Pediatric Dentistry in Troy and Hazel, MI

We recommend a professional cleaning and fluoride application every 6 months to help protect the teeth and gums. For patients considered high-risk by the dentist for developing dental decay, a cleaning every 3 or 4 months may be considered.

Our digital X-ray equipment makes a time-consuming task a breeze. With a handheld device, we can take an x-ray while the child watches a movie. It takes half the time of older techniques and gives off MUCH less radiation.

When we diagnose oral disease or trauma, we will provide therapy or refer your child to an appropriately trained doctor for treatment when necessary. If your child sustains a dental emergency such as a toothache, knocked-out tooth, or fractured tooth, please call our office immediately.

If your child has a pit or fissure caries, they need to be sealed as soon as possible. We will use sealants to reduce the risk of a pit or fissures. Over the years, we shall periodically monitor and reassess your child’s sealant to either remove or replace the sealant as needed.

A composite (tooth-colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, or fractures. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling. There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth-colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.

Dental amalgam is the most commonly used restorative material for the posterior teeth. Dental amalgam is effective in restoration of primary and permanent teeth.

Crowns (caps) are required when the tooth is either too difficult to restore with a traditional filling, or when a tooth requires a pulpal therapy, in which case the tooth is restored with a crown to protect the tooth from further breakdown. Most often, stainless steel crowns are used to restore primary teeth, but there are options such as stainless steel crowns with white facings for esthetic areas of the mouth, or all-white zirconia crowns. Although there are several types of crowns, stainless steel crowns are most commonly used in pediatric patients because they are highly durable.

When a tooth is infected or injured, the tooth may require extraction in order to remedy any infection or pain. This process is usually very simple in children.

If your child’s baby tooth requires extraction or is lost well-before the adult tooth that replaces it shows up, a space maintainer may be required in order to preserve the space. These may be placed on one side of the mouth, or may extend to both sides of the mouth.

If your child has habits such as thumb-sucking, finger-sucking, or tongue-thrusting, we have treatments that may help take care of the habits. Treatments may typically include use of a habit appliance and other options that our doctor may prescribe.

Nitrous oxide, colorless and almost odorless gas, is a safe and an effective analgesic/anxiolygic agent used to calm a child’s anxiety and pain during a dental procedure. Nitrous oxide is absorbed rapidly for both rapid onset and recovery.

There are times when traditional approaches to treatment are insufficient to calm or soothe an extremely apprehensive or fearful child. Children who have experienced an unpleasant visit at the dentist may develop a phobia that can be carried over into adulthood and can lead to neglect of his/her oral health. The good news is that this fear can be reversed and children can actually develop a positive perception of going to the dentist regardless of negative past experiences. Children’s Dental Specialists’ goal is to provide all our patients warm, compassionate, and quality dental care. We believe that by providing treatment in a gentle and caring manner, we can instill confidence and a lasting positive impression of dental care in your child. We offer many treatment options, including oral sedation and hospital dentistry at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, tailored to the individual needs of our young patients and parents.

Children with extreme dental phobia, extensive dental decay, and/or complex medical conditions often benefit from hospital dentistry in which the treatment is completed in one appointment while the patient is under general anesthesia. Our doctors have special hospital privileges at Children’s Hospital of Michigan (DMC) in Detroit where they are on-staff to treat patients of our offices. The decision to perform your child’s dental treatment under general anesthesia at the hospital will be thoroughly discussed with you by one of our pediatric dentists during your visit to our office.

If your child’s baby or adult teeth have large cavities that are close to, or into, the nerve tissue, the tooth may require a pulpal therapy. We may either perform the following; a pulpotomy (removal of a portion of the infected nerve tissue leaving healthy tissue), a pulpectomy (removal of entire nerve tissue from canals), or root canal therapy. Symptoms that may require pulpal therapy include:

1. An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
2. Sensitivity to hot and cold
3. Severe toothache pain
4. Sometimes no symptoms are present
5. Swelling and/or tenderness