At Kiddie Cavity Care, the dentists have that specialized training, and we're happy to be able to provide the kind of dental care for infants, children, teenagers and children/adults with special needs that help them establish and maintain healthy teeth and gums. Our skilled and nurturing staff will educate your child, the parent, and caregivers on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, ultimately establishing a positive foundation that will encourage him/her to continue a healthy routine as they move toward adulthood. This includes teaching them how to brush their teeth properly, how to floss, and what to do to avoid cavities and other tooth problems.

At Kiddie Cavity Care, we work hard to make every visit to the dentist a positive one for our patients so that they'll always feel comfortable about seeking dental care. We know how to talk to children in a way that they can understand, which helps them to feel that they're a part of their own dental care and not just passive recipients. Ideally, dental care should start when a child is as young as one year old, but it's never too late to start, which is why we welcome patients from infants to teens.

Listed below are the most common pediatric dental services offered by Kiddie Cavity Care:

Examination:

An examination involves more than looking at teeth. The health history reviews the general health of your child and indicates whether there is any need for special dental care. The examination will chart health and disease and is used to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan for your child.

Cleaning and Fluoride:

Teeth are cleaned to remove plaque (bacteria) and calculus (hard plaque) that can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Topical fluoride is applied to the teeth to make them stronger and more resistant to tooth decay. A thorough cleaning and fluoride treatment every six months has been shown to be an extremely effective way to prevent dental disease.

Oral Hygiene Instructions:

Prevention is the most important part of our practice. We will provide you and your child with dental hygiene instructions that will help maintain good oral health at home.

Bitewing Radiographs:

Bitewings are used to determine the health of the teeth and bone. Cavities and unusual tooth shape and size are apparent on the bitewings.

Panoramic Radiographs:

A panoramic radiograph provides an overall view of your child's mouth and jaws. It reveals missing permanent teeth, extra teeth, abnormal growths, and other problems. A panoramic is normally taken every 3 - 5 years in 3 stages of dental development.

Sealants:

The chewing surfaces of children's teeth are the most susceptible to cavities and least benefited by fluorides. Sealants (plastic coatings) are applied to the tops of teeth and are highly effective in preventing tooth decay.

Tooth-Colored Fillings:

These restorations are used to restore front teeth or where cosmetic appearance is important. Tooth-colored fillings are used to repair fractured teeth and/or areas of decay. The shade of restorative material is matched as closely as possible to the color of the natural teeth. Tooth-colored fillings may also be used for back teeth. Composites require excellent hygiene following restorations on teeth.

Stainless Steel Crowns:

These are used to restore back teeth that are too badly decayed to hold silver fillings.

Pulp Treatment:

This is necessary when decay has spread to the nerve of the tooth. The procedure consists of treating the nerve of the tooth to avoid extracting the tooth.

Extractions:

These are done only as a last resort. If a primary molar is removed prematurely, a space maintainer will be placed. Teeth may also be extracted for orthodontic reasons.

Space Maintainers:

These are used when a primary tooth has been prematurely lost to hold space for the permanent tooth. If space is not maintained, teeth on either side of the extraction site can drift into the space and prevent the permanent tooth from erupting.

Laughing Gas:

May be required to relax very apprehensive patients and patients with gag reflexes.

Conscious Sedation:

Young children who are very anxious may require in-office sedation. Parents will be given more detailed information.

General Anesthesia:

Children with extensive dental needs and special medical conditions may require treatment in the hospital or office under general anesthesia. Parents will be given more detailed information.

Orthodontics:

Although not an orthodontist, Dr. Altmon has taken extensive training in providing orthodontic services for our patients. Dr. Altmon is most expert in the interception of developing orthodontic problems. We will guide you through the process of your child’s developing occlusion (bite and crowding issues).