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Regarding dental restorations, dental crowns, and tooth caps are often used interchangeably. However, these terms represent distinct dental procedures with unique applications. This article will unravel the differences between a dental crown and a tooth cap, helping you understand the better option for your specific dental needs.

What Is A Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tailored covering designed to rejuvenate a tooth’s shape and performance. It mimics the tooth’s natural top part and is tailored to fit snugly over the damaged area. Commonly made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or certain metals, dental crowns offer both strength and an aesthetic look.

What Is A Tooth Cap?

On the other hand, a tooth cap is a layman’s term often used to describe dental crowns. It is essentially the same as a dental crown and serves the same purpose – to restore the functionality and aesthetics of a tooth. The term tooth cap is a simpler way of referring to this dental restoration.

What Is Better, A Tooth Cap Or A Dental Crown?

Choosing between a tooth cap and a dental crown depends on your specific dental condition. Both serve the purpose of restoring damaged or weakened teeth, enhancing their strength and appearance. Your dentist will review your oral condition and advise on the optimal treatment approach.

When To Consider The Tooth Cap Or Dental Crown?

You might consider a tooth cap or dental crown in the following situations:

•    Significant Tooth Decay: A crown or cap can protect the remaining healthy tooth structure when a tooth has substantial decay.
•    Cracked or Fractured Teeth: Teeth with cracks or fractures can benefit from crowns, preventing further damage.
•    Root Canal Treatment: A crown is often recommended to strengthen the treated tooth after a root canal.
•    Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns and caps can improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth.

How Long Does The Tooth Cap Last?

The durability of a dental cap, often referred to as a crown, can differ based on its composition, how well oral care is maintained, and the daily stresses it endures. With proper care, such crowns can serve effectively for over a decade.

How Much Tooth Is Needed For A Crown?

To place a dental crown, a certain amount of the tooth’s natural structure must be removed to accommodate the crown’s thickness. Your dentist in Del Mar, CA will ensure the tooth is appropriately prepared for the crown without compromising strength.

Contact Us or Visit Us For Your Tooth Restoration

If you’re considering dental restoration or have questions about tooth caps and dental crowns, it’s essential to consult with a dental professional. At Sunny Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our experienced team specializes in restorative dentistry near you, including dental crowns and tooth caps. We provide personalized assessments and recommendations to address your unique dental needs. Contact or visit your kids dentist today to ensure your smile remains healthy and beautiful.

As parents, ensuring our children’s oral health is paramount. However, issues such as rotting front teeth can cause concern. If you’re looking for guidance on addressing this problem, you’ve come to the right place.

This comprehensive blog post will investigate fixing kids’ rotting front teeth with expert insights from Sunny Smiles Kids, our pediatric dentist in Del Mar. Whether you are searching for a pediatric dentist near you or seeking advice on kids’ dental care, this article will provide valuable information to help your child regain a healthy and confident smile.

Understanding Tooth Decay in Children

It is crucial to understand the causes of tooth decay in children to tackle rotting front teeth. Poor oral hygiene habits, excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks, and lack of regular dental check-ups can contribute to this issue. The first step is to educate both parents and children about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices and the potential consequences of neglecting dental care.

Preventive Measures for Healthy Teeth

Prevention plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy teeth. Establishing proper oral hygiene habits early on is essential. We teach children the correct brushing and flossing techniques and the importance of regular brushing after meals. Maintaining a balanced diet that includes nutritious foods while limiting sugary snacks and beverages also helps minimize the risk of tooth decay.

Dental Treatments for Rotting Front Teeth

Various dental treatments can help fix rotting front teeth when tooth decay has already occurred. Dental fillings are commonly used to treat decayed teeth. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and a filling material is placed to restore its structure. Dental crowns may be recommended to protect and restore the affected teeth in cases of severe damage. For more severe cases where the decay has reached the tooth pulp, root canal treatment may be necessary to save the tooth and alleviate pain.

Orthodontic Solutions for Alignment Issues

Rotting front teeth can sometimes lead to alignment issues in children’s smiles, to the extreme of orthodontic interventions may be required. A thorough pediatric dentist or orthodontist assessment will determine the most suitable treatment options. Braces, aligners, or other orthodontic devices are possibly recommended to correct misalignment and give your child a straighter, healthier smile.

Emphasizing Early Dental Care and Regular Check-ups

Prevention and early intervention are vital in maintaining optimal oral health for children. Regular dental visits should start as early as the eruption of the first tooth. These visits allow the pediatric dentist to monitor tooth development, identify any potential issues, and provide guidance on proper dental care. Educating children about oral health and instilling positive dental habits from an early age sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

In conclusion, proactive dental care is critical when fixing kids’ rotting front teeth. Sunny Smiles Kids, our pediatric dentist in Del Mar, understands the unique needs of children and provides expert care to address tooth decay and restore healthy smiles.

Sunny Smiles Kids ensures the well-being of your child’s dental health by emphasizing preventive measures, offering effective dental treatments, and providing orthodontic solutions when necessary. Remember, early dental care and regular check-ups are essential for maintaining optimal oral health for children. Don’t hesitate to consult our dental clinic near you, the leading children’s dentist, for personalized guidance and comprehensive dental care for your little ones.

Every parent dreams of their children having healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. Sometimes poor habits can lead to crooked teeth or misaligned jaws in young individuals. If your child has problems, you should visit a dental facility that offers orthodontics treatment near you. Orthodontic treatment can effectively address multiple dental problems, including tooth spacing, crowding, improper bites, and more, to achieve proper dental alignment and enhance oral health and aesthetics.

Many parents are uncertain about the optimal timing to initiate orthodontic treatment for their teenagers. This article discusses the importance of braces and when teenagers should start them. The article will also look at the benefits of orthodontics treatment for teens. Orthodontics treatment for teens requires professional dentists in Del Mar, CA.

Braces are a popular orthodontic treatment to correct bite problems and straighten teeth. Although people of all ages can wear them, they are more likely to be seen in teenagers. Sunny Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has a well-qualified dentist in 92014 who deals with orthodontics for teens.

The Ideal Age to Start Braces – Orthodontic Treatment

The optimal time to start braces for teenagers seeking orthodontic treatment is during their teenage years. This period is ideal as most permanent teeth have erupted, yet the jaw is still growing. This growing phase allows orthodontists to move teeth into their correct positions more easily, providing better and long-lasting results.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), an early evaluation of age seven is recommended. Early intervention enables orthodontists to identify potential issues and develop an accurate treatment schedule, preventing minor problems from turning into major ones. Additionally, starting treatment earlier can also reduce the overall treatment time.

Factors That Determine The Best Age to Start Braces

Orthodontists use several factors to determine the ideal age to start braces on an individual. They include:

The severity of the orthodontist problem – Orthodontists use this to determine the best time to start the braces. If the orthodontic problem is severe, you may start the treatment sooner than in other cases.

Rate of teeth growth and development – The rate at which your teen’s teeth and bones are growing determines the best time to start braces. If they are developing faster, you may start treatment sooner.

Overall health – General health influences the best time to start braces. If a teenager has poor overall health, their treatment may be delayed.

Benefits of Getting Braces During Teenage Years

Perfect smile – Braces straighten crooked teeth, leading to an improved smile, enhanced self-esteem, and increased confidence.

Improved bite – Correcting bite problems improves chewing ability and reduces the risk of oral problems.

Fewer cavities – Straightened teeth are easier to clean, minimizing the likelihood of cavities.

Easier to maintain – Properly aligned teeth are simpler, promoting good oral hygiene and plaque prevention.

Lasting results – Braces permanently move teeth into their correct positions, providing lasting benefits.

Does Your Child Need Orthodontic Treatment?

Around seven, a child’s mouth changes as they lose baby teeth while their jaws still grow. It is during this time that signs of potential orthodontic issues become evident. Some common signs to look for include:

• Trouble eating
• Protruding teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Misalignment
• Difficulty speaking
• Mouth breathing

It would help if you visited your local dentist or an orthodontist when you notice these signs on your child. They will assess your child and develop a treatment plan.

How Braces Work

Braces consist of brackets, wires, and rubber bands. The brackets are attached to the teeth and connected by archwires. The flexible wires gently pressure the teeth, guiding them slowly into their correct positions. Regular adjustments by the dentist ensure consistent pressure and gradual movement of the teeth in the desired direction.

Orthodontic treatment during the teenage years is crucial for achieving proper dental alignment and a confident smile. If your teenager requires braces in Del Mar, CA, Sunny Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics dentist can provide expert orthodontic care. Don’t hesitate to schedule an early evaluation to ensure a healthy and beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Contact us today to learn more about our orthodontics treatment for teens.

Children can experience extreme anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist in Del Mar, CA, for routine dental checkups or treatments like tooth extractions and fillings. Modern dentistry offers sedation dentistry to help your child remain calm and comfortable during dental appointments and procedures.

While sedation comes in various forms, oral sedation is a popular choice for pediatric dental care. However, many parents are often curious about whether it can put their child to sleep. This article explores oral sedation and what to expect during the appointment.

What is Oral Sedation?

Generally, sedation is using sedative drugs to relax or calm a patient during dental appointments. It’s commonly necessary for procedures that can cause anxiety or discomfort, such as tooth extractions, oral surgery, and dental fillings. The levels of sedation can range from minimal sedation to general anesthesia, where a patient can be awake or completely unconscious.

Oral sedation is a conscious sedation often administered through oral sedative drugs in a pill or liquid form. It makes administering it easier to children than IV sedation, which requires injections and can trigger further anxiety.

Oral sedatives are taken about one hour before the expected procedure, allowing your child to arrive at the procedure already in a calm and relaxed state. The dosage given for oral sedation depends on your kid’s anxiety level and the procedure type. Its effects can range from minimal to moderate.

Does Oral Sedation Put You to Sleep?

Whether oral sedation will put your child to sleep mainly depends on the dosage. While it’s not intended to cause deep sleepiness like general anesthesia, sometimes oral sedation can cause significant drowsiness and relaxation, causing your child to fall asleep. Higher doses are likely to cause sleepiness, while lower dosages may only keep your child relaxed but fully awake.

In most cases, many people feel a deep relaxation but remain conscious under oral sedation. Even if they fall asleep, the dentist can easily wake them up with a gentle shake, and they can respond to the dentist’s cues. Your child may not remember anything during the treatment once the sedation effects wear off.

Advantages of Oral Sedation

The benefits of using oral sedation for pediatric procedures include the following:

• Easy to administer. Oral sedation is taken orally and doesn’t require any masks or injections.
• The FDA approves and regulates oral sedation, making it safe for your kid.
• Prevent dental fear or phobia. Oral sedation puts your child in deep relaxation, allowing them to undergo dental care comfortably.
• Oral sedation effectively reduces dental anxiety and fear during dental appointments.
• Easier and faster treatments. Oral sedation makes patients relaxed and comfortable during dental appointments, preventing them from squirming around the dental chair or disrupting the dentist. It makes dental appointments easier and faster.
• Amnesic effects. Most patients remember little to nothing about the procedure, protecting those with significant dental phobias.
• Reduced gag reflex. Some dental appointments can cause the dentist to dive deep within the oral cavity, causing a gag reflex and disrupting or hindering dental treatments. Oral sedation helps reduce gag reflex, allowing your child to feel comfortable and receive quality dental care.

Oral Sedation Aftercare

Since oral sedation effects might take time to wear off, your child may still feel disoriented or drowsy for a few hours. Appropriate aftercare is essential to ensure the child’s safety and comfort. Below are tips for caring for your child after oral sedation:

• Stay with the child. You should monitor your child’s responsiveness and overall behaviors until they recover fully to prevent unavoidable accidents or complications.
• Encourage your child to rest and refrain from physical activities for the rest of the day to minimize the risk of injuries.
• Proper hydration. Proper hydration can promote a speedy recovery from oral sedation. If possible, stick to water and avoid carbonated or caffeinated drinks.
• Soft foods. During recovery, feed the child soft foods like pudding, mashed potatoes, and yogurt. Hard or crunchy foods can cause injuries or choking.
• Ensure your child takes any medications as prescribed by the dentist.
• Contact the dentist. Contact your dentist if you notice any concerning or unusual symptoms. Common complications of oral sedation can include prolonged drowsiness, persistent vomiting, or difficulty breathing.
• Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions. Ensure you follow the specific post-care instructions provided by our dentist in Del Mar, CA.

Visit our office for pediatric sedation dentistry near you.

Do you need more information about oral sedation for pediatric dental care? Contact Sunny Smiles Kids to speak with our dentist in 92014.

Has your kid complained about regular tooth pain or sensitivity when eating hot, cold, or sugary items? Chances are that they have tooth decay or cavities. Generally, children are more susceptible to decay and cavities due to regular snacking on sugary and acidic foods and beverages and insufficient dental hygiene.

Fortunately, your child’s dentist can clean out the damaged parts of their tooth and fill the areas with filling material, alleviating any discomfort and giving your kid a reason to smile and enjoy their favorite foods. Fillings also improve the strength and structure of the tooth and prevent further damage, which can lead to tooth loss. This article highlights the different types of dental fillings used in dental restorations.

Types of Dental Fillings

Generally, there are four main types of tooth fillings, each with its own properties, pros, and cons. The right material for your child may depend on factors like the severity of the tooth damage, the affected tooth, your budget, your child’s dental needs, and much more.

Once you visit our dentist in 92014, they will examine your child’s teeth to determine whether they need a filling. If not, the dentist will recommend a suitable procedure to improve your child’s bite, appearance, and comfort.

Common types of fillings used for kids’ tooth restoration include:

• Amalgam fillings

Amalgam fillings are mercury fillings or silver fillings. They contain a combination of metals like copper, tin, silver, and mercury. Mercury helps bind the alloy, accounting for about 50% of the filling.

Thanks to the strength of metal, amalgam fillings are popular for their strength and durability and can last for more than 15 years. They are also less pricey than other options, making them a common choice for people on a budget.

On the downside, the mercury component in amalgam fillings has raised concerns about their health and safety. Some studies show that mercury fillings increase the risk of health problems like headaches, insomnia, tremors, nerve damage, respiratory failure, and kidney problems.

Another major drawback of amalgam fillings is their poor aesthetics, making them less ideal for front tooth restoration or people with high aesthetic needs. The material also tends to respond to temperature changes which can cause tooth damage.

• All ceramic or porcelain fillings

Ceramic fillings contain porcelain material. They are commonly used to treat large cavities or tooth damage. Thanks to their natural-tooth color, porcelain fillings blend naturally with the rest of your teeth, making them aesthetically appealing.

Ceramic fillings are very strong and durable and can last over 15 years. They are also more resistant to abrasion and stains than composite fillings.

The major drawback of ceramic fillings is that they’re relatively more expensive than composite and amalgam fillings. Additionally, ceramic fillings are very brittle and thus more prone to cracking. Thus, they’re often used on large cavities. They also require multiple dental appointments to complete.

• Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are sometimes referred to as tooth-colored fillings. Composite fillings are made from a combination of glass and plastic materials and are bonded directly to the tooth. Thanks to their natural-looking color, composite fillings are designed to blend naturally with your natural teeth. It makes them a perfect choice for front tooth restoration.

On the downside, composite fillings are less strong and durable than other fillings. They can last for about 5 to 10 years on average before requiring a replacement. Similarly, composite fillings are more prone to staining than porcelain fillings and can get stained or full over time. They are more expensive than amalgam fillings.

• Gold fillings

Lastly, we have gold fillings. They contain gold and an alloy of other metals. Thus, they possess excellent strength and durability. With proper dental hygiene and care, gold fillings can last over 20 years. They can withstand the strong forces of chewing and grinding foods, making them excellent for back tooth restorations.

The color of the gold fillings can be an upside or downside, based on the individual. One major downside is that gold fillings are more expensive than other fillings. Similarly, it requires significant tooth changes and multiple appointments.

Are you interested in a dental filling near you?

If your child’s tooth is cracked or decayed, they may need a dental filling. Contact Sunny Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics to discuss your options with our dentist near you.

Nothing is as distressing as seeing your child in pain, especially if you don’t know the cause and how to relieve it. In particular, tooth pain can affect your child’s ability to eat, speak, sleep, or do anything.

Suppose your child is experiencing severe tooth pain that won’t respond to pain medications and home remedies. Emergency dental care may be necessary to alleviate the pain and address the underlying condition. Keep reading to learn more about what the emergency dentist can do for severe toothache and common causes of dental emergencies in children.

Can the Dental Clinic Help With Tooth Pain?

Yes, the emergency dental clinic can help your child if they’re experiencing severe tooth pain. Emergency dentists treat oral emergencies for dental patients. The emergency dentist will alleviate the pain and examine your child’s teeth and surrounding tissues to determine the root cause. Depending on your child’s condition, the dentist can address the issue right away or recommend that you see your general or family dentist as soon as possible.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Emergency care might be necessary if the pain doesn’t settle after taking medication and trying other therapies. It is especially important if serious symptoms like fever, swelling, or difficulty breathing accompany the pain.

Before seeking emergency care, you can try to reach out to your family or general dentist to diagnose your child’s symptoms. If available, they can guide you on how to care for your child if they are experiencing severe tooth pain. If emergency care is needed, they can refer you to a dental emergency clinic where you can get help. If they aren’t available, visit an emergency dentist near you immediately.

Common causes of severe Tooth Pain in Children

Various factors can cause mild to severe tooth pain in children. These include:

• Severe tooth decay

Tooth decay or cavities are common causes of dental emergencies in adults and children. Initially, tooth decay causes mild to no pain or symptoms. Over time, the decay eats up the tooth, eventually infecting the pulp. You’ll likely experience mild to severe tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, and abscesses at this stage. Common treatments for tooth decay include tooth fillings, root canals, crowns, and extractions.

• Gum disease

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is the inflammation of the gum tissues. Untreated or severe gum disease can cause mild to severe dental sensitivity and pain. Possible treatments for gum disease include deep cleaning, antibiotics, and surgery.

• Tooth abscess

A tooth abscess is a pus-filled pimple that forms around a tooth root. It signifies an infection and can cause severe pain, swelling, bad breath, and fever. You must treat a dental abscess quickly, as the infection can spread to other parts of the mouth and body. A tooth abscess is often caused by severe tooth decay, periodontitis, and trauma.

• Dental trauma

Severe dental trauma can cause your child’s tooth to chip, break, or fall out, causing severe dental pain. Emergency dental care can alleviate the pain and save your child’s tooth.

• Food trapped between teeth

Sometimes food particles and other things can get trapped between your child’s teeth, resulting in severe pain and discomfort.

• Orthodontic problems

Orthodontic issues like malocclusions, impacted wisdom teeth, and overcrowding can cause significant tooth pain and swelling. Emergency care can help alleviate the discomfort and prevent further complications.

When to Do If Your Child Is Experiencing Tooth Pain

Below are things you can do if your child is experiencing tooth pain:

• Try to determine the cause of the pain. If something is trapped between their teeth, you can try to remove them.
• Take over-the-counter medication. You can give the child pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce the pain.
• Use cold therapy. Applying a cold compress to the painful area can help minimize pain and swelling.

If these remedies work, the relief may be temporary. Taking your child to their dentist as soon as possible is essential for professional examination and treatment. Contact our dentist in 92014 if your child is experiencing tooth pain or has dental problems.

Schedule an Appointment Today

For more information about emergency dental care for your child, contact Sunny Smiles Kids to speak with our dentist in Del Mar, CA.

Children require good dental hygiene and habits like adults to keep their teeth and mouth clean and healthy. Dental experts recommend taking your child for routine pediatric visits when their first tooth erupts or on their first birthday. Even if they don’t have any issues, the dentist will review their oral and dental development and correct any alignment problems early on before they cause serious and long-term complications. Keep reading to learn more about pediatric dentistry.

Who’s a pediatric dentist?

A pediatric dentist is a dental professional specializing in children’s (infants to teenagers) dental care. A pediatric dentist offers a variety of dental care and treatments to keep your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth in optimal health. Unlike a general dentist, a pediatric dentist has additional training and specialized skills to accommodate the various dental needs of children.

Why see a Pediatric Dentist?

There are many benefits of taking your child for routine pediatric visits. These reasons include:

• Dental exams and cleanings

A pediatric dentist reviews your child’s oral health for dental diseases or disorders. The dentist will examine their teeth, gums, and mouth for pain, infections, trauma, bite problems, and other concerns.

X-rays may be necessary to examine their teeth and bone for a thorough oral exam. Routine dental exams allow for early diagnosis and treatment of oral issues. If undetected for long, most oral issues can develop into serious, long-term concerns like misalignments, tooth loss, and jaw disorders.

After examining your child’s mouth, the pediatric dentist will use special dental tools to remove any built-up bacterial deposits in the child’s mouth. This removal lowers the child’s risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay. Our kid’s dentist in 92014 recommends taking your child for pediatric visits every six months.

• Preventive dentistry

Besides routine dental checkups and cleanings, a pediatric dentist can also perform preventive procedures to reduce your child’s risk of oral diseases. These can include:

• Oral health education. The dentist will teach you and your child proper hygiene practices and habits like brushing. They can also mention bad habits like nail or pen-chewing. Oral health education helps keep your mouth healthy and beautiful.
• Dental sealants: Children may not thoroughly brush and floss, so they’re at a greater risk of plaque and tartar buildup, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. The dental sealants procedure entails applying a thin coating to the chewing surfaces of the child’s back teeth. It covers the tiny pits of these teeth, making it difficult to trap debris and bacteria. Smoother chewing surfaces make brushing much easier, significantly lowering your child’s risk of oral infections.
• Fluoride treatments: Fluoride is a mineral that’s essential for maintaining healthy teeth and a healthy mouth. Routine dental treatments entail applying a fluoride varnish to the child’s teeth. It helps strengthen their teeth and reduce their risk of dental cavities and fractures.
• Mouthguards: The dentist can prepare a custom mouthguard for your child if they engage in high-impact sports or have bruxism.
• Dental Treatments

Like adults, children can experience dental problems such as gum disease, dental trauma, poor bite, and tooth decay. Below are some of the most common procedures performed by a pediatric dentist:

• Dental fillings: Children snack regularly and might not brush their teeth thoroughly, so they’re at a greater risk of dental decay and cavities. Dental fillings remove tooth decay and fill cavities. Visit our pediatric dentist in Del Mar, CA, if your child has cavities.
• Tooth extraction: A tooth extraction may be necessary if your child’s baby tooth doesn’t fall out on time, their teeth are overcrowded, or their baby or adult tooth is severely infected beyond repair.
• Dental Crowns: A crown may sometimes be necessary to protect a severely decayed or broken tooth.
• Orthodontic treatments: If your child has a poor bite, the dentist can perform orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign to align their bite. Correcting bite issues at a young age is vital to prevent future dental problems.

Are you interested in Pediatric Dentistry?

For more information about pediatric dental care and treatments, visit our children’s dental clinic near you or contact Sunny Smiles Kids.

Preventive dental care plays a significant role in keeping your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth healthy. It also helps maintain a beautiful smile and bite function and protects the mouth from oral problems such as cavities, gum disease, enamel erosion, bad breath, oral thrush, tooth loss, and more.

Typically, preventive dental care begins at home. For instance, brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once daily helps keep your child’s mouth free of harmful bacteria, debris, and acids. Besides that, the ADA recommends taking your child for routine preventive dental appointments to maintain optimal oral health.

Benefits of preventive dentistry

Preventive dental care provides a wide range of benefits, including:

• Lowering risk of oral problems like gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, misalignments, overcrowding, and other oral problems
• Promoting proper hygiene habits
• Facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of potential oral problems
• Maintaining a bright smile
• Reducing the risk of health conditions like diabetes, certain cancers, eating disorders, and osteoporosis

Types of Preventive Dental Treatments

Below are common procedures to expect when you take your child for preventive dental care:

• Thorough oral exam

When you visit our pediatric dentist for preventive care, they will examine your child’s mouth for potential problems like a poor bite, cavities, oral cancer, dental damage, and gum disease. Sometimes x-rays may be necessary to detect tumors, decay, or bone loss.

The dentist will look for early signs of oral disease like:

• Tooth pain or sensitivity
• Sore, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Chipped, broken, or decayed teeth
• Tooth discoloration
• Abnormal tissues or lesions or cysts
• Bone loss
• Oral or facial pain
• Receding gums
• Ill-fitting or damaged dental works

Early identification of oral issues allows for early treatment, protecting your child’s future dental and oral health. When not diagnosed on time, oral conditions can lead to severe discomfort, long-term oral damage, and an increased risk of health conditions like diabetes. The dentist will also repair or replace any damaged or ill-fitting dental work to ensure maximum service and protection. Visit our dentist near you if your child has any oral problems.

• Oral cleaning

Preventative dental care also involves routine professional cleanings every six months. The dentist uses special dental tools to remove plaque and tartar on the teeth and along the gum line. If not eliminated, these items gradually release toxic chemicals that erode teeth and inflame the gums causing tooth decay and gum disease. The dentist will also polish and smoothen your child’s teeth to brighten them and make it difficult for debris and plaque to attach.

• Dental sealants

Children may not be able to brush and floss adequately, especially on the back teeth, which are more prone to decay due to tiny grooves and depressions on their chewing surfaces. Applying dental sealants on the back teeth smoothens them, making it harder for debris and plaque to attach. It also makes brushing much easier. It protects your child’s teeth against decay and cavities.

Applying dental sealants is easy, quick, and painless. The dentist cleans your child’s teeth, etches them, and then applies the sealants. A special light can harden the sealants. The procedure only takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

• Oral care education

Teaching children about good oral hygiene and care will help maintain optimal oral health now and in the future. The pediatric dentist will teach your child how to brush and floss and why it’s important, what happens when they don’t clean their mouth, bad habits that can affect their dental health, the importance of routine dental checkups, and much more.

• Fluoride treatments

Fluoride plays a crucial role in remineralizing our teeth and eliminating acids that erode teeth. Taking your child for routine fluoride treatments will keep their teeth healthy. During the treatment, the dentist applies a fluoride varnish on the teeth and leaves it to settle for a specific period. Consult your dentist about using fluoride toothpaste for your child.

Other preventive dental care practices

Below are other additional ways to care for your child’s teeth and mouth: Ensure your child:

• Brushes their teeth at least twice daily.
• Flosses daily.
• Uses mouthwash after meals.
• Eats a well-balanced diet. Be sure to limit sugary and hard items.
• Doesn’t use tobacco products.
• Wears a mouthguard.

Are you interested in preventive dentistry in Del Mar, CA?

Are you ready to take your child for preventive dental care? Contact Sunny Smiles Kids to book an appointment with our dentist in 92014.

Pediatric dentistry specializes in the dental care and treatment of children, from infants to teenagers, and people with special needs. The main goal of pediatric dental care is to prevent, diagnose, and treat oral diseases and conditions to ensure optimal oral and overall wellness. Pediatric dentistry also provides oral care education, helping children develop healthy oral hygiene and habits. In this article, let’s discuss what pediatric dentists do when you see them, when to see them, and how they can help your child develop a healthy and beautiful smile.

What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?

Pediatric dentists are dental professionals who specialize in children’s dental needs. They focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral conditions and diseases that affect any parts of the oral cavity and maxillofacial areas like the gums, teeth, tongue, palate, jaw, face, neck, throat, and head. Their responsibilities can include the following:

• Collaborate with parents and other professionals to ensure appropriate dental care
• Offer preventative oral and dental care like dental sealants and fluoride treatments
• Prescribe pain, inflammatory, and antibiotic medications when necessary
• Diagnose and treat oral and maxillofacial conditions and diseases like tooth decay, poor bite, gum disease, and dental injuries.
• Perform and interpret x-rays and laboratory tests
• Perform routine dental cleanings and checkups
• Educate parents and children about various oral care topics like proper oral hygiene, oral diseases and conditions, bad oral habits, and oral disease prevention.

Who Should Consult A Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric care focuses on children, from infancy to adolescence, and people with special needs. Dental experts recommend taking your child to a pediatric dentist as soon as they develop their first tooth or at one year, whichever comes first. After that, you should take them for routine dental checkups and cleanings every six months or as directed by the pediatric dentist.

Even if your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth look healthy, pediatric visits are essential to monitor the child’s dental and jaw development and correct any conditions early. For instance, you should treat most orthodontic problems early to prevent future problems. The dentist will also clean their mouth to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral problems.

When to See a Pediatric Dentist

Besides the routine dental checkups and cleanings, you should take your child to a pediatric dentist if they have the following signs and symptoms:

• Tooth pain or sensitivity to hot, cold, or sugary items
• Jaw, mouth, or facial pain
• Delayed tooth eruption or tooth loss
• Crooked teeth
• Pain or difficulty chewing certain foods
• Dry mouth
• Bad breath
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Dental injuries like chips, cracks, breaks, or teeth knocked out
• Soft tissue injuries
• Discolored or yellowed teeth
• Changes in the gums, lips, teeth, tongue, or face
• Medical conditions that can affect their oral health, like diabetes

What Conditions and Diseases Can a Pediatric Dentist Treat?

Children and teenagers are at a greater risk of oral issues due to frequent snacking on sugary and acidic items, high engagement in sports, poor feeding, poor oral hygiene, and smoking.

Below are some of the most common oral issues that pediatric dentists address:

• Toothache and tooth loss
• Tooth decay and cavities
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
• Teeth grinding and jaw clenching
• Dry mouth
• Mouth infections, sores, and tumors
• Dental and soft tissue injuries
• Teeth gaps and misalignments
• Gum disease
• Teeth stains and discoloration

How to Care for Your Child’s Mouth at Home

Pediatric care is only a part of your child’s oral care. You can do other things at home to create a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums for your child. Here are several helpful tips:

• Teach them how to brush and floss properly and make sure they do it daily: Daily oral hygiene helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth, which could lead to tooth decay, gum disease, mouth infections, tooth loss, and other issues. Get them a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoid abrasive toothpaste and other oral products.
• Healthy diet: Eating foods rich in essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins can strengthen teeth and gums. Limit their consumption of highly sugary, acidic, and hard items as they can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and dental trauma, among other issues.
• Proper hydration: Ensure your child takes enough fluids to prevent a dry mouth. A dry mouth can lead to bacteria attacks, bad breath, oral thrush, and other issues. Discourage them from snacking on sugary and acidic drinks.
• Mouth guard: Get your kid a mouth guard if they play sports or grind teeth at night.

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For more information about pediatric dental care and treatments, contact Sunny Smile Kids to speak with our kid’s dentist near you.

Dental anxiety prevents many people from seeking dental care. Unfortunately, avoiding dental care increases your risk of serious oral problems and the need for more invasive dental treatments. Fortunately, you can avoid all these issues through sedation dentistry. Keep reading to learn more about dental sedation, forms of sedation, and how long the sedation lasts.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to calm or prevent pain during dental procedures. It’s an excellent option for patients with severe anxiety or fear of dental appointments. The sedation calms your nerves, making you relaxed and comfortable. If you’re concerned about the safety of sedation dentistry, there’s nothing to worry about, as sedation dentistry is completely safe if administered by a qualified dentist.

Forms of Dental Sedation

There are three forms of dental sedation, which include:

• Nitrous oxide

Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a mild sedation administered through a mask placed over the mouth and nose. The gas is absorbed in the lungs quickly, resulting in a floaty, calm, and tingly effect. While you’ll still be conscious and notice what’s happening around you, you’ll be relaxed and not feel any pain throughout the procedure. Nitrous oxide also eliminates a strong gag reflex.

Once the procedure is complete, the dentist will remove the mask, and the sedation effects will reverse quickly. The dentist might administer pure oxygen through a mask to remove the effects much faster. On average, nitrous oxide sedation effects should fade away within 15 minutes of removing the mask. Therefore, you can resume your normal activities after the procedure. You also won’t need someone to drive you home.

• Oral sedation

Oral sedation gives a deeper sedation effect than nitrous oxide. The sedation is administered through a pill taken orally about an hour before the dental procedure. The sedation will make you feel relaxed and drowsy throughout the procedure. While you may fall asleep, the doctor can easily awaken you.

Unlike nitrous oxide, whose effects fade within minutes, the effects of oral sedation can last for 2 – 8 hours. That said, driving home or resuming work immediately after the procedure is unsafe. To be safe, you should have someone take you home and rest for the rest of the day.

• I.V sedation

IV sedation is the deepest form of sedation. The sedation is administered through the vein into the bloodstream. The level of sedation is adjusted and monitored throughout the procedure. Dentists require approval to offer this sedation. IV sedation works very quickly. Most people fall asleep within 15 – 30 minutes.

While you won’t be entirely unconscious, you are less aware of your surroundings. After the procedure, our team will take you to a recovery room since you may still be a little sleepy. You’ll fully recover within eight hours. Therefore, having someone drive you home and watch for the rest of the day is essential.

While these forms of sedation are safe when used correctly, some people can experience minor side effects. Dental sedation can cause mild nausea, irritability, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, and sleepiness, especially in children. You may observe a little soreness or swelling at the point of IV sedation. Notify your dentist if you or your child experience severe side effects after sedation.

Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?

In most cases, dental sedation isn’t always necessary. Since children rarely need invasive dental treatments, dentists commonly use nitrous oxide to make them relaxed and pain-free during dental appointments. Common instances when children need sedation include routine dental exams and cleanings, orthodontic treatments, tooth extraction, and dental filling.

Sedation can also be used in adults with dental phobia or undergoing lengthy and invasive treatments like tooth extraction, dental fillings, dental implants, deep cleaning, and dental crowns. Our dentist in Del Mar, CA, can advise whether you or your child need sedation and which is right for you.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you need more information about sedation dentistry? Contact Sunny Smile Kids to speak with our sedation dentist near you.