Kids Dentistry

Kids dentistry, also known as pediatric dentistry, is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the oral health of children from infancy through adolescence. It involves specialized care for the unique needs of children, including their developing teeth, gums, and jawbone.

At a pediatric dental clinic, children can receive a wide range of dental services, including:

Dental Exams: Regular check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health and identifying any potential issues early on.

Teeth Cleanings: Professional teeth cleanings can remove plaque and tartar build-up, preventing cavities and gum disease.

Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride is a mineral that can strengthen teeth and protect against decay. Fluoride treatments can be applied to the teeth to help prevent cavities.

Space Maintainers: Gracious Smiles is proud to offer space maintainers for kids! If your child loses a tooth prematurely, it can cause surrounding teeth to shift, leading to problems with their bite and overall oral health. Space maintainers are custom-made dental devices that hold open the gap left by a missing tooth, allowing permanent teeth to grow in properly.

Dental Sealants: Dental sealants are a thin coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent decay.

Fillings and other restorative treatments: If a child has a cavity or other dental issue, restorative treatments such as fillings or crowns may be necessary.

Orthodontics: Orthodontic treatments such as braces or aligners can help correct crooked teeth and bite issues.

Pulpotomy: A pulpotomy is a dental procedure that involves removing the infected pulp tissue from the crown of a child’s tooth. This is typically done to treat a deep cavity or other form of dental decay that has affected the pulp chamber of the tooth. The goal of the procedure is to preserve the tooth and prevent the need for a more invasive treatment, such as a tooth extraction.

Pulpectomy: A pulpectomy, on the other hand, is a more extensive dental procedure that involves the complete removal of the pulp tissue from both the crown and root of a child’s tooth. After removal, the root canal is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and filled with a special material. This treatment is usually performed when the decay or injury has spread to the root of the tooth.

After both pulpotomy and pulpectomy, a child may need a crown or other type of dental restoration to protect the tooth and restore its function. It is important to follow proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly, to prevent future dental problems. We offer both stainless steel and zirconia crowns as options for children who need dental restorations.

We are specially trained to work with children and can help ensure that their dental visits are comfortable and stress-free. We also provide education and resources for parents to help them promote good oral health habits at home. Overall, kids dentistry plays an essential role in promoting the oral health and well-being of children.