At Weldon Dental of Rome, we are proud to have our very own pediatric dentist! Dr. Leigh Weldon is a specialist in pediatric dentistry. She has all the training and knowledge to treat growing smiles. It is her goal to create a fun, educational environment for children so they can learn everything they need to know about maintaining healthy, happy smiles!
It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) that children see a dentist when their first tooth erupts or when they turn one – whichever happens first. Early dental visits are helpful because children get used to the environment at a young age. This decreases their probability of having stress or anxiety related to visiting the dentist when they get older. During visits with younger patients, Dr. Weldon will monitor growth and development and educate on how to properly care for your child’s smile.
Regular cleanings and checkups every six months are just as important for children as they are for adults – especially because their smiles are still developing! Without routine visits, small issues can progress to much bigger ones down the road. At each of your child’s cleanings and checkups, we will thoroughly examine their smile. If any issues come up, we will discuss them with you and work together to create the best treatment plan to meet their needs. We will also clear away any plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and along the gumline. This way, they can leave the office with a fresh smile!
One of the most common issues that children experience is cavities. In fact, it is the most common chronic disease in children. While many factors can contribute to this, many times it is because children haven’t quite mastered the correct technique of brushing and flossing. Food debris and plaque accumulate, leading to bacteria eroding the enamel and causing cavities. Dental sealants are clear, protective coverings to keep debris from accumulating and causing cavities.
Silver Diamine Fluoride is an FDA-approved liquid that can be applied to teeth to stop a cavity from progressing as well as protect from the threat of future decay. We simply clean the tooth and brush the liquid onto the affected area. The Silver Diamine Fluoride will be allowed to air dry. The whole process only takes a few minutes.
We prefer to prevent cavities from developing in the first place, but there are instances where they still occur, especially for younger children. Fortunately, we can use tooth-colored fillings to rebuild the structure of the teeth and prevent decay from worsening. Tooth-colored fillings blend in with the rest of the tooth, so they won’t be visible to others. It will just look like natural tooth enamel.
When a tooth has suffered from decay or is otherwise structurally compromised, dental crowns can come in handy. They cover the chewing surface of the tooth to provide protection. This way, the tooth is unlikely to be damaged more in the future. Pediatric dental crowns are more durable than fillings, so they are ideal for more extensive damage. They tend to last until it’s time for the baby tooth to fall out.
If your child has been suffering from tooth pain, it’s possible that there could be an issue with the pulp beneath their enamel. During pulp therapy, we will remove the infected tissues inside the tooth to stop the discomfort and prevent additional damage. We will clean and sanitize the tooth and restore the structure. Our goal is to stop your child’s pain without the need for a tooth extraction.
It’s never a dentist’s first choice, but sometimes tooth extractions are necessary to preserve the health of the rest of your child’s smile. Extractions are sometimes needed when teeth are severely decayed, injured, or interrupting the development of permanent teeth. We will numb the area before getting started. Sedation options are also available for optimal comfort.
It can be difficult for children to sit still for a long time to undergo dental treatment. Many children also feel anxious and scared at the dentist. Fortunately, we offer two different sedation options to help your child feel more comfortable and relaxed during their visit:
Kids are prone to accidents, including dental emergencies. Still, we’re ready and well-equipped for children’s urgent oral issues. Dr. Weldon can address many tooth-related incidents – toothaches, knocked-out teeth, and more. As such, our office will quickly and smoothly heal your child’s smile. Just call us to book a same-day appointment and get crucial help!
Learn More About Pediatric Emergency Dentistry
On an ongoing basis, we may recommend having new X-rays taken. That’s because we want to catch tooth decay and other oral health problems at the earliest possible stage. Plus, X-rays allow us to see what’s going on under the surface, like how your child’s wisdom teeth are developing. Since we use digital X-rays, this process is not only safer, but it’s more efficient too.
The best way to protect your child’s smile from harm on the field, mat, or court is by getting them an athletic mouthguard. Encourage them to wear it during games and practices so that their teeth and gums are always protected. Furthermore, make sure they wear it during solo sports, like skateboarding or cycling, since it only takes one bad fall for them to sustain a serious dental injury.
Parents often wonder why baby teeth are important. After all, aren’t they supposed to fall out? Although the answer is “yes,” it’s crucial that they don’t fall out too soon. Not only do they help your child chew efficiently, enunciate clearly, and smile confidently, but they also preserve the space for the adult tooth. Simply put, taking care of your child’s baby teeth is vital and, if one comes out prematurely, that warrants an immediate call to our Rome dental office.
When your child is really little, thumb-sucking is completely normal and nothing to be concerned about. If they are still engaging in this self-soothing habit when they are 5+, then it’s worth setting some time aside to talk to our pediatric dentist. They can give you some helpful tips on how to break the habit so that it doesn’t negatively impact the look, health, and function of your child’s smile.
Wisdom teeth typically grow in between the ages of 16 and 25. However, we will begin monitoring their development much sooner to make sure they aren’t growing in sideways. If they are, or there simply isn’t enough room in your child’s mouth, then we will recommend having them removed. Rest assured, we will thoroughly numb their mouth so they don’t feel any discomfort in the treatment chair. Then, we will provide you with helpful aftercare instructions so they heal with minimal soreness.
Weldon Dental of Rome can be found along Martha Berry Blvd NE, near the intersection of N 5th Ave and W 11th Street. We’re only minutes away from the Publix Super Market at Charles High Square, Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, and Heritage Park. If you see Divine Salon & Spa or The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, you’re in the right place! We can’t wait to welcome you in soon and help you get started on a brighter, healthier smile.
