Dentistry Treatment

If your child’s baby teeth have cavities, early treatment is imperative to prevent any damage to erupting permanent teeth. Our dentist can insert composite white fillings that are nearly invisible when the child smiles or talks. The numbness from the local anesthetic should wear off soon after the procedure, and your child should be able to eat and drink as usual.

Deep cavities that reach the nerves of a baby tooth and cause intense pain and sensitivity. A baby root canal can prevent infection, maintain teeth structure and gum health, and protect the developing permanent tooth.

Sometimes, if we expect the baby tooth to fall out on its own soon, we recommend an extraction, but more often, we try to preserve the tooth. With effective numbing, a root canal usually involves no more discomfort for the patient than a regular filling. At our Huntersville office, we offer laughing gas (nitrous oxide) to ease dental anxiety in children.

For decayed or worn-down teeth, our pediatric dentist may recommend a crown to:

• Prevent tooth breakage or fracturing
• Reduce sensitivity
• Improve tooth strength

Pediatric dentistry typically uses stainless steel crowns (silver caps) as an affordable, effective solution to keep the child’s teeth in shape until the permanent teeth grow. Stainless steel crowns come in premade shapes and are quick and easy to install, which may shorten the appointment and keep the patient more comfortable.

We may recommend teeth extractions for various reasons, including deep decay, severe crowding, trauma or injury, or acute infection. If extraction is inevitable, we always do our best to reduce any pain or discomfort for the patient. We will offer nitrous oxide and provide distractions as needed.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a liquid that contains water, silver, fluoride, and ammonia. It can prevent cavities from worsening and may serve as an alternative to a dental filling. Silver diamine fluoride treatments are especially helpful in pediatric dentistry for kids with severe dental anxiety and children with special needs who may not engage or cooperate during a pediatric dental appointment.

Some common childhood habits, like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and nail-biting, may hurt your child’s teeth and jaws, causing teeth misalignment or jaw bone deformation. We offer specially designed appliances to discourage and eventually curb harmful habits that may compromise your child’s dental care.

Young patients who lose a tooth because of decay or trauma may need a space maintainer, a special device to keep neighboring teeth from shifting. This type of treatment can prevent crowding, keep teeth aligned, and ensure that adult teeth grow in their proper place.

During your pediatric dental visit at our North Carolina office, our children’s dentist will instruct you on space maintainer upkeep to ensure excellent oral health.

NC Tooth Docs Orthodontics and Kids Dentistry office in Huntersville, North Carolina, provides various minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry options for children, including:

• Dental flippers
• Dental bonding

Esthetic procedures in pediatric dentistry can make a tremendous difference in a child’s self-esteem and help them smile with confidence.

Healthy mouths and a strong foundation for lifelong excellent oral health begin with pediatric dental care at NC Tooth Docs Orthodontics and Kids Dentistry in Huntersville, NC. Our kid-friendly dentist is here to show young patients and their parents that dental visits can be reassuring, comfortable, and even fun.

Nitrous Oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is used to help maintain comfort in more invasive procedures. At NC Tooth Docs, we offer laughing gas for procedures, such as Baby Root Canals and Tooth Extractions.