Fillings
A dental filling repairs a small to moderately sized cavity and restores the proper function of the tooth. A cavity is when the enamel, the outermost layer of a tooth, becomes demineralized and develops tiny holes. To treat a cavity, we remove the decayed area and restore it with a composite material that mimics the natural appearance of the tooth. A filling also prevents bacteria from entering the tooth.
Crowns
Dental crowns are used to repair or strengthen teeth that are broken, worn, or have areas of large tooth decay. A crown is a cap that is cemented onto a tooth and becomes the tooth’s new outer covering. This restores the tooth to proper form and function. Crowns are highly durable and can remain in place until the baby tooth is ready to fall out. We offer stainless steel crowns and white zirconia crowns.
Pulp Therapy (Root Canals)
Cavities or traumatic injuries to the tooth can damage the pulp of a tooth which contains nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue and reparative cells. If left untreated, this can lead to an infection. We will perform a pulp treatment to remove the diseased pulp tissue followed by a dental crown to save the affected tooth.
Extractions
Despite our best conservative efforts and only as a last resort, extractions are recommended when tooth decay is severe and larger than what a dental filling or crown can repair. We make every effort to ensure your child is as comfortable as possible when a dental extraction is necessary.
Space Management
As your child grows and their baby teeth begin to fall out, space management is an important responsibility of the pediatric dentist and/or orthodontist. We will monitor your child to make sure that there is proper spacing for each permanent tooth. Inappropriate space loss can lead to more extensive orthodontic treatment (i.e. impactions, extractions, root damage, etc)
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)
SDF is a liquid substance we use to prevent cavities from growing or spreading. It can help arrest cavities in young pre-cooperative children until treatment can safely be completed. Silver and fluoride have antimicrobial properties and help remineralize the enamel and dentin of teeth. SDF is applied directly to a tooth that is affected by a cavity.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide can be used safely and effectively to help relax your child during treatment. Laughing gas is not intended to put your child to sleep, but is designed to help them feel calm and a little less worried. The effects are only temporary and oftentimes will wear off by the time you leave our office.
Use Child-Friendly Dental Vocabulary
Our goal is to make your child comfortable and have a positive experience. We encourage you to talk to your child about going to the dentist. When talking to your child about his or her visit to the dentist, please offer support by not using words that may cause fear or anxiety, such as “shot”, “needle”, “hurt”, “pull” or “drill.”
At RPDO, Dr. Sophia and her staff are experienced in working with children and explain treatment procedures with words that are age appropriate and child friendly.
| Instead of saying | Use |
|---|---|
| Teeth cleaned | Wash off the Sugar Bugs/ Teeth tickled |
| X-rays | Pictures of your teeth |
| Fluoride | Tooth vitamins |
| Shot/ Needle | Frozen water, Sleepy Juice |
| Filling | Clean out Sugar Bugs |
| Crown | SuperHero Cap, Tooth Jewelry |
| Space Maintainer | Tooth Ring |
| Pull out your teeth | Wiggle, Tooth Dance |
| Drill | Water Whistle |
| Nitrous Oxide/ Gas | Candy Air |
| Suction | Straw for your tooth |
