Dental Services

Small X-Rays that accommodate small mouths: kids intraoral X-rays.

Small X-rays that accommodate small mouths are typically call “kids intraoral X-rays.” They are designed specifically for children’s smaller mouths, using smaller film or digital sensors that are more comfortable for children to tolerate. In our office, we use an X-ray machine called the spaceship. It’s specifically designed for children since the child has to keep their head still while the spaceship orbits around the child’s head taking a X-ray photo. Kids dental X-rays can provide valuable information for dentists to detect tooth decay, identify any developmental problems, and monitor the growth and eruption of new teeth. At SmileTown: Just Kid’s Dentistry, we recommend your child receive their first X-rays by the age of three years old. 

Child-focused routine cleaningsChild-Focused Routine Cleanings: 

Child-focused routine cleanings are regular dental check-ups and cleanings designed specifically for children. These appointments typically involve a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums, as well as an examination of the mouth to check for any signs of dental issues. 

During a child-focused routine cleaning, the hygiene assistant and doctor will clean the teeth and gums using special tools to remove any plaque, tartar and debris that may have accumulated since the last visit. They may also use fluoride treatments to strengthen the teeth and help prevent cavities. The dentist will then examine the teeth and gums for any signs of decay or other issues such as gum disease or misaligned teeth. They may also take X-rays if necessary to get a better view of the teeth and jaw.

Overall, child-focused routine cleanings are an important part of maintaining good oral health in children and should be done regularly, typically every six months or as recommended by the child’s dentist.

Wisdom Teeth RemovalWisdom Teeth Removal:

 Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure where one or more of the third molars (wisdom teeth) are extracted from the mouth. Wisdom teeth typically emerge in the late teenage years or early adulthood and can cause problems if there is not enough room for them to grow, leading to pain, infection or damage to adjacent teeth.

The procedure for wisdom teeth removal typically involves a local anesthetic to numb the area around the teeth. In some cases, sedation may also be used to help the patient relax during the procedure. The dentist or oral surgeon will then use specialized tools to carefully extract the wisdom teeth from the jawbone.

After the procedure, patients are usually given instructions on how to care for the extraction site and manage any discomfort. Pain medication and ice packs may be recommended to help manage pain and swelling.

It’s important to follow the post-operative instructions carefully to minimize the risk of complications and promote healing. In some cases, a follow up appointment may be scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure that everything is progressing as it should.

Our Waterloo office provides wisdom teeth extractions! Click here to request an appointment.

 Fillings:

Fillings are a common dental procedure used to treat cavities or tooth decay. The procedure involves removing the damaged or decayed part of the tooth and filling the area with a material, such as composite resin to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.filling procedure

Fillings are typically recommended when tooth decay is caught early and has not yet progressed to a more severe stage. If left untreated, decay can continue to spread and ultimately lead to tooth loss or the need for more extensive dental treatments such as root canals or dental crowns.

During a filling procedure, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth with local anesthesia, remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth with a drill, and then clean the area thoroughly to prepare it for the filling material. The filling material is then places in the prepared space and shaped to match the natural contours of the tooth. Finally, the filling is hardened with a special light and the tooth is polished.

It is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily and having regular dental check-ups, to prevent the development of cavities and the need for fillings.

 

 

Dental extractionsExtractions:

 Dental extractions are the removal of teeth from the mouth. Extractions may be necessary for several reasons, including severe decay, infection, or trauma. In some cases, teeth may also need to be extracted to make room for orthodontic treatment or due to wisdom teeth impaction. The extraction process typically involves numbing the area with local anesthesia and then carefully removing the tooth using specialized tools. Depending on the complexity of the extraction, patients may require additional sedation or pain management.

After the extraction, patients will be given instructions on how to care for the site and manage any pain or swelling. In most cases, patients can return to their regular activities for the rest of the day after the procedure.

Stainless Steel Crowns:All About Kids Dental Crowns - Shreveport Bossier Family Dental Care for Kids

Stainless steel crowns are pre-fabricated metal crowns that are used to restore a badly decayed or damaged tooth, typically in children. The crown covers the entire tooth, protecting it and preventing further damage. Stainless steel crowns are durable, long-lasting and cost effective compared to other types of crowns. They are also easy to place, requiring less preparation of the tooth compared compared to other types of crowns. Stainless steel crowns are commonly used for baby teeth that are likely to fall out in a few years. When the baby tooth falls out, the crown comes out with it, allowing the permanent tooth to grow in normally. 

Four levels of Sedation:

The four types of sedation commonly used in dentistry are:

Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas): It is inhaled through a mask and provides a mild level of sedation to help patients relax during dental procedures.

Oral Sedation: Involves taking an oral medication, usually a type of benzodiazepine, to achieve a moderate level of sedation.

Deep Sedation: Involves administering sedatives directly into the bloodstream through a vein, which provides a deeper level of sedation.

General Anesthesia: A deep level of sedation that causes patients to be unconscious and unaware of their surroundings. It is typically reserved for more complex dental procedures or for patients with special needs.

For more details and informational videos, click here.

Space Maintainers:Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are dental appliances used to preserve the space left by a prematurely lost tooth or primary teeth in children. They are typically used for children who still have their primary teeth but have lost one or more due to trauma or decay. The space maintainer prevents the surrounding teeth from shifting into the open space and causing orthodontic problems in the future. The type of space maintainer SmileTown uses is fixed and they are made of metal. Fixed space maintainers are cemented onto the adjacent teeth. The dentist will recommend the appropriate type of space maintainer based on the child’s individual needs.

Oral EducationOral Education:

Oral education involves teaching children and parents good oral hygiene practices to maintain healthy teeth and gums. This education can start at an early age and include topics such as proper brushing and flossing techniques, healthy eating habits and regular dental checkups. Oral education can also include information on the importance of fluoride and its benefits, as well as information on the potential risks of consuming sugary foods and drinks.

In addition to promoting good oral hygiene practices, oral education can also address the potential consequences of neglecting dental care, such as cavities, gum disease and tooth loss. This can motivate individuals to take better care of their teeth and gums and make regular dental checkups a priority. Overall, oral education is a critical component of maintaining good oral health throughout one’s lifetime. By promoting healthy habits and education children on the importance of regular dental care, we can help prevent many oral health problems and ensure healthy teeth and gums for years to come.

SmileTown goes to various schools across the Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge Region to present interactive presentations to promote oral health to children.

Tongue TieTongue Tie:

A lip tie or tongue occurs when the frenum, the small piece of tissue that connects the lips or tongue to the gums or floor of the mouth, is too tight or thick. This can cause issues with feeding, speaking and even breathing.

A lip tie is a condition where the frenum between the upper lip and gum is tight and restricts the upper lip’s movement. It can cause difficulty in breastfeeding, affect the development of the upper jaw and teeth and cause a gap between the two front teeth.

A tongue tie is a condition where the frenulum under the tongue is tight, causing difficulty in moving the tongue, affecting speech and causing issues with breastfeeding. If left untreated, a tongue tie can lead to dental issues, such as cavities, and gum disease and affect overall oral health.

A healthcare provider, such as our doctors in our Waterloo office, can. evaluate and diagnose lip and tongue ties. Treatment may involve a simple procedure to release the frenulum, allowing for better movement of the lip or tongue.

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