Pediatric Dentistry - Rome, GA

When Should I First Bring My Child to the Dentist?

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.

Infant to Adolescent Preventive Care

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!

Dental Sealants

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

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.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

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.

Pediatric Dental Crowns

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.

Pulp Therapy

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.

Tooth Extractions

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.

Sedation Dentistry

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:

• Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Nitrous oxide sedation, also known as “laughing gas,” involves your child wearing a nosepiece that allows them to breathe in a colorless, odorless mixture of gas and oxygen. They will feel more relaxed and calm in just a few minutes. After the gas is cut off, the effects quickly wear off.
• Oral Conscious Sedation: If your child is especially fearful or has a more complex treatment, oral conscious sedation could be an ideal option. It allows your child to experience an even deeper state of relaxation, but they remain conscious. This “no needle” approach is great for children with anxiety related to the dental office.