Dental Cleanings (aka Prophylaxis)

Regular cleanings help keep gums healthy and teeth cavity-free. A dental cleaning includes the removal of tartar and plaque and having the polished to remove stains and further buildups of plaque that are not removed when regular tooth brushing is performed.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a natural substance that helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay. Fluoride treatments are administered at the office. It is applied to the teeth in a gel, foam or varnish form.

Oral Hygiene Instructions

During a regular check-up, oral hygiene instructions are given to both patient and parent to reduce the risk of plaque and tartar build-up, as well as cavities. Instructions include, but are not limited to proper brushing techniques, flossing, and using mouth rinses.

Dental Sealants

Sealants protect your child’s teeth from decay. Sealants are placed on the biting surfaces of premolars and molars to seal the grooves and pits of the teeth. The teeth are prepped for the sealant application and the sealant is painted directly on the chewing surface of the teeth and then hardens. Sealants are applied in one visit.

Comprehensive Oral Evaluation

An oral evaluation is recommended every six (6) months to diagnose cavities and other dental problems. During an oral evaluation, a thorough examination is done to check the hard and soft tissues of the mouth.

Dental Radiographs (x-rays)

Dental X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool used to identify decay, extra teeth, bone defects, tumors, cysts and check the progress of previous procedures. Latest technology now allows for digital X-rays, which reduce radiation exposure more than 50 percent and produce instant, high-quality images that can be viewed immediately by the dentist and the patient.

Nitrous Oxide

Our team at DCPD may recognize that your child seems nervous before or during treatment. If this occurs, we may recommend nitrous oxide as a way to help make your child’s dental appointment more comfortable. Nitrous oxide is often called “laughing gas,” and is a blend of two gases-oxygen and nitrous oxide. It is inhaled through the nose, and after just a few minutes the child experiences a sense of calm relaxation. Throughout the sedation, your child will remain awake. At the end of the appointment, the nitrous leaves the body after a few minutes of breathing fresh air. Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen is perhaps the safest in-office sedative in dentistry.

Nitrous oxide/oxygen is not useful for some children, especially those who have severe anxiety, nasal congestion, or extensive treatment needs. For these patients, Dr. Korie can discuss the risk and benefits of other sedation methods that may be right for your child.

In-Office Oral Sedation

Oral Sedation is a liquid medication (Versed) that should make your child feel sleepy within minutes to an hour after in office administration. It is possible for some children to experience the opposite effect and become excited and/or irritable after taking the medicine. Your child will not be asleep during the procedure. The benefit for some children is that oral sedation can cause amnesia like effect. Your child will also have a local anesthetic delivered to the area being treated so they will have to be watched closely for 4 to 5 hours following the procedure to be sure they do not chew their lip, tongue, or cheek. Most children cry throughout the treatment and this should be anticipated. Protective stabilization is used to keep your child safe during the procedure. Children must be healthy and have had no food or drink after midnight the night before the appointment.

Pros:

• The child will have little to no memory of the appointment

• Lessens the number of appointments the child will need to complete treatment

Cons:

• The child may be combative and may yell during treatment

• It is generally more expensive than a nitrous appointment as most insurance companies will not cover sedation

• The patient is numb and will need to be closely watched following the procedure

General Anesthesia in Hospital/Outpatient Setting

Anesthesia medicine delivered by a Board Certified Pediatric Anesthesiologist while Dr. Korie performs all necessary dental treatment in this one visit. There is generally no local anesthesia required, so there is no concern regarding your child chewing their lip or cheek following the appointment. We are able to take any necessary x-rays if we have been unable to get them in the past due to age or cooperation. This may result in a change in the original treatment plan given at the child’s examination visit but can benefit the child by reducing the need for additional future procedures. The child is given a pre-medication while sitting on his/her parent’s lap, once it takes effect, the child is moved to the operating room. After treatment is completed, the child wakes up with a nurse and parent in the room. They have no memory of the treatment.

Composite (white) Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings are the most lifelike material used to fill cavities. Composite fillings can be done in one visit. Once the decay is removed from the tooth, it is filled with this composite material and will harden immediately with the use of our curing light.

Amalgam (silver) Fillings

Amalgam fillings are strong and durable. Amalgam fillings can be done in one visit. Once the decay is removed from the tooth, it is filled with this amalgam material and hardens immediately.

Pulp Treatment (aka Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy/Baby Root Canals)

If the inside of the tooth, known as the dental pulp, is affected it will gradually become infected if the decay/bacteria is left within the tooth. Root canals involve treating decay inside of the tooth. The process involves removing the pulp, cleaning out the canals, and packing the canals with material that will help restore the tooth until it is time for it to exfoliate (or fall out on its own naturally).

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a restoration that covers the entire tooth, restoring it to its normal size and shape. Crowns are necessary when the tooth is broken down to the point where a filling won’t be effective and if a pulp treatment is performed. In order to effectively place a crown, tooth structure may be taken away to help create an adequate fit.

Extractions

A dental extraction is the removal of extremely decayed or broken teeth. To perform an extraction, the area is anesthetized to minimize discomfort and the tooth is then moved in small circles until it is released from its socket.

Bonding

Cosmetic bonding is the process of filling or restoring teeth with a tooth-colored material in order to maintain its natural appearance. In order to bond a tooth, tooth-colored material is added to the tooth to build it up.Item description

Habit Appliance

A habit appliance is useful to help stop a thumb or finger habit and/or to help re-train an improper tongue position or swallowing pattern. It is necessary to place an appliance to minimize the harm and distortion the habits or tongue posture can have on teeth. Most habit appliances are banded for adhesion to the back molars and are not removable.

Space Maintenance

Space maintainers are used to keep teeth from drifting into an empty tooth space due to early loss of primary (baby) teeth. Baby teeth act as a guide for the eruption of the permanent teeth. A space maintainer is made of stainless steel and/or plastic. It can be removable or fixed to the teeth.Item description