Pediatric Dentistry

What is pediatric dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry diagnoses, treats, and prevents oral health problems in children and teens. 

Young people are more susceptible to tooth decay than their older counterparts. Regular exams and preventive screenings can catch potentially serious problems early on when they respond best to treatment.

What services does pediatric dentistry provide?

Pleasant Family Dentistry offers a variety of pediatric dentistry services, including:

Oral exams

An oral exam is a preventive screen used to assess the health of your child’s mouth. During an oral exam, your child’s provider uses a handheld mirror to observe their teeth, gums, tongue, and lips. 

They also offer cavity detection with the DIAGNOdent® and DEXIS™ CariVu™ laser. If they detect any potential problems, they can recommend additional testing and treatment.

Professional teeth cleaning

During professional teeth cleaning, the provider removes plaque and tartar from your child’s teeth. Afterward, they polish and floss their teeth and apply a fluoride treatment if necessary. Pleasant Family Dentistry recommends children undergo a professional cleaning twice each year.

Sedation dentistry

If your child experiences dental anxiety, or has trouble sitting still, consider sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry uses prescription medication, such as pills or nitrous oxide, to help your child relax and feel at ease.

Fluoride treatment

Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen and protect your child’s tooth enamel. If your child has a history of cavities, fluoride treatment can lower their risk of further decay, protecting their teeth and smile.

Sealants

Sealants are thin, protective plastic coatings. Pleasant Family Dentistry applies sealants to your child’s molars and premolars to prevent the development of cavities and tooth decay. 

Oral X-rays

Oral X-rays use low doses of radiation to take detailed photos of your child’s tooth roots, jaws, and alveolar bone. Your child’s provider uses X-rays to diagnose oral health problems and to guide treatment.

Invisalign®

If your teen has crooked and crowded teeth or misaligned jaws, Pleasant Family Dentistry might recommend orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-crafted mouthpieces to straighten your child’s teeth. Invisalign is safe, effective, and provides long-lasting results. 

Tooth extractions

If your child develops a cavity in a baby tooth or experiences an impacted wisdom tooth, tooth extractions may be necessary. Pleasant Family Dentistry regularly performs extractions. If your child needs additional care, they can refer you to an oral surgeon in the area.

Root canal

If your child damages a tooth, root canal therapy can limit further problems and prevent the need for an extraction. During a root canal, your child’s provider removes the center of their tooth, called the pulp, and covers it with a crown.

How often does my child need pediatric dentistry?

To ensure your child’s teeth and gums stay healthy, schedule a pediatric dentistry appointment once every six months. Routine oral exams and professional cleanings can significantly lower the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other potentially serious oral health problems.

Regular checkups also present an opportunity to ask questions and gain new information. Pleasant Family Dentistry loves educating parents on preventive care and good oral hygiene.

If your child needs a pediatric dentistry appointment, call the office to schedule an appointment or book online today.