Laser Dentistry
The laser is a device that is changing dentistry. Fillings can be completed without the use of dental injections. Children who fear needles can receive treatment without a “shot.” This technique almost totally eliminates the possibility that patients will bite their lips after traditional treatment with local anesthesia. The laser creates a light beam of energy. The beam mixes with a stream of water. This “charged” water removes the decay. Children can eat immediately and often don’t even need pain control medications after the procedure. Not all cavities can be treated in this manner, but lasers have helped millions of children experience pleasant visits.
Digital X-rays
Dental X-rays provide valuable information about structures that are not visible during a regular exam. Bitewing X-rays are used to diagnose cavities that form between the teeth. The presence of cavities as well as their size can be detected. The growth pattern of erupting permanent teeth, bone diseases, infections, and tumors can be visualized. X-rays are also used to help plan space maintenance and orthodontic treatment. The digital system that Pediatric Dentistry of Central Ohio uses has 80% less radiation than traditional dental film X-rays.
Sealants
A sealant is a hard coating that fills the grooves on the back teeth (molars). This thin layer is placed on the chewing surfaces and keeps bacteria and food out of these grooves. The sealant is tooth-colored and placement does not require drilling or local anesthesia. The tooth is cleaned and an etching gel is applied for a few seconds. After washing the tooth, it is dried and the sealant is applied. It is set with a special curing light. The child can eat immediately.
Nerve Treatment or Pulpotomy
The nerve is a sterile compartment inside the tooth. When decay enters this area, the nerve becomes infected. It is often desirable to save such teeth rather than remove them as they help with chewing and hold the proper space for the eruption of permanent teeth. In primary (baby) teeth, the infected part of the nerve is removed. The area is cleaned and medication is placed inside the tooth. In most cases, the tooth will heal and remain stable until it is lost several years later. Surprisingly, this treatment can be quite comfortable for children. Usually, only local anesthesia is needed. Children do well with just over-the-counter pain medications after the treatment.
Crowns
When a primary (baby) tooth has a large cavity, a large crack, or has weak enamel, a crown is used to restore the tooth. In such cases, the primary tooth may not have enough strength to support a large filling. Crowns are restorations that completely cover the tooth. Stainless steel crowns {silver) or zirconium crowns (white) can be used in the posterior (back) teeth. White, plastic crowns are often used in the anterior (front) teeth.
Fluoride
When a primary (baby) tooth has a large cavity, a large crack, or has weak enamel, a crown is used to restore the tooth. In such cases, the primary tooth may not have enough strength to support a large filling. Crowns are restorations that completely cover the tooth. Stainless steel crowns {silver) or zirconium crowns (white) can be used in the posterior (back) teeth. White, plastic crowns are often used in the anterior (front) teeth.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” is used to relax patients. It creates a feeling of happiness and relaxation when inhaled through a nasal mask. Laughing gas is non-allergic and is a safe sedative that works quickly. When the procedure is over, oxygen is used to flush the nitrous oxide out of the body. Children can resume normal activities including sports soon after their dental visit. Children should not have food or liquids, especially milk or orange juice, for two hours prior to the visit.