Dental Services

Our practice can meet the dental needs of both children and adult patients. 

FILLINGS

Dental Fillings are the most common type of dental restoration used to replace sections of teeth that are missing, damaged or decayed. Recent advances in dental technology have made for a wider and improved availability of restorative choices. Some of the newest filling materials, including ceramic and modern composite, offer the most natural looking results. Your dentist will discuss the best restorative option for your child with you at the visit.

Before your child gets a filling, he or she will receive a local anesthetic to numb the gums around the tooth. We use a new device for giving local anesthetic that has been very successfully received among our patients.  A small wand places a tiny needle into the tissue and, along with a very small amount of pressure, oozes the anesthetic in and around the teeth. The patient remains comfortable and relaxed as the anesthetic numbs the area for the dental procedure. We also use nitrous oxide when the dentist feels it is warranted if the patient seems upset or anxious about the procedure.

The dentist then cleans away the decayed part of the tooth to prepare for the filling. Once the tooth is filled in, the edges are smoothed and polished. 

INFANT/TODDLER EXAMS

American Academy of Pediatrics recommends an initial dental visit by age 1. Dr. Joe believes age 2 for a first visit will suffice, unless there are concerns that need to be addressed including oral development or nursing issues. This visit will include the following:

• Counsel and instruct the parent about keeping your child’s teeth healthy
• Look at development and address any potential dental issues
• Answer and discuss questions in order to educate the parent on dental hygiene, timelines, and what to expect in the future
  
• Newborns: frenectomies to help facilitate nursing and/or evaluation and treatment of primary or natal teeth that have erupted at birth and are impeding the ability of the child to breastfeed.

CROWNS

If a cavity is too large to be filled, a crown may be the best option for the longevity of the tooth.

Silver Crowns

These crowns provide a high level of strength and protection for the tooth.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns, the more aesthetic option, look more like the natural tooth. They also provide a strong protective element for the underlying tooth.

DENTAL SEALANT

While establishing a good oral hygiene regimen, encouraging proper tooth brushing habits, and avoiding sweets (especially those that stick to the teeth) aid in the prevention of dental decay, children’s teeth may need an additional layer of protection in the form of a sealant. According to the American Dental Association, dental sealants significantly reduce the risk of cavities in molars offering additional protection to children in order to prevent tooth decay.

Sealants work by filling in the grooves on the tooth surface acting as a barrier to harmful bacteria and sugar. Dental sealant application is painless and fast. It is very durable, lasting for several years and can be reapplied if necessary.

FLUORIDE

Fluoride is regularly used in our preventive dental care program during routine appointments. It is applied to the child’s teeth, absorbs into the tooth enamel, and works to prevent and slow the progression of cavity development. In combination with a good oral hygiene routine at home and eating a healthy diet, fluoride is a beneficial part of your child’s dental care.

While home and in-office fluoride treatments have been shown in many studies to prevent cavities, we understand and respect that some families may prefer to use fluoride-free products.

If you prefer to avoid fluoride during your child’s dental visit, please let us know at the beginning of the appointment.

DENTAL X-RAYS

During a dental examination, our staff looks for any signs of decay, infection, or damage to the teeth. If a potential issue is noticed, X-rays can aid in seeing inside your child’s tooth and gums thereby identifying and addressing dental problems before they become worse.

Our office uses a Digital Radiography system. This machine uses film-like sensors instead of actual film. No developing time or chemicals are needed. The x-rays appear on a computer screen within minutes and use
substantially less radiation. The images can be stored for future use and can be printed out for mailing purposes.

THE WAND

NITROUS OXIDE – LAUGING GAS 

We strive to make our office environment relaxed and easygoing and specialize in many different modalities in order to lessen anxiety and make the patient feel at ease. These include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), sedation, or for those particularly anxious patients and children with medical disabilities.

Laughing gas is used often in dentistry to decrease anxiety and make children feel more relaxed during their dental procedure. Children can resume normal activity soon after treatment.

If you believe nitrous oxide would be a beneficial option for your child, please let us know if there have been any changes to his or her health or medical condition and if your child takes any medications.

PREVENTIVE CARE VISITS

With a fun, lighthearted and comprehensive approach, we endeavor to educate our patients about good dental health habits from their very first meeting with us. We recommend regular 6-month dental check-ups and cleaning appointments. These appointments include:

Teeth, gums and mouth health exam

Tartar build-up removal

Teeth polishing

Fluoride application

X-rays to identify tooth decay or damage

Home care evaluation in order to reinforce the importance of good oral care at home

Advice on nutrition and diet to prevent decay and promote good oral health.

ORTHODONTICS

When needed or warranted, the first phase of orthodontics includes interceptive intervention treatment used to influence jaw growth, create more space for crowded teeth, help to correct harmful habits, and improve facial aesthetics. Your dentist may recommend such treatment for impacted permanent teeth in order to lessen the likelihood of future extractions. Bite distortions, top and bottom jaw alignment issues, tooth protrusion, and overcrowding may require preliminary orthodontic care to lessen and simplify the need for more intensive treatments later in life.

SPACE MAINTAINERS

A child may lose a primary tooth before the permanent tooth is ready to emerge. If this happens, your dentist may recommend a space maintainer to retain sufficient area for the adult tooth to erupt and to prevent crowding by shifting adjacent teeth. Once the permanent tooth begins to emerge, a space maintainer is no longer necessary.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

As a result of tremendous recent advancement in dental materials, a truly beautiful smile is possible. For example, Resin Bonding has helped with traumatic fractures to front teeth. As the children finish growing, Porcelain Veneers and Crowns complete the treatment of front teeth problems. In combination with orthodontics, we can now give all children a great smile.

We also offer Zoom Teeth Whitening (for adults only).