Pediatric Dentistry deals with the oral health of infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special needs. Focus is placed on the growth and development of the pediatric and adolescent patient, and the management and prevention of oral disease. At Bay Creek Dental, we believe kids deserve great care for healthy today and tomorrow.

It is recommended that a child's first visit to the dentist occurs by age 1, or within 6 months of getting teeth. Early visits are unlikely to involve much treatment. Dr. Boettner typically checks all the child's existing teeth for decay, examine the child's bite, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues. This time is also used to educate parents about oral health care basics for children and to answer any questions.

Preventative Care

At Bay Creek Dental, we encourage healthy dental habits by placing the emphasis on prevention. We show children how to brush and avoid cavities. We also encourage healthy eating habits by educating about foods that are healthy for gums and teeth, and encouraging them to avoid the foods that can cause decay to the teeth. We also encourage family members to be a part of all dental visits for children.

Dental exams

During your child's routine cleaning, their teeth are checked for plaque or cavities. The teeth are then flossed, and any plaque removed if present. Then, the teeth are cleaned and polished with a motorized brush and toothpaste. Typically, a flouride treatment is applied to the teeth after cleaning, to help protect the teeth from tooth decay.

We also use sealants to help protect the teeth from decay. The dental sealant is a thin coating usually applied to the back teeth. It forms a protective shield over the enamel of the tooth by bonding into the depressions and grooves of the teeth.

Fillings

Even though we can prevent cavities through preventative dental care such as regular cleanings and flouride treatments, there are times when cavities do occur. When decay occur on the tooth, the decayed portion needs to be removed. When this is done, the tooth is cleaned, and a filling is placed to restore the tooth structure.

Nitrous Oxide

Getting a filling requires the child to sit fairly still, calm and relaxed. For many children, this can be difficult. At our office we use Nitrous Oxide to help your child relax. Often known as “laughing gas” it is a mild sedative which is mixed with oxygen and delivered via a mask that fits over the nose. When the gas is administered, it gives an airy feeling which helps take the anxiety that your child may be feeling away. Also

your child gets to remain conscious and communication with the dentist is possible. There is very little recovery time because the effects of the gas wear off quickly.

Orthodontics

Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they are found early, and at this age issues with emerging teeth and jaw growth can be detected and corrected early on.

There have been advances in orthodontic technology that gives more choices for orthodontic teeth straightening like metal vs ceramic braces and the choice of the color combination of the tiny rubber bands.

At Bay Creek Dental, we not only offer traditional braces, but also Invisalign. The Invisalign treatment uses clear plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth, and gently moves them into place. These aligners are custom made, and removable.

With advances in technology and treatment techniques its possible to align your teeth faster and safely.