Children’s Dental Care
Nothing is more important than the health of your child and the health of their teeth is no exception. Antlers Family Dentist sees children of all ages. At the sign of your child’s first tooth, he or she should be seen by at Antlers Family Dentist. The earlier and more frequently children are seen by a regular dentist, better habits are created and thus the healthier their teeth will be. Call us today to schedule a time for one of our dentists to evaluate your child’s mouth.
Fluoride
We use a fluoride varnish which is recommended twice a year. We do this in our area because we do not have fluoride in our water – whether you are city, rural or well water systems.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
When we remove an area of decay from your child’s tooth, we rebuilds and protects the area with a filling. In the past, silver amalgam material was commonly used, creating durable but easy-to-see dark areas on the teeth. Now, your child can keep your entire smile bright and natural looking with tooth-colored fillings. Antlers Family Dentist utilizes a porcelain-based resin in tooth-colored fillings. Each filling is expertly shaped and shaded to match your child’s natural tooth color, and the results are lifelike and as durable as silver fillings. Ask if a tooth-colored filling is right for your child!
Stainless Steel Crowns
If a filling is not possible, the next type of restoration is a stainless steel crown. These are placed on baby teeth that we need to keep until approximately the age of 11 or 12. This allows your child to keep the appropriate spacing until the permanent teeth come in.
nuSmile
Year after year, NuSmile Pediatric Crowns look better and last longer than other restorative options and competing brands. Manufactured with only the highest quality materials, NuSmile crowns use the latest generation proprietary processes and patent pending technologies to ensure a long-lasting, great looking restoration every time. NuSmile pediatric crowns are available in two styles, NuSmile Signature and NuSmile ZR.
NuSmile Signature crowns are anatomically correct, stainless steel crowns with a natural-looking, tooth-colored coating. NuSmile Signature crowns are a widely used, dependable and easy restorative option to traditional stainless steel and composite strip crowns. NuSmile ZR is the next generation in pediatric restorative technology and represents the perfect balance of art and science. Made from zirconia ceramic, NuSmile ZR offers high-end esthetics, superior durability and easy placement compared to composite restorations and strip crowns.
Since 1991, proven results you can count on – known by leading clinicians and backed by university studies. Keeping up with kids is what we do. See for yourself.
Pulp Therapy
When you hear about the “pulp” of your child’s tooth, understand that this is the portion of the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue, and reparative cells. These elements must remain healthy to ensure the long-term health of your child’s smile. When cavities or injury result in the inflammation or infection of the pulp, the Antlers Family Dentist team is ready to assess the severity of the condition and to provide the proper treatment to get your child’s tooth healthy again.
Pulp therapy takes on many forms. If the inflammation of your child’s pulp is minor, there are a variety of gentle treatments designed to ease any discomfort and to help the tooth heal naturally. More significant inflammation may require the removal of some of the pulp tissue. If so, we would then replace this tissue with a special material to prevent any bacterial growth and to calm the remaining nerve tissue. This treatment would be completed with the placement of a protective restoration – usually a stainless steel crown.
Limited and Full Orthodontics
Orthodontic care does not begin during the teen years. Ideally, a child will experience an orthodontic evaluation around the age of seven. This allows us to recognize any trends in your child’s oral development. If necessary, we will introduce you to a variety of fixed and removable appliances that can correct any developing problems while your child’s oral supportive structures are still growing and flexible. These appliances help with the future spacing and alignment of your child’s teeth. Early orthodontic care lessens the need for more aggressive treatment once your child’s permanent teeth have erupted. When the time comes, braces will play a major role in positioning and perfecting your child’s smile.
Sealants
By forming a thin covering over the pits and fissures of permanent teeth, sealants keep out plaque and food, thus decreasing the risk of decay. Since the covering is only over the biting surface of the tooth, areas on the side and between teeth are unprotected. Good oral hygiene and nutrition are still very important in preventing decay. Your child should refrain from eating ice or hard candy, which tend to fracture the sealant. Regular dental appointments are recommended in order for us to be certain the sealants remain in place.
The American Dental Association recognizes that sealants can play an important role in the prevention of tooth decay. When properly applied and maintained, they can successfully protect the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth. A total prevention program includes regular visits to the dentist, the use of fluoride, daily brushing and flossing, and limiting the number of times sugar-rich foods are eaten. If these measures are followed, and if sealants are used on the child’s teeth, the risk of decay can be reduced or may even be eliminated!
Habit Reminders
They are also called orthotic correctors. Stopping a thumb habit can change the shape of the mouth, the smile, prevent future orthodontic and speech problems. Break by age 3-4. This is the best time to place a corrective appliance.
I love taking my daughter and granddaughter to this dentist. The dentist and staff are wonderful. And they have a great play room just for the kiddos.
TANYA TERRY
Brush Brush Brush!
When you brush your teeth, it's just like washing your body. You wouldn't only wash the top half of you in the shower, right?
Remember that each part of your tooth should be flossed first
and then brushed on all surfaces, including near the gums to ensure proper blood flow and oxygen to your gum line. After brushing, rinse with mouthwash to get out any lingering bacteria and wallah, your teeth, mouth and smile will THANK YOU for taking such great care of them!
