Early Detection and Treatment Of Decay
Kids love sugar, and so does the bacteria that causes cavities. No matter how impeccable your home care routine, your child might get a cavity. Due to the natural grooves and anatomy of the teeth, cavities are common among younger patients.
Cavities are really the end result of a disease called Dental Caries. Caries is caused from bacteria that have colonized in your child’s mouth. These bacteria create an acidic environment and compromise the tooth structure.
The earlier caries is detected, the better. The Growing Smiles doctors and hygienists will check your child’s teeth visually for decay as well as utilizing x- rays to examine areas between the teeth.
Once caries is detected, the doctor will gently and expertly remove it and sterilize the tooth. He can then fill in the cavity to protect it from attracting more bacteria. Our compassionate nature and experience with kids makes them feel comfortable even while getting a filling.
Fluoride Treatment
In-office fluoride treatments utilizing a fluoride varnish are available every six months at recall appointments. Fluoride helps to bring minerals back into teeth to make them more resistant to cavities.
Sealants
Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years with proper maintenance.
Digital X-Rays
Digital imaging allows for us to manipulate X-rays on our computers looking for any possible issues associated with the teeth, gums, or surrounding bone. Also, digital radiography is known to reduce exposure to radiation by at least 70%, and in some cases even more.
Cavity Fighting Liquid Silver Diamine Fluoride
Silver diamine fluoride, a dental cavity fighting liquid for children, is a non-invasive antimicrobial topical dental treatment that halts cavity progression, as well as aids in the prevention of dental caries (cavities).
Crowns for Kids
Sometimes, in cases of severe decay or trauma, your child may require a dental crown. A crown is a protective cover placed over the tooth like a helmet. Crowns can restore the structure, stabilize the tooth, and protect it from more extensive damage.
Pediatric Nerve Treatment
Occasionally, because of deep decay or trauma, nerve treatment may be necessary to prevent a serious infection or tooth loss. Our doctors are skilled in techniques to gently clean out the decay and infection. We focus on saving the tooth and maintaining function. Preservation is important because primary teeth act as guides for the eruption of secondary teeth.
Space Maintainers
Despite our best efforts, sometimes a baby tooth may be lost early from decay or trauma. When tooth loss occurs, surrounding teeth may shift. In these cases, space maintainers are sometimes utilized to assist in the correct eruption of secondary teeth. Space maintainers hold the space for the secondary tooth. They are removed once the secondary tooth begins to erupt. Use of space maintainers can help prevent overcrowding and crooked teeth, possibly saving you and your child the expense of orthodontics down the road.
Psychology
Our goal is to help your child grow into an adult who routinely and comfortably seeks dental care. This often requires extra time with your child, distraction through many of our child friendly amenities. On some occasions, we might recommend that treatment be performed under general anesthesia at Oishei Childrens Hospital. It is very important to discuss with the doctor or staff any bad experiences or fears your child may have in order to provide the best possible care for your child.
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is an inhaled sedative that is utilized for anxious patients to help make treatments easier. This sweet- smelling air is inhaled and has a calming effect on the patient. Since not all patients may need this technique, Dr. Amy has been specially trained to determine who will benefit most from nitrous oxide. Your child can select their flavor air and will be fully awake while breathing the laughing gas.
Hospital Dentistry
Dr’s Cryan and Weiss utilize Oishei Childrens’ Hospital when necessary to complete work on children who have a lot of dental needs, and are anxious about complicated dental procedures, have special health care needs or are medically compromised. Utilizing the same day surgery program at the hospital, children can be treated in the operating room under general anesthesia, have all their cavities treated while they are asleep, and wake up with a fresh start
Mouth guards
Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect a child’s teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard can help protect your child from injuries to the teeth, face and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.
A Child’s Dental Home
The dental home should be established no later than 12 months of age to help children and their families institute a lifetime of optimal oral health. A dental home addresses anticipatory guidance and preventive, acute, and comprehensive oral health care and includes referral to dental specialists when appropriate. Early guidance decreases the risk of your child having cavities not only when they are children carries on to adolescence and beyond.
Nervous about how your little one will do at the dentist? That is a normal feeling, and we are here to guide both you and your child through the appointment with kindness and education.
Remineralization of Pre-Cavities
At Growing Smiles we believe in preventative care. We utilize new techniques and materials to help halt the progression of cavities and help the tooth to re-mineralize and strengthen.