Pediatric Dentistry
A lifetime of healthy smiles starts early. At Pelican Dental, we provide gentle, high-quality dental care for children of all ages, from infants to teens. We recommend seeing children about six months after their first tooth erupts, usually around their first birthday, to ensure their smiles develop strong and healthy from the start.
Importance of Pediatric Dentistry
Our dentists and entire staff understand the importance of good oral health for young children. They have specialized training in primary teeth. They are here to help protect and restore children’s teeth so that they can speak and eat easily and have a wonderful smile. They understand the growth and development of children’s teeth so they can start children off with good oral health.
We also understand how important taking care of children’s teeth is. We will work with parents to ensure their children are taking good care of their teeth at home. We will also monitor their mouths for any problems so we can catch them early. If needed, we will work with your children’s regular doctor to treat any problems we find.
Preventative Dentistry
We recommend routine dental cleanings for several reasons. When we perform a professional cleaning, we remove the buildup of plaque and tartar. We also clean the parts of your child’s teeth that are hard to reach, such as underneath the gums.
After a cleaning, we will polish your child’s teeth so that they shine! We can also apply a fluoride treatment, if necessary, to help prevent tooth decay.
Preventive Pediatric Services
We focus on preventive care to protect children’s growing teeth:
Silver Diamine Fluoride
We believe that fluoride works well to strengthen children’s teeth. It has also been shown to help prevent tooth decay in people of all ages.
For this reason, the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Medical Association believe that topical fluoride is necessary for good oral health.
Because of this, you may be wondering if your child needs fluoride treatments. Often, water is enhanced with fluoride, so additional fluoride treatments are not necessary.
Emergency Dental Care
It is very important to be prepared in case your child has an emergency. Even though we wish that they wouldn’t, emergencies do happen. Being educated and knowing what to do in an emergency can be the difference between losing and saving a tooth. You also need to know your dentist’s phone number.
You need to contact us right away if you are having an emergency! If we are not open, go to the nearest emergency center.
Cavities and Fillings
Dental fillings are used to treat different dental problems like cavities and broken teeth. Teeth are usually filled with a material called composite resin, which is designed to look like natural teeth. Fillings can also be done with gold, porcelain, or silver amalgam.
Composite resin takes a little longer, though most people still prefer it because it creates natural-looking teeth. It takes more than one layer, and a special light is used to harden the area around the filling.
Oral Health Exams
We truly believe that regular dental examinations are important in order for your child to have good dental health and a smile of which he or she can be proud. We start by doing a professional cleaning, removing all of the bad tartar and other buildup on your child’s teeth.
We then do an examination, looking to catch and fix any problems before they become bigger ones. We examine each tooth, looking for any signs of decay, damage, or any other problems, such as signs of infection. We want to correct any problems your child may have before they get any worse.
Restorative Dentistry
We are usually able to fill in broken teeth to make them look like normal teeth. We even use a cement that is the color of your child’s teeth. If that does not work, we offer veneers and caps to cover up any broken teeth.
We can also fix missing teeth and have many options for how we do so. Typically, we like to place implants, which will act like the tooth’s replacement root. On top of the implants, we use crowns, which are artificial teeth, to restore your child’s mouth with normal-sized and shaped teeth.
Infant and Toddler Exams (0-23 Months)
Your child’s first dental visit is an important step in preventing future oral health problems. Our infant exams focus on:
Orthodontic Solutions for Kids and Teens
- Pediatric Braces: Traditional braces designed for growing smiles, guiding teeth and jaws into proper alignment.
- Invisalign for Teens: Nearly invisible aligners that straighten teeth comfortably and discreetly.
Healthy Starts
The HealthyStart™ system can straighten teeth without braces or headgear, and address root causes of sleep disordered breathing. Early treatment is critical. Obstructive sleep apnea is often curable in children, but can only be managed once children reach adulthood. Call now for complementary consultation.
Building Healthy Habits Early
Helping your child establish good dental habits early sets the stage for lifelong oral health. We work with kids and parents to make brushing and flossing fun and effective. During visits, our team teaches proper brushing techniques, reviews healthy eating habits, and answers questions about teething, thumb-sucking, or fluoride use.
Why Choose Pelican Dental for Your Child?
We are passionate about making dental care a positive experience for kids. From infant exams to orthodontic treatment, we provide comprehensive pediatric dental care in a friendly and welcoming environment. Our use of advanced technology, including laser dentistry, ensures safe, comfortable care for even our youngest patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry
Here are some frequently asked questions about pediatric dentistry:
How often should my child visit the dentist?
Most children should see the dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings just like adults.
Is laser cavity treatment safe for kids?
Yes. Our Fotona LightWalker laser is safe, precise, and comfortable, making it ideal for treating children’s cavities with little to no discomfort and reduced anxiety.
When do children need fluoride treatments and sealants?
We typically recommend fluoride treatments at every cleaning visit to strengthen enamel. Dental sealants are applied to permanent molars as soon as they erupt, usually around age 6 and again around age 12, to protect against decay.
Can my child get Invisalign or braces?
Yes. We offer both pediatric braces and Invisalign for teens, depending on their specific orthodontic needs.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment Today
Start your child on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles. Call Pelican Dental today to schedule their first visit or routine checkup and experience compassionate, kid-friendly dental care.