Services Offered.

Children from infancy through their young adult years all require different approaches in dealing with their behavior, and helping them to maintain good oral hygiene in order to avoid future dental problems. In our practice we offer a variety of pediatric dental services:

• Preventative Dentistry: Routine Dental Cleanings, Fluoride Treatments, Sealants
• Restorative Dentistry: Fillings, Stainless Steel crowns, Strip Crowns, Pulpotomies, Extractions
• Orthodontics
• Appliances: Retainers, Arch Expanders, Habit Appliances, Kiddie Partials, Space Maintainers
• In Office Oral Sedation
• Outpatient Hospital Procedures

Orthodontics

The timing for orthodontic treatment varies between patients. Dr. Owens likes to begin orthodontic treatment around the ages of eleven to thirteen. Some early interventions may include removable or fixed appliances to help create extra space and reduce the possibility of tooth extractions. Early intervention with these appliances will help to reduce treatment time in braces.

Pulpotomy

A pulpotomy is a miniature root canal for a baby tooth. When doing a pulpotomy, the top part of the nerve is removed, while the remaining portion in the root is kept to keep the tooth alive.

Extractions

A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. They are performed for many reasons, including decay that is too big to prevent restoration. They are also performed to make space in crowded mouths for orthodontics.

Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless Steel Crowns are needed when decay has destroyed a tooth to such a degree that there is not enough tooth structure remaining to support a filling. Stainless steel crowns are highly recommended on primary molars because of their durability and cost.

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are often times referred to as white fillings. A composite filling restores the function and anatomy of the tooth. The composite filling is much more aesthetically pleasing with no health concerns. White fillings are the only type of filling Dr. Owens performs in his office as opposed to amalgam fillings.

Sealants

Sealants have been a great cost effective way to prevent cavities since the 1970’s. They are very easily applied using a plastic liquid that is cured with a light. Sealants are applied to the six and twelve year molars after eruption. They are applied to them molars because these teeth are located in the back of the mouth, they have deep pits and grooves on the biting surfaces, and are more difficult to clean. Sealants prevent food and bacteria from getting on the tooth and causing cavities. They are easy and painless for the patient!

Periodic Exams

Routine periodic exams are performed every 6 months to check the teeth and gum tissues. A periodic exam is recommended to catch decay or other problems in their early states before major destruction has occurred.

Fluoride Treatment

We offer a fluoride treatment as part of our preventative care in order to strengthen the teeth and make them more resistant to decay. If your child resides in a non-fluoridated water community, we will discuss other options for your child as well to prevent decay.

Prophylaxis

During a dental prophylaxis a cleaning is performed. At this time any buildup on your child’s teeth will be removed. Benefits of this include tarter removal, which is the buildup of plaque, fresher breath and a whiter smile. We also instruct the child on brushing and flossing techniques.

In Office Oral Sedation

Some children require the use of sedation in order to make their office experience more comfortable and pleasant for them. During this procedure your child will be sedated but will be conscious the entire time. We will monitor their heart rate and blood pressure during the entire procedure. Dr. Owens has been performing this particular sedation for over thirty years. It is safe and effective and it eases your child’s anxiety and allows them to relax during their dental visit. If your child is a candidate for this procedure everything will be explained at the diagnostic visit.