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Children's Dental Care You Can Trust
Kids aren't known for liking the dentist. A visit to the dentist might be the cause of a major meltdown, but you don't have to worry at Tanty Family Dentistry. We provide the utmost attentive care so your child is comfortable during every dental visit.
Modern technology means most procedures without the need for potentially frightening needles and drills. Whether your child needs a cavity filled, a tooth replaced, braces fitted, or just a routine checkup, we're here to make sure every visit your child has is a positive experience. We'll encourage them to form good dental hygiene habits for a lifetime.
What is Teething?
When a child's baby teeth begin to emerge, this means they are beginning the teething process. There's not a specific set time when your child will begin teething but it might occur between the first 3 months to the first year of their life. Baby teeth aren't permanent, but they're just as important to take care of as permanent teeth. The earlier your child has their first visit to the dentist, the more familiar they'll become with dental appointments and oral hygiene techniques at home. This is all in an effort to prevent future tooth decay, gum disease or even bone loss.
The First Routine Dental Checkup for your Child
Though your child might not have all of their teeth by their first dental visit, the importance of routine checkups is to get your child comfortable with the dentist. Tanty Family Dental recommends bringing your child in for their first checkup by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth emerging. Depending on how old your child is, the dentist might perform a full exam by checking the growth and development of the teeth, jaws, bite and gums.
Once your child's baby teeth start to fully emerge, routine checkups may include gentle teeth cleaning. The dentist will polish your child's teeth and remove plaque, tartar and any stain buildup. Your child may also learn good brushing and flossing techniques to maintain oral health in-between visits. Since children are more susceptible to cavities, they should see the dentist every 6 months; some dentists even recommend a visit every 3 months.
Pediatric Dentist for Cavities
If your child develops a cavity in their baby teeth, it's still important to get it filled. If a cavity is allowed to grow, your child may need a baby root canal or crown to fix the damage. At Tanty, we offer a new method of dental filling with the Solea laser. This laser makes removing tooth decay more precise and is safe for everyone, including children. During the filling procedure, your child will wear an eye shield for added protection. This update in dental technology makes for an anxiety-free, anesthesia-free, pain-free procedure, which means no frightening children with drills, needles or numbness.
Restorative Treatments for Baby Teeth
The Waukesha family dentists at Tanty will always look for the best choice when it comes to repairing your child's damaged tooth. Some restorative procedures we provide for kids other than fillings are crowns and extractions. Crowns can support a filling to protect the tooth from further damage or they can be used as an alternative to fillings if the tooth is too decayed already. Extractions are usually the last resort in many cases. If extraction is the only solution, it's most likely because the baby tooth is too badly damaged or broken to repair. We will do everything possible to save your child's natural baby teeth since they reserve space for adult teeth and give them a healthy start.
The Most Common Pediatric Dentistry Procedures
| Procedure | Description |
|---|---|
| Dental Cleaning | Removal of plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth to prevent cavities and gum disease. |
| Dental Fillings | Treatment for cavities by filling the decayed area with materials like composite resin or amalgam. |
| Dental Sealants | Application of a thin protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent decay. |
| Fluoride Treatment | Application of fluoride varnish or gel to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. |
| Space Maintainers | Devices used to preserve space for permanent teeth and prevent crowding after premature tooth loss. |
| Tooth Extractions | Removal of damaged, decayed, or problematic teeth to maintain oral health and prevent complications. |
| Pediatric Crowns | Caps placed over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their strength, function, and appearance. |
| Root Canal Therapy | Treatment for infected or abscessed teeth involving removal of infected pulp and restoration of tooth structure. |
Baby Tooth Extraction
When Is Baby Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Baby tooth extraction may become necessary in cases of severe decay, infection, or crowding issues. If a baby tooth is extensively damaged and cannot be restored with other treatments like fillings or crowns, extraction may be recommended by our pediatric dentists. Additionally, extraction might be necessary to make space for permanent teeth to erupt properly.
Our pediatric dentists at Tanty Family Dental ensure that the extraction process is as comfortable as possible for your child. Using gentle techniques and local anesthesia, we minimize discomfort during the procedure. After extraction, we provide instructions for post-operative care to promote healing and prevent complications.
Dental Fillings for Baby Teeth
Advanced Dental Filling Options for Children
At Tanty Family Dental, we understand the importance of preserving your child's oral health. That's why we offer advanced dental filling options tailored to children's unique needs. Our Solea laser technology allows for precise and pain-free removal of tooth decay, eliminating the need for traditional drills and anesthesia. With this innovative approach, we make dental fillings a stress-free experience for your child.
When cavities occur in baby teeth, prompt treatment with dental fillings is essential to prevent further decay and potential complications. Leaving cavities untreated can lead to pain, infection, and even premature loss of primary teeth. By addressing cavities early with dental fillings, we help protect your child's oral health and ensure a bright smile for years to come.
Dental Sealants
Protecting Your Child's Teeth with Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a preventive treatment that helps shield your child's teeth from decay-causing bacteria and acids. Applied as a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, sealants create a barrier that seals out food particles and bacteria. This simple and painless procedure can significantly reduce the risk of cavities and promote long-term oral health for your child.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
- Preventive Protection: Dental sealants provide an extra layer of defense against tooth decay, especially in hard-to-reach areas where toothbrushes may not effectively clean.
- Painless Procedure: Applying dental sealants is quick, easy, and painless, making it an ideal preventive treatment for children.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to the cost of treating cavities, dental sealants offer a cost-effective way to safeguard your child's oral health.
Teeth Cleaning for Kids
Importance of Regular Teeth Cleaning for Children
Routine teeth cleaning plays a crucial role in maintaining your child's oral health and preventing dental problems. During a teeth cleaning appointment, our skilled dental hygienists gently remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from your child's teeth. This helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, promoting a healthy smile for years to come.
At Tanty Family Dental, we understand that children may feel anxious about dental visits. That's why our friendly and compassionate team strives to create a positive and comfortable experience for every child. From our inviting office environment to our gentle cleaning techniques, we prioritize your child's comfort and well-being throughout their dental visit.
Pediatric Dental Crowns
Restoring Baby Teeth with Dental Crowns
In cases where a baby tooth is severely damaged or weakened by decay, trauma, or developmental issues, a dental crown may be recommended to restore its strength and function. Dental crowns for children are custom-made caps that cover the entire surface of a tooth, providing protection and support while preserving the natural structure of the tooth.
Benefits of Pediatric Dental Crowns
- Preservation of Tooth Structure: Dental crowns allow us to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible, minimizing the need for extraction.
- Durable and Long-lasting: Pediatric dental crowns are made from strong and durable materials, providing reliable protection for damaged teeth.
- Aesthetic Appearance: Our pediatric dental crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with your child's smile, restoring both function and aesthetics.
Emergency Dentist for Kids
If your child has a dental issue outside of a scheduled appointment, our dentists have time set aside to adhere to any dental emergencies that emerge. A common dental emergency is a permanent tooth being knocked out. If your child loses a permanent tooth, don't panic. If you can find the tooth, rinse it with salt water, and try to place it back in the socket. If you can't do this, stick it in a cup of salt water or milk to preserve it while you head to the dentist. The dentist should be able to secure it back into place if it's not too damaged. If it is too damaged, the dentist will recommend some restorative options.
Contact our staff for emergency dental services, insurance-billing information, or to learn more about Tanty Family Dental, the best comprehensive dental services in Big Bend, Brookfield, Genesee, New Berlin, Pewaukee, Saylesville, Vernon, Wales, Waukesha, and Wauwatosa.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
What is pediatric dentistry?
Pediatric dentists assist with oral health treatments for young children from infancy to teenage years. They receive specialized training to care for a child's teeth, gums and mouth through the various stages of childhood. They also provide gentler care and education for young children and even treat patients with special needs and disabilities.
What are the most common dental procedures in pediatrics?
Pediatric dentists handle a handful of procedures when it comes to children. Since children are most susceptible to cavities and other oral diseases, dentists administer fillings, early orthodontic care, tooth extractions, general cleanings, fluoride treatments and more to maintain a child's primary set of teeth. Once permanent teeth set in, a pediatric dentist might recommend tooth alignment procedures to correct gaps and crooked teeth.
When should you see a pediatric dentist?
Tanty Family Dental recommends an initial pediatric dental appointment after the child's 1st birthday and before the 2nd birthday. According to industry research, approximately 40% of children will experience tooth decay by kindergarten. It is important for your child to have regularly scheduled pediatric dental appointments to avoid potential restorative or emergency visits.
Is it worth fixing cavities in baby teeth?
Cavities in primary teeth are just as important to take care of as cavities in permanent teeth. Untreated cavities, regardless of tooth permanence, can cause discomfort, pain, infection, and poor overall oral health. Taking care of a child's baby teeth allows the permanent teeth to remain healthy and erupt properly.
How do I prepare my child for the dentist?
The best time to schedule your child's dental appointment is in the morning or early afternoon when they are alert and fresh. A preschooler or older child should be given a general idea of what to expect. Build excitement and understanding, not anxiety and fear. The pediatric dentists at Tanty Family Dental will also put your child at ease by explaining the procedures before beginning.
Are cavities common in toddlers?
Unfortunately, cavities are a common occurrence for toddlers. About 42% of children between the ages of 2 to 11 will develop at least one cavity, and 20% of kids aged 2 to 5 have untreated cavities. Your child's diet, oral hygiene and water consumption will all have an effect on how likely they are to get a cavity. Cavities are typically treated with a composite filling to protect the tooth from further damage.
Do they put toddlers to sleep for dental procedures?
General anesthesia will only be recommended during complex dental treatments if the child needs to be still for a long period of time. If anesthesia is used, your child will sleep through the procedure and have no memory of it. The main goal of sedation is to provide the safest, pain-free method of treatment to your child.
