Regular pediatric dental exams and cleanings are essential for maintaining your child’s oral health. During these visits, Dr. Rich and our team will thoroughly examine your child's teeth and gums, check for any signs of decay or problems, and provide cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup. These cleanings help keep teeth healthy and bright, while exams ensure that any potential issues are caught early. Establishing a routine of regular check-ups helps your child develop good oral hygiene habits, allows us to monitor their growth, and keep their dental development on track. We strive to make each visit so positive and enjoyable that your child will be excited to return, laying a foundation for a lifetime of anxiety-free dental care.

When it comes to treating cavities in children, fillings are a common and effective solution. If your child needs a filling Dr. Rich will remove the decayed part of the tooth and then fill the space with a material that restores the tooth’s strength and function. For our pediatric patients, fillings are tooth colored composite resin which are both durable and safe. The process is usually quick and helps prevent further decay, allowing your child to maintain a healthy smile.

Dental X-rays are essential for monitoring your child’s oral health by providing detailed images of their teeth and jaw. They help Dr. Rich detect issues that aren’t visible during a routine exam, such as cavities between teeth or developmental concerns. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) states, “Dental radiographs (X-rays) are a safe and effective diagnostic tool, with minimal radiation exposure.” Modern X-ray technology ensures that radiation exposure is extremely low, making the procedure very safe. The benefits of accurate diagnosis and treatment far outweigh the minimal risks, helping us provide the best care for your child’s dental needs.

Dental sealants are a great preventive measure for keeping your child’s teeth healthy. Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities are most likely to form. They act as a barrier, sealing out food and bacteria that can cause decay. The process is quick and painless, and sealants can last several years with proper care. By getting sealants, you’re giving your child an extra layer of protection to help keep their smile healthy and cavity-free.

Pediatric stainless steel and porcelain crowns are a valuable solution for restoring and protecting your child’s teeth, especially when there is significant decay or damage. These crowns are durable and designed to cover the entire tooth, providing a strong barrier against further decay and ensuring the tooth’s function and appearance are maintained. They are often used on back teeth that are hard to restore with other methods. Stainless steel crowns are pre-formed to fit the tooth perfectly and are cemented in place, making the process quick and effective.

Tooth extractions might be needed for your child if a tooth is severely decayed, damaged, or causing alignment issues. Dr. Rich has specialized training and skill to perform extractions with a focus on making the experience as comfortable and safe as possible. Using local anesthesia, along with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and TVs to keep kids entertained, Dr. Rich ensures that the procedure is usually painless and stress-free. After the extraction, we provide clear instructions on how to care for the area to support a smooth recovery. This approach helps maintain your child’s oral health and paves the way for future dental treatments or the natural eruption of permanent teeth.

Space maintenance is an important aspect of pediatric dental care, especially when a primary (baby) tooth is lost early due to decay or injury. The purpose of space maintenance is to hold the space open for the permanent tooth that will eventually come in, ensuring proper alignment and development of the adult teeth. Without a space maintainer, neighboring teeth may shift into the empty space, potentially causing misalignment and other dental issues. Dr. Rich will carefully evaluate your child’s needs and recommend the best type of space maintainer to fit their specific situation. This proactive measure helps support your child’s dental health and promotes a healthy bite as they grow.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF), is a valuable treatment option for managing cavities in children’s teeth. SDF is a liquid applied to affected areas to help stop cavity progression and strengthen the tooth structure. This treatment is effective in preventing further decay and can reduce the need for more invasive procedures in the future. While SDF may cause the treated areas to darken, it is a safe and beneficial choice for your child’s oral health.