Children’s Dental Services - Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

Children’s Dental Services

Pediatric dental services can offer you something that you just can’t get from a general dentist. Pediatric dentists are specialists that are dedicated to the oral health of infants, children, adolescents and patients with special needs. The following pediatric dental services are available at Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.

 

Laser Dentistry

Dr. Nam is happy to offer the best of what’s new in dental technology with laser dentistry. Dr. Nam is currently the only dentist in Colorado we are aware of that can offer you this high-tech laser treatment. Laser dentistry is accomplishing what dentists (and scientists) have been working hard to accomplish for years — making a cavity procedure drill-free and shot-free. Laser dentistry also offers treatment for canker sores and tongue and lip ties (frenectomies).

 

Planmeca 3d XraysDigital X-Rays (Radiographs)

Children need x-rays more often than adults because of how quickly their mouths grow and change. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends x-ray examinations every 6 months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. We use digital radiography which is not only faster at collecting images, but safer. Digital x-rays use approximately 1/4 the radiation of the traditional dental x-rays.  

 

Tooth Colored Fillings (Composite Resin)

Tooth colored fillings are used to restore front or back teeth or where cosmetic appearance is important. Composites are used to repair fractured teeth and/or areas of decay. The shade of the composite restorative material is matched as closely as possible to the color of the natural teeth.

 

Dental Cleaning (Prophylaxis)

Teeth are thoroughly cleaned to remove plaque and calculus (hard tarter deposits), which can cause cavities and gum disease via a thorough dental cleaning. For a healthy child, theAmerican Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a visit to the pediatric dentist at least every 6 months to assess your child’s oral health and development. However, if your child has special needs or is more predisposed to dental caries, Dr. Nam may recommend more cleanings/exams. Fluoride is applied to the teeth following a cleaning to help protect and strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent decay.  

 

Fluoride

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), fluoride is one of the key reasons that tooth decay over the last several years has been significantly reduced. The use of fluoride is important for both children and adults in the fight against cavities and tooth decay.

 

Extractions (Tooth Removal)

Extractions are done only as a last resort in the case of severe tooth infection. If a primary molar is removed prematurely, a space maintainer will be placed. Some extractions are needed for orthodontic reasons to help facilitate tooth alignment when crowded teeth are present.  

 

Dental Sealants

Dental Sealant

Dental Sealant Before and After

A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating (usually clear or white in color) that is applied to the chewing surface of your tooth, which shields the enamel from further decay by “sealing out” food, plaque and bacteria. Dental sealants are meant to prevent the need for dental fillings, and require no drilling to the enamel or dentin in order to be applied. The great thing about dental sealants is that they are invisible — no one will even notice they are there, but they can make a big difference in whether or not your tooth gets a cavity or not. Just remember, good oral hygiene and diet are still very important in helping prevent cavities.