Our Services

We are moving from a traditional repair model to a patient-centric care model. Rather than mindlessly finding and fixing cavities, we take a nuanced approach. We focus on prevention and aim to be conservative when we can and proactive when necessary to provide every child with the best start in life.

Our practice is centered around the belief that a healthy mouth means more laughter and smiles and fewer sleepless nights and missed school days.

Step 1: Comprehensive exam (+ personal care plan)

  • A comprehensive oral examination is a thorough check-up of your child's mouth to make sure everything is healthy and working properly. During the examination, the dentist will look at your child's teeth, gums, tongue, and other parts of the mouth to check for any problems like cavities, gum disease, or other issues. They may also take x-rays or other tests to get a better look at the teeth and bones. This examination helps the dentist to identify any problems early and create a treatment plan if needed. It's a great way to keep your child's mouth healthy and prevent any future dental issues.

  • Cleaning, fluoride, and x-rays are three important dental procedures that can help keep your child's teeth healthy and strong.

    During a cleaning, our dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from your child's teeth, which can help prevent cavities and gum disease.

    Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. It is applied directly to the teeth after a cleaning.

    X-rays are used to take pictures of your child's teeth, allowing the dentist to see any hidden issues like cavities or problems with the roots or bones.

  • Dental sealants are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities are common. They create a barrier that prevents food and bacteria from getting stuck in the crevices and pits of the teeth, reducing the likelihood of cavities. The process is painless and quick, and sealants can last for several years. They're an effective way to protect your child's teeth from decay and maintain good oral health.

  • A second opinion is when you ask another dentist to review your child's dental diagnosis, treatment plan or proposed procedure. It's always a good idea to get a second opinion if you are unsure about the advice your current dentist has given you or if you want to explore alternative treatment options. Getting a second opinion can help you make an informed decision about your child's dental care and give you peace of mind knowing that you're making the best decision for their health.

Step 2: Conservative dentistry (minimally invasive)

  • Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid that can be applied to your child's teeth to help prevent or stop the progression of cavities. It contains silver, which has antibacterial properties, and fluoride, which helps strengthen tooth enamel. The liquid is painlessly applied to the affected tooth and works by killing the bacteria that cause cavities and hardening the tooth structure to prevent further damage. This treatment is particularly useful for young children who may not be able to tolerate more invasive treatments, such as fillings or crowns. Silver diamine fluoride is a safe and effective way to help maintain your child's oral health and prevent future dental problems.

  • Bioactive fillings are a type of dental filling that can help heal and strengthen your child's tooth. Unlike traditional fillings, which are just used to fill in a cavity, bioactive fillings contain minerals that can help remineralize the tooth, making it stronger and more resistant to decay. They also release fluoride over time, which can help prevent future cavities from forming. Bioactive fillings are ideal for children who are at high risk for cavities or have weakened teeth due to trauma or decay.

  • Hall crowns are stainless steel crowns that are placed over the entire tooth to repair a decayed or damaged tooth. They are ideal for children because they're easy to place and can be done quickly, often in just one visit. They're also durable and long-lasting, making them a good choice for baby teeth that will eventually fall out. Hall crowns are an effective way to prevent further damage to a decayed or damaged tooth, and they can help your child maintain good oral health and avoid more invasive dental treatments in the future.

  • Resin infiltration is used to treat hypoplastic enamel, a condition where the tooth enamel is thin or weak. This can make the teeth more prone to cavities and decay. Resin infiltration can help improve the strength of the enamel and reduce the risk of further damage. The resin material can also improve the appearance of the tooth by filling in any visible white spots or discoloration that may be caused by hypoplastic enamel. Resin infiltration is a gentle and non-invasive treatment that can help your child maintain good oral health and improve the look and feel of their teeth.

Step 3: Traditional dentistry (super gentle)

  • Traditional fillings are a common dental treatment used to fix small cavities in children's teeth. The dentist removes the damaged area and fills it with a composite resin. The fillings are durable and can last for many years with proper care. It's important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, like brushing and flossing regularly, to prevent further cavities and decay.

  • A stainless steel crown is a durable surgical-grade stainless steel “hat” that is placed over a tooth to protect it when it is badly decayed or damaged. With proper care, the crown can protect the baby tooth until it is ready to fall out. When the baby tooth falls out, the crown simply and safely goes with it in one piece.

  • Extractions are a last resort option when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be repaired.

  • A space maintainer are like “baby braces” used to hold the space for a baby tooth that has fallen out too soon or needs to be extracted. It helps to prevent the other teeth from shifting and filling the space before the adult tooth is ready to come in. The device is custom-fitted to your child's mouth. It's important to keep up with regular dental checkups so that the dentist can monitor the device and ensure it is doing its job correctly.

  • Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a safe and mild sedative that helps to reduce anxiety and discomfort. It is inhaled through a mask and can help your child feel relaxed and calm during the procedure.

  • In case of a dental emergency, it's important to stay calm and contact your child's dentist as soon as possible. Common dental emergencies include toothaches, knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, and injuries to the mouth or gums.