Like adult patients, our doctors will perform a thorough exam to determine if a dental filling for children is the best solution for their needs. With several different sedation options, we’ll ensure your child is calm and comfortable during the treatment to restore their smile.

Tooth-colored fillings seal the hole in the tooth caused by decay and prevent the further spread of disease, strengthening the tooth’s natural function once more. Using tooth-colored composite resin, the filling will blend seamlessly with your child’s naturally developing smile.

For both adult and developing smiles, fluoride is an effective treatment for preventing cavities and tooth decay and strengthening the enamel of your teeth. Fluoride treatments, provided by experienced doctors at Expert Dental, take only a few minutes to apply to teeth to protect your child’s smile in the long run.

To allow the teeth time to absorb the fluoride, your child will be instructed not to eat, drink, or rinse their mouths for at least 30 minutes following the treatment. Depending on your child’s oral health and need, a fluoride treatment may be recommended every three to six months.

The SMART (silver-modified atraumatic restorative treatment) method utilizes silver diamine fluoride (SDF), a blue-tinted liquid of fluoride and silver ions, to kill bacteria that cause cavities.

Noninvasive, fast, and effective, this treatment stops cavities from growing and allows fixing the teeth to be put off until your child is a bit older and would have an easier time sitting through treatment. This procedure is also the only treatment needed if the cavities are small.

Sometimes, brushing isn’t enough to reach the hard-to-reach areas in your child’s mouth, especially the small cracks and grooves where bacteria can cause tooth decay. Utilizing dental sealants for children gives their teeth an extra layer of protection.

These hard plastic resins bond with the deep grooves of the tooth’s surface and seal against tooth decay. Sealants are typically applied to the child’s permanent teeth, but this can be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

There are several solutions when a tooth extraction for children is necessary. Sometimes, a baby tooth is misshapen or has longer roots, preventing it from falling out naturally, or a tooth could have developed decay to the point of endangering the surrounding teeth.

Infected teeth, preparation for orthodontic appliances, or an impacted wisdom tooth can also require a tooth extraction.

Expert Dental is proud to provide frenectomy treatment to infants and children with tongue and lip ties (ankyloglossia). Tongue and lip ties can occur when the frenulum—a band of tissue that attaches the lips and/or tongue to the mouth—is excessively thick and prevents proper movement.

This restriction can interfere with oral functions such as eating, breastfeeding, and speech. A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases tongue or lip ties. The frenulum will then heal, and normal oral function is restored. Our procedure is gentle and reliable, with a quick recovery time.

If your child’s tooth has fallen out too soon due to an accident or decay, it’s important to maintain this space to avoid issues or further space loss when their permanent teeth come in.

Baby teeth can start to shift, impede the growth of permanent teeth, and require orthodontic treatment in the future. Utilizing a space maintainer, either crafted to be removable or cemented to the teeth, we can ensure proper alignment for your child’s future smile.

A lip and cheek bumper is another way to create space in your child’s mouth to avoid dental issues in the future. This orthodontic appliance makes room for the lower teeth by creating a small barrier between the lips, cheeks, and teeth muscles. Because the lips and cheeks can exert an excessive force that holds the teeth in position and prevents them from moving forward, this treatment allows them to shift forward and become uncrowded.

Small tubes in bands anchored around the molars connect the bumper to the teeth. This appliance can be removed for cleaning and brushing teeth but will be worn constantly. When first wearing the appliance, your child may experience a short adjustment period, but this should only last a few days.

While most children suck their thumbs passively and break the habit by two to four years old, aggressive sucking that is still present when your child’s permanent teeth start to come through can cause future oral health issues. Excess thumb-sucking can pressure the mouth and teeth and cause problems with alignment and proper mouth growth.

This habit can also change the shape of the face and require orthodontic treatment in the future. If you suspect your child’s thumb sucking is impacting their oral health, call our office to schedule a visit, and we’ll help assess the situation and design a treatment plan.

Sleep apnea in children can be more difficult to detect than in adults. Thankfully, your dentist can help with this due to their experience with the oral cavity. Our doctors are trained in sleep apnea treatment for children by looking for symptoms, including frequent night waking, loud, habitual snoring, mouth breathing, enlarged tonsils, excessive night sweating, and morning headaches.

In most cases, your doctor will recommend a non-surgical treatment, such as an orthodontic appliance, to help relieve symptoms and correct the root cause of your child’s sleep apnea.

Oral myofunctional disorder (OMD) is when the muscles in the mouth and face are underdeveloped, impacting your child’s ability to speak, swallow, and keep their mouth closed while sleeping or resting. Excessive pacifier use or thumb sucking can also lead to OMD.

Your dentist can help your child overcome the hurdles keeping them from using their mouth properly by identifying and diagnosing the issue early. Bi-annual exams and regular cleanings will help your doctor monitor your child’s developing oral structures and ensure they meet dental milestones.

If your child has special needs, they may be at a higher risk for tooth decay and dental disease. Specific services and extra care may be needed to ensure your child retains optimal oral health and development.

Our doctors are experienced in treating and guiding children with special needs and delivering the quality care they need to feel safe and comfortable at the dentist. Our staff are dedicated to helping your child achieve oral health and prioritizing their comfort and unique needs.

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a reliable and safe sedation method for children. Administered through a small mask that fits over your child’s nose, nitrous oxide helps calm their nerves and keeps them comfortable and still during treatment.

As your child breathes through their nose and the gas begins to take effect, your child will still be conscious and able to communicate with you and the dental team. After treatment, the mask will be removed, and your child will breathe regular oxygen again while the effects of the nitrous oxide wear off.