Proper oral care is the cornerstone of a happy and healthy future. At The Spot for Smiles, we provide proactive dental care for toddlers and children in Elk Grove and Folsom, CA.
We look forward to connecting with you and developing a long-lasting relationship with your child for years to come.
If your baby is having trouble breastfeeding, we recommend bringing in your little one for a consultation. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ian for a frenectomy procedure or read on to learn more.
Just like cleanings and exams for adults, pediatric cleanings and exams are fairly straightforward. Your child’s dental hygienist or dentist will clean their teeth and gums, then their dentist will carefully examine their mouth and any x-rays to look for potential issues with your child’s oral health or development.
You’ll have the opportunity during this visit to speak with your child’s dentist about what to expect during the various stages of their oral development, like when their teeth will be erupting, falling out, then erupting again as adult teeth. We will discuss proper techniques for at-home oral care and hygiene for different age groups, and even talk about nutrition and diet, and how it’s related to your child’s developing oral health.
Digital x-rays are fast, high-resolution images that capture your child’s jaw and tooth health. X-rays will only be recommended if your child’s dentist thinks they are necessary. For most cases, x-rays are taken every few years, however, your child’s dentist may recommend more if your child is at high risk for oral disease.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), a baby should see a dentist within six months of the eruption of their first tooth, or by age one. These early visits are essential for ensuring your child's teeth are developing properly. During these appointments, we'll also inform you of proper hygiene techniques to keep that little smile strong and healthy, along with nutritional guidance to keep cavities at bay.
At The Spot for Smiles, we understand that pediatric dental care requires attention to detail, patience, and a gentle touch. Our dental fillings are a key part of our services, helping to prevent tooth decay and maintain healthy smiles in children.
Dental sealants use a transparent liquid resin, which is applied directly to the teeth and is hardened using a UV light. This creates an impenetrable seal on your child’s tooth, which stops bacteria, acid, and food particles from causing cavities. This treatment is usually recommended specifically for cavity-prone rear teeth.
We know that your child being happy and healthy is the most important, and when they get little bumps in the road, it can be scary! Toothaches and damaged teeth can be a huge burden for kids. If they are needing a solution to damaged or decayed teeth, pediatric dental crowns can help. They are designed specifically to restore tiny teeth to their former function and look. Your child will no longer have discomfort and will have a solution that will last for years to come.
Cavities and toothaches are never fun, especially for your child. When it comes to treating decay in baby teeth, you may be wondering if there are alternatives to dental fillings. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a non-invasive procedure that doesn't require any drills or shots and can be completed in minutes. Painting on a layer of SDF to the affected tooth not only kills the bacteria that cause decay but also seals and remineralizes the tooth for added strength. If your little one has a cavity, fillings may not be the only option!
As your child grows, their baby teeth are destined to fall out to make room for their adult counterparts. But when they fall out too early, it can heighten the risk for orthodontic complications later on. We want your child to thrive, which is why we offer space maintenance, a solution that keeps your child's teeth from shifting and having misalignment issues as they erupt. If you are concerned about your child's baby teeth falling out, we can help them get a lifetime of healthy smiles.
If you are struggling with breastfeeding, you are not alone! When a child has extra tissue in their frenulum it decreases mobility. Luckily, this is an easy fix. Frenectomies can be a great solution to help you and your newborn thrive. If your doctor recommends a frenectomy, it's because they deem it necessary to improve your baby's quality of life. And while any surgical procedure can sound scary, frenectomies are a simple and painless procedure that can solve a complex problem.
If your child is suffering from a toothache, it may be a sign of an infection, but a pulpotomy may be able to relieve their discomfort in a single visit. Sometimes referred to as "baby root canals," pulpotomies can stop the infection in its tracks, restoring your little one's oral health and alleviating their pain and sensitivity, so they can get back smiling, laughing, and just being a kid.
Children can become fearful or anxious about specific dental procedures, making dentistry appointments more stressful. However, most dental offices provide several sedation levels for children, making the entire experience more comfortable. Nitrous oxide is among the sedation options we offer at The Spot for Smiles. The sedation method has few side effects and effectively allows children to relax during dental procedures.
When it comes to restoring your child's smile, tooth extractions are reserved as a last resort. We always strive to restore damaged teeth through other treatments whenever possible. But sometimes, an extraction is the best choice to get your child’s smile back on track. An extraction can eliminate your child’s discomfort, prevent further complications, and get them back to their normal, day-to-day routine. And with gentle techniques and sedation options, extractions can be quick and pain-free!
We want every child to feel welcome and every parent to feel assured that their kid is in capable hands. When you come to our practice, you can rest easy knowing we have knowledge and expertise in helping children with special needs. For kids with sensory sensitivity, Autism, and a variety of other conditions, we are equipped in providing the care they need. Get in touch today to see how we can accommodate you.
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