Our goal is for our patients to require as the least amount of dental treatment possible. Children who enter adulthood with the fewest restored teeth will enjoy the lowest risk of future problems.
Sealants can dramatically reduce the number of cavities a child might develop over the course of their childhood. On the chewing surface of molars, deep grooves run into the center of the teeth. Under a microscope, these crevices might look like a deep canyon. In fact, most of them are narrower than a single toothbrush bristle but wide enough for bacteria to hide. It's easy to see how cavities can form in such a perfect hideout.
If the grooves in permanent molars are sealed at a young age, the risk of decay occurring on the chewing surfaces decreases dramatically. Fortunately, this procedure can be done quickly and without any discomfort or anesthetic. The sealant material creates a smooth surface, filling in the grooves, making the biting surface easier for little hands to keep clean. A resin material is flowed over the grooves and sealed quickly with a blue activating light. Within a few minutes, your child’s teeth are protected against cavities.
Sealants only last a few years and may need to be repaired or replaced periodically. But research confirms a 90% reduction in tooth decay along the chewing surface in sealed molars. This cost-effective, simple step may help your child enter adulthood with fewer fillings and less risk of significant dentistry in the future.
Parents know that teen years present unique challenges. When it comes to dental health, rapid changes influence adolescents moving into adulthood. Cavity activity can suddenly accelerate with more independence in food and drink habits. Concurrently, oral hygiene activity sometimes becomes inconsistent. A good partnership with our team can set your teen up for a lifetime of benefits.
Deep crevices run across the chewing surface of molars. Even though a toothbrush can skim across these surfaces, the narrow grooves trap bacteria beyond the bristles. Cavities may form and end up abscessing without warning, destroying valuable tooth structure. Protecting the grooves with a bonded sealer might be worth exploring.
Metal grins fill the pages of many high school yearbooks. But braces offer benefits at many different stages of life. Identifying problems at an early age often allows ideal timing in orthodontic treatment, resulting in a perfect outcome. Monitoring growth and development at your child's regular preventive visits is just part of our commitment to your family's dental health.
Studies have shown that the earlier a child receives their first dental exam, the less dental treatment was needed during their youth. We recommend oral exams for children when their first tooth erupts.
Routine cleanings and exams are necessary to make sure your child's teeth stay healthy throughout childhood. Dr. Maher recommends two cleanings a year to maintain optimal oral health.
Pediatric x-rays allow Dr. Maher to get a view of your child's teeth and jaws that they can't see with their eyes while keeping radiation exposure to a minimum.
Regular fluoride treatments help reduce your child's risk of developing cavities and can remineralize areas where decay is starting. Dr. Maher believes regular fluoride treatments are an important part of treatment for most children.
Silver Diamine Fluoride, or SDF, is a safe, noninvasive treatment that can stop decay in its tracks postponing the need for a permanent restoration, at least for a little while.
Restorative dentistry includes fillings, crowns, and other procedures that help restore a tooth to its original function. Dentistry for Children offers many restorative procedures to help your child smile with confidence!
At Dentistry for Children, we explain all procedures so that your child can know what to expect at their appointment. If your child has severe anxiety, we offer sedation options to put them at ease.
Root canals on baby teeth can relieve a child's pain and preserve a tooth until it's ready to come out on its own. Dr. Maher can help you decide if a baby root canal is right for your child.
Our practice's treatment rooms are designed to accommodate children with special needs so we can administer care in an environment that is accessible and comfortable for your child.
Sports mouthguards prevent dental injuries when worn during contact sports or other potentially dangerous activities. A custom-fit mouthguard can save your child's teeth and prevent extensive dental treatment.
Tooth-colored fillings offer a durable, more natural-looking option for your child's restorations. Made from composite resin, they are strong, durable, and perfect for smaller teeth.
While we focus on helping your child keep their teeth for a lifetime, sometimes an extraction is necessary. Whether it's extensive decay, overcrowding, or an impacted tooth, Dr. Maher can help you and your child understand the procedure and answer any questions you have.
Monday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Do you have questions or want to get started? Let's Chat!