Regular examinations are the best way to ensure that your child’s oral health is on the right track. Done in tandem with teeth cleanings, dental exams should be performed every six months. Our dental exams are comprehensive, and can help detect and prevent common problems such as:
- Tooth decay/loss
- Bone damage
- Abnormal tooth alignment
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfuntion
- Sealants
- Space Maintenance
Our staff will also note any areas that might suggest an issue with brushing or flossing, such as a buildup of plaque/tartar or red/swollen gums, and then review proper technique with your child. If necessary, your child may be recommended for fluoride treatment, sealant application, or dental x-rays, which can all be carried out during the same visit. If your child is overdue for a dental exam, click here to schedule an appointment.
Fluoride Treatments
Depending on your child’s individual needs, we may recommend a fluoride treatment during their visit.
Found in water sources, certain foods, and toothpaste, fluoride is a naturally occurring substance that helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay. Children who are at an increased risk of tooth decay are more likely to need fluoride, such as those with:
- Active Cavities
- Tooth enamel defects
- White spots due to braces
- Poor diet
Fluoride can be especially beneficial during childhood years when developing teeth need all the protection they can get. Not sure if your child needs fluoride treatment? Click here to schedule an appointment and find out.
Sealants
Along with regular teeth cleanings and fluoride treatments, sealants are a proven dental care technique that effectively protects your child’s teeth. At Greentree Pediatric Dentistry, our staff will evaluate your child’s teeth during their first visit and then determine the necessity/timing for applying dental sealants..
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are applied to the surface of the tooth in order to protect its grooves from decay, which often begins in hard-to-clean areas like the rear molars. Sealants create a smooth surface that fills these deep grooves, making teeth easier to clean.We first consider sealants after a child’s permanent molars erupt, usually around age 6-7. Click here to schedule an appointment and find out if your child could benefit from dental sealants.
X-Rays
Dental x-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool that provides details about your child’s teeth as well as the bones and supporting tissues of their mouth.
Our digital x-ray machine allows us to take and evaluate x-rays within minutes. These x-rays can be used to detect things like:
- Cavaties
- Gum disease
- Tumors
- Cysts
- Impacted/extra teeth
We understand that some parents are concerned about the safety of dental x-rays for children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry confirms that the amount of radiation present during these x-rays is minuscule and has no impact on a child’s health. The need for dental x-rays will be determined by our experienced staff after an initial examination. Click here to schedule one for your child.
Space Maintenance
If your child loses a tooth prematurely we may recommend a space maintainer to prevent other teeth from shifting to fill the gap.
This is because shifting of the teeth can cause spacing and alignment problems when their adult teeth start to come in. We offer two types of space maintainers:
- Fixed space maintainers, which use a crown-and-loop structure and are made of long-lasting metal.
- Removable space maintainers, which are similar to orthodontic retainers and are made of plastic.
If your child has lost a tooth due to decay or trauma before it could fall out naturally, click here to schedule an appointment so we can assess the need for Space Maintenance soon as possible.
At Greentree Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to performing first-class Preventative Dental Care for all children, so that they have the best chance possible to maintain excellent oral health.