Regular Visits

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends having your child's teeth cleaned twice a year. Preventive dental exams, teeth cleaning and topical fluoride treatment are important tools used to maintain good dental health. The AAPD also recommends that children be seen for their first dental exam by their first birthday. However, children under the age of 3 years may be somewhat fearful and not ready to cooperate for teeth cleaning and topical fluoride treatment. Therefore, if your child is under the age of 3 years, the doctors will complete a full dental examination and familiarize your child with our staff and office.

Preventing dental decay begins when your child's very first tooth erupts, and it is important to familiarize yourself with the procedures available. While all children can benefit from dental exams, teeth cleaning and fluoride treatments, children that have permanent molars can further benefit from a preventive procedure known as dental sealants. Sealants are one of the most effective procedures available for preventing tooth decay in the biting surfaces of permanent teeth. Sealants are recommended for permanent molars, and the application is simple and painless.

Services

Fillings

VPD restores cavities using both silver amalgam and white composite materials. White fillings are filled composite resins that are aesthetically pleasing in every area of the mouth. Children's composite resins can be easily and effectively used to restore your child's teeth. VPD will make certain that your child is completely comfortable during the entire treatment procedure.

Root Canals

A cavity that involves the nerve (pulp) of the tooth may cause a child to experience intense pain. Although the pain may actually subside for a period of time using ibuprofen or antibiotics, it will return unless the tooth is properly treated. When the nerve of the tooth is infected, it must be treated to restore the child to good dental health.

Stainless Steel Crowns

Dental crowns are used to treat primary teeth that are structurally compromised because of extensive decay. Stainless steel dental crowns are used to treat back teeth because they are stronger than white crowns and able to withstand the biting force of the back molars. Dental crowns used to treat front teeth are white and aesthetically pleasing. Dental crowns are attached to the tooth and fall out naturally when the primary tooth is lost.

Professional Teeth Whitening

There are various teeth whitening products that can be used to whiten teeth for your older child. Professional teeth whitening products are somewhat expensive while over the counter products cost a bit less. You’ll have to decide if your child will follow the product recommendations.

Professional teeth whitening products require two separate office visits. At the first appointment, impressions are taken of the teeth that are to be whitened. The impressions are then made into clear, soft plastic trays that can be used with a bleaching gel compound to whiten the teeth. At the second appointment, the plastic trays are fit to the teeth and complete product instructions are reviewed. It will be important for your child to follow all recommendations to obtain the optimum results.

Over the counter products such as Crest White Strips are available in the dental hygiene area of grocery stores and discount centers. Over the counter products differ from whitening gels dispensed by a pediatric dentist in formulation and strength. However, if you are interested in a cost effective procedure and taking into consideration your child's willingness to thoroughly follow through, these products may be right for you.

Extractions

Dental extractions often bring anxious thoughts for both children and parents. However, with the use of anesthesia and management techniques the extraction procedure will be a comfortable experience. Your child will feel pressure during the tooth extraction, but he should not feel any pain. The entire dental extraction procedure will be explained to your child in "kid friendly" terms. We expect your child to be pleasantly surprised with the ease of the entire experience.

Mouth Guards

Habit appliances, mouth guards and night guards can be created for your child for sports and teeth grinding.