Services

Our Services

Our office is proud to offer the following services to our patients:

Custom Braces

The field of orthodontics offers several types of braces to address various dental alignment issues, each with distinct characteristics.

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces remain a popular and effective choice, consisting of stainless steel brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by archwires, often with colorful elastic ties.

Ceramic Braces

For a more discreet option, ceramic braces utilize clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend in with the natural tooth shade, though they can be more prone to staining and breakage.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces offer the ultimate in invisibility, as they are custom-made and attached to the back surface of the teeth, making them completely hidden from view.

Self-ligating Braces

A variation known as self-ligating braces (available in both metal and ceramic) uses built-in clips or doors to hold the archwire, eliminating the need for elastic ties and potentially reducing friction and appointment times.

Clear Aligners

Lastly, clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a popular alternative to fixed braces. These consist of a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays that gradually shift teeth into position, offering convenience for eating and oral hygiene, but requiring strict patient compliance.

The best choice among these types depends on the individual’s specific orthodontic needs, aesthetic preferences, and lifestyle.

Special Needs

Special Needs Dentistry is a specialized branch of dentistry dedicated to providing comprehensive oral healthcare to individuals with physical, developmental, intellectual, medical, or psychiatric conditions that make routine dental care challenging. It recognizes that these individuals often face significant barriers to accessing and receiving adequate dental treatment, leading to poorer oral health outcomes compared to the general population.

This specialized field requires dentists to possess advanced training and expertise in adapting treatment techniques, modifying the dental environment, and implementing behavior management strategies tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Common conditions treated by special needs dentists include autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, epilepsy, sensory processing disorders, and patients with complex medical histories.

The approach in Special Needs Dentistry is holistic and patient-centered, emphasizing communication, empathy, and understanding. Treatment planning involves close collaboration with caregivers, family members, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a coordinated and effective care plan. This can include preventative measures like fluoride applications and dietary counseling, as well as restorative treatments like fillings, crowns, and extractions, all performed with considerations for the patient’s comfort and safety.

Furthermore, Special Needs Dentistry focuses on minimizing anxiety and maximizing cooperation during dental procedures. Techniques such as sedation, general anesthesia, and desensitization strategies are often employed to make the dental experience more comfortable and less traumatic for patients who may be unable to tolerate traditional dental procedures.

IV Sedation

IV sedation, or intravenous sedation, is a management technique used in pediatric dentistry to help children undergo necessary dental treatment safely and comfortably.

Unlike “laughing gas,” which only relaxes a child, IV sedation induces a deep state of relaxation where the child remains conscious but is often unaware of the procedure and unlikely to remember it afterward.

When is IV Sedation Necessary?

Pediatric dentists typically recommend IV sedation for specific clinical or behavioral scenarios:

Extensive Treatment Needs: If a child requires multiple fillings, crowns, or extractions across different areas of the mouth, IV sedation allows the dentist to complete all the work in a single visit. This prevents the psychological trauma of repeated, stressful appointments.

Severe Dental Anxiety: Some children experience overwhelming fear that cannot be managed with basic communication or nitrous oxide. Sedation ensures they don’t develop a lifelong phobia of dental care.

Age and Developmental Level: Very young children (toddlers) or those with special healthcare needs may lack the cognitive ability to sit still for long periods. Movement during delicate procedures can lead to accidental injury; sedation keeps them perfectly still and safe.

Strong Gag Reflex: For children with a hypersensitive gag reflex, sedation relaxes the throat muscles, making it possible for the dentist to work effectively.

Learn More

We invite you to visit our pediatric dentist office to learn more.

Kids Dental Cleanings

Getting a child into the dental chair twice a year is about much more than just a bright smile; it is a foundational step for their overall growth and development. Regular professional cleanings are essential because children’s mouths are in a constant state of flux, and primary (baby) teeth play a critical role that many parents overlook.

Preventing Tooth Decay and Pain

Children are often more susceptible to cavities due to diets higher in sugar and developing brushing habits. Even with diligent home care, plaque can harden into tartar, which cannot be removed with a toothbrush. Professional cleanings remove these deposits, preventing the “domino effect” of decay. Untreated cavities lead to chronic pain, which can cause a child to struggle with eating, sleeping, and even paying attention in school.

Protecting Future Permanent Teeth

Baby teeth serve as vital space maintainers for adult teeth. If a primary tooth is lost prematurely due to decay, the surrounding teeth may shift into the empty space, leading to severe crowding or impacted permanent teeth later. Regular cleanings ensure these “placeholders” stay healthy until they are ready to fall out naturally, potentially saving thousands of dollars in future orthodontic costs.

Early Detection and Education

Beyond the cleaning itself, these visits allow pediatric dentists to monitor jaw alignment and the transition from baby teeth to permanent ones. It also provides an opportunity for “painless” exposure to the dental office. When a child’s primary interaction with the dentist is a gentle cleaning rather than an emergency filling, they develop a positive association with healthcare.

These visits also empower children to take ownership of their health. Seeing the “sugar bugs” removed in the mirror can motivate a child to maintain better habits at home, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride works through a process called remineralization. Every day, a child’s tooth enamel loses minerals (demineralization) when attacked by acids from bacteria and sugary foods. Fluoride helps “reset” this balance by:

Strengthening Enamel: It integrates into the tooth structure, making the outer layer harder and more resistant to future acid attacks.
Reversing Early Decay: It can actually repair minor acid damage or “chalky” white spots before they turn into full-blown cavities.
Inhibiting Bacteria: High concentrations of fluoride can interfere with the ability of oral bacteria to produce the harmful acids that cause decay.

What to Expect During Treatment

In-office treatments are quick, painless, and typically performed at the end of a routine cleaning.

The most common method for children is fluoride varnish, a sticky gel that a dentist or hygienist “paints” onto the top and sides of the teeth with a small brush.

Unlike older foams or gels that required biting down on uncomfortable trays, varnish hardens almost instantly upon contact with saliva.

After the application, children can usually eat or drink immediately, though dentists often recommend avoiding hot liquids or sticky, crunchy foods for several hours to ensure maximum absorption.

Safety and Recommendations

The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) endorse professional fluoride as safe and effective for children as soon as their first tooth erupts. Because the treatment is applied professionally, the risk of overexposure (fluorosis) is minimal compared to the long-term benefits of preventing painful infections and expensive restorative work.

Low Radiation Digital X-rays

Digital X-rays have revolutionized pediatric dentistry by providing a safer, faster, and more diagnostic way to look beneath the surface of a child’s smile. The primary advantage—and the one that matters most to parents—is the significant reduction in exposure. Digital sensors are far more sensitive than old-school film, requiring up to 80% to 90% less radiation to produce a clear image.

Why They Are Necessary for Kids

While a visual exam tells part of the story, much of a child’s dental development happens where the eye can’t see. Low-radiation X-rays allow dentists to:

Spot “Hidden” Cavities: Decay often starts between teeth (interproximal) where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Detecting these early means small fillings instead of painful root canals or extractions.
Monitor Tooth Eruption: Dentists use these images to ensure permanent teeth are growing in the right direction and to check for missing or extra teeth.
Evaluate Bone Health: They provide a baseline for the jaw’s growth and can identify cysts or tumors that are invisible during a standard physical exam.

Speed and Comfort

For a wiggly or anxious child, speed is everything. Digital X-rays appear on a computer screen instantaneously. There is no waiting for chemical processing, which means less time in the chair. Additionally, because the images are digital, they can be enlarged or color-enhanced. This makes it much easier for the dentist to explain the “why” behind a treatment plan to both the parent and the child.

Environmental and Safety Benefits

Beyond the low radiation, digital technology eliminates the need for the toxic developing chemicals used with traditional film. When combined with safety protocols like lead aprons and thyroid collars, the amount of radiation a child receives is comparable to what they would naturally encounter during a short airplane flight.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are used to repair tooth decay and restore the tooth’s function and appearance. Several types of filling materials are available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Here are some of the most common types:

Amalgam Fillings

Composition: A mixture of metals, primarily silver, tin, copper, and mercury.

Advantages: Durable, long-lasting, and relatively affordable.
Disadvantages: Not aesthetically pleasing, can cause tooth sensitivity, and contains mercury, which some people may have concerns about.

Composite Resin Fillings

Composition: A tooth-colored material made of plastic resin and glass particles.

Advantages: Aesthetically pleasing, bonds directly to the tooth structure, and can be customized to match the color of your natural teeth.
Disadvantages: Less durable than amalgam fillings, may require more frequent replacement, and can be more expensive.

Gold Fillings

Composition: Pure gold or a gold alloy.
Advantages: Extremely durable, long-lasting, and resistant to wear and tear.

Disadvantages: Expensive, requires multiple dental visits, and may not be aesthetically pleasing to some.

Ceramic Fillings

Composition: Porcelain or ceramic material.

Choosing the Right Filling

The best type of filling for you will depend on several factors, including:

The location of the decay
The extent of the damage
Your personal preferences
Your budget

Our dentist will discuss these factors with you and recommend the most suitable filling material. It’s important to choose a qualified dentist to ensure that the filling is placed correctly and that you receive the best pos

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a thin cover that fits over a tooth, to protect damaged tooth enamel. Dental crowns are shaped to look just like natural teeth – and they can be made the same color as natural teeth, as well.
This means that dental crowns can be hard to distinguish from natural teeth, and if you have a tooth-colored crown, no one will be able to tell. It’s important to get your dental crown installed by a professional, to ensure it will last as long as possible.

Who Needs Crowns?

Dental crowns can be used to restore the appearance and functionality of the tooth for patients who have had any one of the following:

Tooth decay
A cracked tooth
A broken tooth
Misshapen or discolored tooth

You may also need a crown if you’ve had a root canal, because during the root canal, your dentist will scoop out the infected part of the tooth and leave the thin outer parts of the tooth in place. This leaves the tooth weak and susceptible to breakage, but a crown can protect your tooth from that.

Crowns are also used on dental implants to make the implant look as realistic as possible.

Crown Material Options

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials including:

Metal. A metal crown can be made from chromium, palladium, nickel and gold. Metal crowns are very strong and durable, unlikely to break, and can withstand harsh biting and chewing forces. Crowns made exclusively of metal don’t look natural, so some people choose not to get this kind of crown. Others like the look of metal – especially gold. Gold is also costly, which can be a deterrent.

Resin. Resin is more cheaply available than many other types of crown materials, however, resin can break down quickly compared to some other materials. If you get a resin crown, expect to replace it in a shorter period of time than some other materials.

Porcelain on metal. One way to make a metal crown look more natural is to fuse porcelain to the metal. If the porcelain portion of the crown chips off over time, the metal may be exposed underneath. In addition, the line of the metal may appear near the gum line.

Sealants

Dental sealants are thin, plastic-like coatings that are painted onto the chewing surfaces of teeth, particularly the back teeth (molars and premolars), to prevent tooth decay. These sealants act as a protective barrier, shielding the grooves and pits on the teeth’s surfaces from the sticky acids produced by bacteria in plaque.

How Dental Sealants Work

Tooth decay, or cavities, begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, forms on the teeth. These bacteria convert sugars from food and beverages into acids, which can erode the tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Dental sealants, by forming a physical barrier over the pits and fissures, prevent plaque and acids from reaching these vulnerable areas, effectively diminishing the risk of tooth decay.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants offer several notable benefits for oral health:

Prevent Tooth Decay: Dental sealants are highly effective in preventing tooth decay, especially in children and adolescents, who are more susceptible to cavities due to their developing enamel.

Reduce Treatment Costs: By preventing cavities, dental sealants can help reduce the need for costly dental treatments, such as fillings and crowns.

Promote Oral Health: Dental sealants contribute to overall oral health by protecting the teeth from decay, reducing the risk of gum disease, and improving overall dental hygiene.

Quick and Painless Procedure: The application of dental sealants is a quick and painless procedure, typically requiring only one dental visit.

Who Should Consider Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are particularly recommended for individuals who:

Have deep pits and fissures on their teeth: These grooves and depressions are more susceptible to plaque buildup and decay.

Have a history of tooth decay: Individuals with a history of cavities are more likely to develop new ones, making sealants a valuable preventive measure.