in treating children with special needs and we are dedicated to helping these children maintain oral health, knowing that oral health is an important factor in overall systemic health.

With a gentle, caring manner, Dr. Farrah has a comprehensive education in behavior management, sedation and anesthesia techniques. She will select a technique based on the specific health needs of your child, then discuss the benefits, limits and risks of that technique with you.

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 child’s nose. Mixed with oxygen, nitrous oxide allows the patient to breathe normally through their nose, and within minutes they should start to feel the effects. They may feel light-headed or notice a tingling in their arms and legs. Some patients comment that their legs and arms feel heavy. Ultimately, they should feel comfortable and calm. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly after the mask is removed. Talk to the doctor about whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for your child.

If necessary, we also offer general anesthesia in a hospital setting for your child’s treatment. General Anesthesia may be beneficial for children who are particularly anxious or uncooperative, require extensive dental work or have special health care needs.

So that both you and your child are comfortable, our doctors will be happy to meet with you prior to this type of sedation and answer any questions you may have and discuss the risks and benefits of general anesthesia prior to treatment.