Your Trusted Pediatric Dentist in Gainesville, Georgia!

• Periodic cleanings are extremely important to your child’s development of healthy smiles. We perform regular check-ups, cleanings and oral health evaluations.
  
  
• Fluoride is a natural mineral that can be found in water and certain foods. Fluoride can also help to prevent tooth decay and even reverse the growth of a cavity. It does this by strengthening your enamel which makes it more difficult for bacteria to cause cavities.
  
  
• Sealants are thin layers of strong plastic that bonds to tiny grooves of the teeth in order to protect the tooth from germs and bacteria that can cause cavities. The sealant helps in reducing cavity formation.

• Digital X-rays also produce immediate images to quickly and easily diagnose hidden problems.

• Soft tissue procedures completed with a CO2 laser allow for repeatable, predictable results,limited bleeding and faster healing time.

• Children may have tooth decay if they are experiencing symptoms such as sensitivity to cold and hot food and drinks, toothaches, or jaw pain.
  • Tooth-colored” fillings
    • Dental fillings are used to treat teeth that have a small area of tooth decay. Dental fillings help in the treatment of pain in the tooth and prevent further damage.
  • Crowns
    • Crowns are used when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be restored with a dental filling. The crown covers the entire tooth to prevent further breakdown or damage. We are grateful to be able to offer esthetic “tooth-colored” crowns or the traditional stainless steel crowns.
  • Baby root canal/nerve treatment
    • Pulptomy/Pulpectomy
      • There are times when tooth decay progresses extensively and this can threaten the nerve of the tooth. The pulp of the tooth is what allows the tooth to live and provides nutrients to the tooth to stay healthy. If decay extends to or damages the pulp, the diseased portion of the pulp is removed and a soothing material is placed to help with healing of the pulp tissue.
  • Other nerve treatment
    • There are times when the decay is extensive but does not extend into the pulp of the tooth. To protect the pulp, help prevent sensitivity, and allow the tooth to heal we place a thin layer of material without exposing the pulp.
  • Extractions
    • In some cases, there are times when a dental filling or a dental crown would not provide the treatment needed to prevent further breakdown, damage, or pain. In these cases the tooth, is classified as non restorable and an extraction would be recommended
  • Frenectomies
    • A frenectomy or a tie release is a procedure used in the treatment of Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs)
    • Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) is a term used to describe restrictive connective tissue between oral structures. When this tissue is thick and restricting typical movement, then there is a “tie.” Lip ties, tongue ties and cheek ties are classified under TOTs. Identification of TOTs is important as they have the ability to negatively impact a child’s feeding skills, facial and jaw development, breathing, sleeping, and speech/language development.
    • Difficulties with feeding, speech, breathing, sleep and facial development could be due to complex multifactorial issues so we always encourage a team approach.
    • When we release ties, we use a CO2 laser. We prefer laser treatment because it allows for quick, precise treatment.
    • We require a separate consultation appointment to evaluate your child’s condition before scheduling a frenectomy procedure. This can help in allowing your child to feel more comfortable, discuss expectations, and further guidance.

• Many children enjoy visits to the pediatric dental office. Our team is trained to help children feel safe and comfortable when they come and see us. There are times when children do feel anxious in the dental environment and require more attention to help with having the best experience.
  
  • Nitrous Oxide- We offer nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” when needed to help anxious children feel more relaxed during a procedure. This is an alternative to sedation.
  • Intravenous (I.V.) sedation- I.V. Sedation is recommended for apprehensive children that would not do well with conscious sedation. The dentist performs the dental treatment in the office while your child is protected from the discomforts of dental procedures. I.V. Sedation is administered and monitored by an anesthesiologist.
  • General Anesthesia- General anesthesia can be used when a child is very apprehensive and other forms of sedation wouldn’t work well for the child. General anesthesia is rendering a child completely asleep. This is done at one of our trusted hospital/outpatient settings.

• Space maintainers can be important to your child’s oral health. If your child loses a baby tooth too early as a result of extensive decay or injury, teeth could shift into the open space. Space maintainers are used to hold the spot left by the lost tooth until the permanent tooth erupts. The space maintainer is normally a band on one tooth with an extension to the other side of the vacant space. Later, as the permanent tooth erupts, the device can be removed.

• Mouth guards can help in prevention of fractured teeth as well as injuries to the lips, tongue, face and jaw. A properly fitting mouth guard will stay in place while your child is wearing it, making it easier for them to speak and breathe. Anyone who plays sports or engages in athletic activity, whether competitive or recreational, can protect their smiles by wearing an athletic mouthguard. We offer custom, form-fitting mouth guards to patients.

• Toothaches can occur for multiple reasons including large cavities, dental infection, ulcers, or something lodged between the teeth. If a toothache occurs, clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water or use dental floss to remove any food that may be impacted. If the pain still exists, contact your child’s dentist. If their face is swollen, apply cold compresses and contact our office immediately.
• Avulsed tooth or Knocked out tooth: If your child knocks out their permanent tooth, it is recommended to try and find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to place it back in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze or clean cloth. If you cannot reimplant the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk, NOT water. The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.
• If your child knocks out a primary tooth, it is recommended to give our office a call. We don’t recommend replacing a primary/baby tooth into the socket as this could cause damage to the developing permanent tooth.

We strictly adhere to sterilization guidelines, ensuring a safe environment.