Pediatric Dentistry
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend your child's first dental visit is within 6 months of their first tooth or age 1, whichever is first. This first visit will include an exam of your child's teeth to ensure no cavities and proper development. However, the most important part of this first visit is getting your child comfortable with the dental office, and provide you with information on how to prevent cavities in your child's teeth.
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Cavities in children's teeth are the most prevalent chronic disease in children. The importance of preventing and treating cavities in children's teeth are to prevent pain and infection, preserve space for adult teeth, and to help avoid children from missing school.
Cleanings and Exams
The most important part of your child's dental health are regular cleanings and exams to teach proper oral hygiene. At Brookings Family Dentistry, we emphasize prevention, as that is the best way to protect and maintain healthy smiles at all ages. Our hygienists have extensive experience helping children to achieve our goal.
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Nitrous Oxide
More commonly known as "Laughing Gas", safely allows your child to be more relaxed for dental work that is needed. We understand that dental visits can be stressful for some children and we want the best experience possible for your child.
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Fillings
Despite our best efforts, we understand that sometimes children get cavities. In most cases, fillings are recommended to repair these cavities. We want to complete treatment when cavities are small, which is why regular 6 month checkups are so important. We are able to restore your child's cavities with a white filling material that has constant fluoride release, helping to protect the restoration.
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Stainless Steel Crowns
Occasionally, when children's cavities are large, we need more than just a filling to restore and protect the tooth. That is when a crown is recommended to protect your child's tooth for additional longevity. Unlike adult crowns, child crowns can be placed quickly, usually in less than 15 minutes.
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Space Maintenance
In the event that your child needs to have to have a tooth removed, it is often necessary to hold space for the adult tooth. This is accomplished by a space maintainer made in office or by the lab. It is important that we hold the space for the adult teeth to erupt into their correct position.