Being well-prepared for your appointment will ensure that the doctor has all the needed information to provide the best possible care for you. It also will help relieve any unnecessary anxiety you may be feeling. Also, take some time to review our staff page and familiarize yourself with the doctors. We look forward to your first visit.
Primary teeth, or baby teeth, are critical to your child’s oral and physical health. Not only do they help your child to speak clearly and chew naturally, but they also aid in forming a pathway for the permanent teeth to follow when they are ready to erupt. Caring for baby teeth reduces the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and even the potential for possible orthodontic care later.
Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is early childhood dental caries. Your child risks severe decay from nursing continuously from the breast and using a bottle during naps, at night, or at-will.
Regular dental visits help to maintain overall health and aids in prevention for your child to stay cavity-free. Possible problems can be identified before they become serious. Professional teeth cleanings remove debris which builds up on the enamel, irritates the gums, and causes tooth decay. Fluoride treatments help to renew fluoride content in the enamel which strengthens teeth and prevents cavities.
Our dental hygiene staff are outstanding clinicians, well-versed in at-home care and excellent teachers. They’ll help your child understand the importance of oral hygiene, so your child’s brushing and flossing behaviors lead to cleaner teeth and healthier gums.
We provide an ongoing assessment of changes in your child’s oral health. For example, your child may need additional fluoride, dietary changes, or sealants for optimal dental health. As your child gets older, we can identify any orthodontic problems and suggest treatment to guide the teeth as they emerge in the mouth.
At Valley Dental Pediatrics, we specialize in providing exceptional general dental care for kids of all ages. By using preventive and restorative techniques and treatments, such as x-rays, teeth cleanings, cavity fillings, and sealants, we’re able to make sure your child’s teeth are healthy for decades to come. Below are just some of the things we do.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that all children start to see a pediatric dentist when their first tooth comes in. After that, kids see the dentist every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some children need more frequent dental visits because of the increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns, or poor oral hygiene. When you come in for your visit, we’ll recommend a schedule that works for your little one’s growing smile.
Some treatments may require your kiddo to be as still as possible. To achieve this, we sometimes recommend the use of general anesthesia. This type of treatment helps to put your kiddo in a safe, sleep-like state prior to treatment starting. Sometimes this sleep-like state can be achieved through laughing gas, other times through specific medications. While your child is going through the treatment, they won’t feel a thing because they’ll be fast asleep, dreaming of unicorns or being a superhero.
Fillings for donuts and cupcakes are awesome; having to get a filling as a kid, not so much. Dental fillings are recommended if your child’s tooth becomes damaged or decayed. A dental filling fills the holes that have formed in their enamel but have not affected the inner pulp of their tooth yet.
Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast, comfortable, and can effectively protect teeth for many years. In fact, research has shown that sealants stop cavities when placed on top of a slightly decayed tooth by sealing off the supply of nutrients to the bacteria that causes a cavity. Sealants are most effective when applied as soon as the tooth has fully come in. Children derive the greatest benefit from sealants because of the newness of their teeth. Research has shown that more than 65% of all cavities occur in the narrow pits and grooves of a child’s newly erupted teeth because of trapped food particles and bacteria.
Most children receive dental cleanings and treatments in an office setting, but some kids benefit from having these services performed while under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. We have extensive experience performing compassionate dental procedures on children in a hospital setting. Contact our office in Owings Mills to get an evaluation and determine if hospital dentistry is right for your child. Call or fill out our online form to make an appointment.
Crowns are synthetic caps, usually made of a material like porcelain, placed on the top of a tooth. Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth. Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or if an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated. Crowns also serve an aesthetic use, and are applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.
When restoration procedures such as root canal therapy, crowns, or fillings are not enough to save a tooth, it may need to be pulled, or extracted. Tooth extraction procedures today are far less painful than ever before, thanks to powerful anesthetics and sedatives. In many cases, a patient who has tooth pulled experiences little or no discomfort, and only minor bleeding. Before a tooth is extracted, the area surrounding the tooth is numbed with a topical/and or injectable anesthetic such as Novocaine. Patients with extracted teeth sometimes need to take an antibiotic, and at the very least, take precautions following the procedure to ensure that infection doesn’t occur. Smoking, vigorous brushing and rinsing, and drinking liquids through straws are discouraged during the post-operative period because they hinder healing and may cause the wound to open. Cold compresses applied to the outside cheek near the extraction area can help reduce any swelling and promote faster healing.
In the past, orthodontics used large metal bands that were placed around each tooth in order to move the teeth. The latest materials are far less noticeable, and our innovative technology enables us to move teeth faster. Orthodontic appliances today are made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. These new age appliances may be removable, or brackets bonded directly to the teeth. The appliance will place a constant, yet gentle force on the teeth, which moves them into the proper position.
Metal brackets are small brackets that are bonded directly to each tooth and attached with a wire. These metal brackets and wires are far less noticeable than they used to be! Children and adults of all ages are choosing metal brackets for their orthodontic needs.
Clear braces are similar to metal braces but are made of white material and are virtually undetectable! They bond to the front of the tooth and are connected by a wire. These braces are used mostly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. They do require a little more attention, which is why our trained doctors will let you know if they are the right option!
Clear aligners (sometimes called “invisible braces”) are removable aligners that are changed every couple of weeks and apply pressure to the teeth until they are moved into the desired position. The aligners are worn most of the day and night and are taken out when you eat, or when you brush and floss. Please consult with your doctor to see if invisible braces are an option for you.
Monday 7:30 am - 3:00 pm
Tuesday 7:30 am - 3:00 pm
Wednesday 7:30 am - 3:00 pm
Thursday 7:30 am - 3:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
