We offer pediatric dentistry to help kids of all ages enjoy good oral health and avoid the onset of serious concerns, such as tooth decay or even infected teeth. We can help remove plaque and tartar, and place fluoride and dental sealants to fight cavities. In today’s blog, your Rochester, MN, dentist talks about how we help little smiles with pediatric dentistry.
When Kids Need a Pediatric Dental Exam
Children should see us for a visit at least once every six months. These regular visits should happen when your little one turns two. With a dental exam, we can closely monitor the smile as it grows and changes, so we can identify problematic areas and offer treatment to avoid the risk for premature tooth loss and misalignment. To offer an exam with precision and accuracy, we will use digital x-rays. These use 90% less radiation and are comfortable to obtain, and also available instantly chairside, limiting how long your child is waiting. We can also walk them through the diagnosis so they gain a better understanding of their smile and the need to care for their teeth and gums from home.
Treating Cavities
What if we discover a cavity? With a regular exam, we can likely identify tooth decay in the earliest stages, often before someone develops aching teeth or tooth sensitivity. Our team will then address the issue in one visit to prevent tooth loss. Even baby teeth need treatment since months or even years could elapse between the cavity forming and when the tooth falls out naturally. Ignoring it could mean painful cavities, premature tooth loss, and then a higher risk of poor alignment.
Our team will numb the tooth, remove decay, and clean it thoroughly. We apply a metal-free filling material that we shade to blend with the tooth and offer a more natural appearance. We then sculpt the tooth as it cures beneath a light. Finally, we polish it for a brighter appearance. The procedure is a fast, comfortable, and effective one.
Preventing the Onset of Cavities
We could apply a topical fluoride gel during each checkup to strengthen the outer enamel and lower the risk of cavities. With dental sealants, we apply a coating on the hard-to-reach rear teeth that prevents food and drink particles from being stuck there. They stay in place for up to ten years, and lower the risk of tooth decay significantly.
TALK TO YOUR ROCHESTER, MN DENTIST ABOUT TOOTH DECAY
We want to help your kids enjoy bright and healthy smiles. If you would like to find out more about our approach to pediatric dentistry, or if you wish to book an appointment at our location, call Greenview Cosmetic And Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.
