Pediatric Dentistry in Hudson MA | Restoration Smiles - Adult & Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry in Hudson, MA

A pediatric dentist is a medical practitioner that specializes in the care, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral health issues in children. The field of pediatric dentistry works with children from the time they are infants until they reach adulthood. The goal is to provide children with the tools and knowledge to have a healthy smile for a lifetime.

Your baby’s first visit to the dentist should occur around the age of one. However, you should schedule a visit to the dentist within six months of your baby’s first tooth erupting. This will set you and your baby up for a lifetime of good oral hygiene practices throughout childhood and adulthood. Visit Restoration Smiles: Adult & Pediatric Dentistry, for the best dental care.

What Services Do Pediatric Dentists Provide?

Teeth Cleanings

Most oral health issues can be prevented by regular teeth cleanings. These cleanings are performed by dental hygienists and are an essential step in your child’s oral health care routine. During a teeth cleaning, plaque and tartar will be removed from your child’s teeth and gums to prevent cavities and other issues like gum disease. This is necessary before other procedures can be performed on the patient’s teeth.

Dental Sealants

Sealants are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth to prevent the accumulation of food particles and plaque to help prevent cavities. To apply sealants, we first clean the teeth and apply the sealant material to the teeth. We then harden the material with a curing light. Sealants last up to ten years before they need to be reapplied or replaced. In addition to helping prevent cavities, sealants protect these teeth from harmful acids and bacteria.

Fluoride Treatments

A fluoride treatment is another standard procedure at a pediatric dentist’s office. Fluoride treatments are beneficial because they strengthen and protect young teeth. They’re also an effective preventative measure against cavities and tooth decay. Pediatric dentists apply fluoride in the form of a gel, varnish, foram, or a concentrated mouth rinse. After applying the product to the teeth, a pediatric dentist would typically advise the patient to not eat or drink anything for the first 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to be absorbed better.

Frenectomy

Frenectomy is the procedure in which the frenulum, or tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is removed. Frenectomy is typically performed when the frenulum is too short, potentially causing problems with speech or eating. In contrast, a frenotomy, or the simple cutting of the frenum, is typically performed when a child’s tongue tie is affecting their speech or feeding ability. It might be recommended if the child has trouble gaining weight and nursing.

A frenectomy might be needed if there is an excessive amount of tissue connecting the underside of the child’s tongue to the floor of their mouth. The surgeon will cut the frenum and remove the excess tissue to release the tension and allow free movement of the tongue. This can improve your child’s ability to eat and speak without discomfort.

The Benefits Of Seeing A Pediatric Dentist

Having a pediatric dentist will help your child have the best possible start on a lifetime of excellent oral health. Our dentist will speak with you and your child about dental hygiene routines and habits during that first visit. Our dentist will also perform an oral exam to check for any decay or other signs of damage in the teeth and gum tissues. If cavities are present, the dentist may discuss treatment options with you, such as fillings, crowns, sealants, or other procedures. Children who go to a pediatric dentist are more likely to take better care of their teeth as they grow older, resulting in fewer cavities and gum disease.

Our Pediatric Dentistry Services

First dental visit
Special needs
Dental trauma
Atraumatic restorative technique

Pediatric crowns
Pulpotomy
Laser frenectomy
Extractions

Silver diamine fluoride
Space maintainers
Habit breaker appliance
Sports mouthguard

If you’re looking for expert care and advice regarding your child's dental care, contact Restoration Smiles: Adult & Pediatric Dentistry at 2 Coolidge St Suite 202, Hudson, MA 01749, or call (508) 658-0661.

Pediatric
Dentistry