Pediatric Dentistry
Starting a child early with regular dental exams and care can mean a lifetime of better oral health.
From the time of a child’s first tooth, a dentist can help start patterns of eating and hygiene that can protect against early tooth decay, as well as tooth alignment and gum problems in adulthood.
In addition to regular cleanings, a dentist can apply sealants to protect young teeth from decay. The dentist can also help select mouth guards to prevent sports injuries, and provide timely diagnosis and treatment of orthodontic problems. Lake Belton Family Dental and Dentures welcomes children of all ages and will make their visit fun!
Our Pediatric Dental Services Include...
Cleanings
An essential part of maintaining your child’s oral health is having regular professional cleanings. During your cleaning appointment, the hygienist will:
- Remove plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria that attack tooth enamel, causing cavities and inflaming the gums. Plaque left on teeth over time hardens and becomes calculus (tartar), which can only be removed with dental tools. Without proper care, plaque and tartar can lead to periodontal disease.
- Polish teeth. This final step removes minor stains and any remaining plaque, making teeth their whitest and brightest!
- Treat with fluoride. Your dentist may suggest a fluoride treatment to help their teeth stay strong.
Digital Xrays
Children’s mouths grow quickly and changes occur that cannot be seen in a visual exam. Your child’s dental exam will include xrays every 12-18 months to evaluate the teeth and mouth for conditions such as cavities, erupting teeth, extra or missing teeth and bone disease. To protect your child, our office uses the most recent digital technology, which has greatly improved the safety, comfort and speed of xrays:
- Exposure to radiation is reduced by 80 - 90%!
- A wireless sensor in the mouth replaces the awkward biting down on plastic cases.
- With images available in seconds, there is no waiting for film to develop and visits are shorter.
- Images can be enhanced to show the fine details, allowing the doctor to diagnose conditions in the very early stages.
Simple Extractions
The removal of single teeth may be necessary to maintain the health of your child’s remaining teeth, permanent teeth and mouth. After evaluating all options, extraction may be the best or only choice. Teeth are most commonly extracted due to:
- Interference with the growth of a permanent tooth
- Problems with long or misshapen roots
- Severe trauma or decay
After determining that extraction is necessary, we will discuss the treatment with you. In some cases, we may recommend replacing the extracted tooth with a space maintainer to keep the teeth and jaw from shifting and creating problems with chewing and dental health. Most tooth extractions are very routine procedures.
White Fillings
Not just for permanent teeth, even baby (primary) teeth sometimes need fillings. Primary teeth play a critical part in your child’s development, affecting their ability to:
- Chew food
- Develop strong jaw muscles and use of the tongue
- Speak properly
- Maintain proper spacing for permanent teeth
When a tooth is cracked, disfigured or decayed, a composite (white) filling may be used to restore the tooth to prevent more extensive breakage needing a crown or to keep a primary tooth in place until the permanent tooth erupts. Composite fillings are tooth-colored and can be closely matched to the existing tooth color, especially important in more visible areas of the mouth. These fillings are very durable and should last many years, but fillings in permanent teeth will most likely eventually need replacing. Good oral hygiene and regular visits to our office will help fillings last longer and help you enjoy a pain-free, healthy mouth.
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Experience honest, straight-forward treatment recommendations with no guilt or pressure. We value our patients and are proud to offer a state-of-the-art facility with a caring, hometown feel. Visit us today and experience the difference!