Extractions
Our primary goal is to maintain your child’s natural teeth and promote overall oral health. However, there are times when tooth extractions become a necessary part of dental care. Tooth extractions may be required for various reasons, such as severe decay that cannot be restored, infection, orthodontic needs, or trauma to the tooth. Understanding the extraction process and preparing for it can help ease both parent and child anxiety.
Tooth extractions are often considered a last resort when other pediatric dental treatments are not viable. Some common scenarios include:
- Severe Decay — When a tooth is extensively decayed and cannot be saved with a filling or crown, extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection.
- Infection — An infected tooth that does not respond to root canal therapy may need to be removed to protect the surrounding teeth and gums.
- Orthodontic Reasons — Sometimes, teeth are extracted to make space for proper alignment during orthodontic treatment.
- Trauma — Teeth that are severely damaged due to an injury might need to be extracted if they cannot be repaired.
- Impacted Teeth — Particularly in older children, wisdom teeth that are impacted or causing crowding may require removal.
At Thomas & Moore Pediatric Dentistry, we take a personalized approach to every tooth extraction, ensuring that each procedure is tailored to the specific needs of your child. The process typically involves several steps:
- Examination and Consultation — Before any extraction, a thorough examination is conducted to evaluate the condition of the tooth and surrounding tissues. X-rays may be taken to assess the situation comprehensively. Our dental professionals will discuss all available treatment options and explain why an extraction is the best course of action.
- Preparation and Anesthesia — To ensure a comfortable experience, local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the tooth. For children who are particularly anxious or require multiple extractions, sedation options such as nitrous oxide or IV sedation may be recommended.
- Extraction — Using specialized instruments, the dentist will carefully loosen the tooth and remove it from the socket. The procedure is typically quick, but if the tooth is impacted or broken, it may require more time and precision.
- Post-Extraction Care — After the tooth is removed, the dentist will provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing. This includes advice on managing pain, reducing swelling, and maintaining oral hygiene. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor recovery and address any concerns.
At Thomas & Moore Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that tooth extractions can be a source of concern for both parents and children. Our dedicated team is committed to providing compassionate care and support throughout the entire process. We prioritize clear communication, answering any questions you may have and ensuring your child feels comfortable and safe.
By choosing Thomas & Moore Pediatric Dentistry, you can trust that your child’s tooth extraction will be handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Our goal is to make every dental experience positive, fostering a lifetime of healthy smiles.
White Crowns
At Thomas & Moore Pediatric Dentistry, we believe in providing solutions that not only restore dental function but also enhance the appearance of your child’s smile. White crowns, also known as tooth-colored crowns or ceramic crowns, are an excellent option for restoring damaged or decayed primary teeth while maintaining a natural look. These crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with your child’s existing teeth, offering both durability and aesthetic appeal.
White crowns offer several advantages over traditional metal crowns, particularly for young children. One of the key benefits is their natural appearance. Made from high-quality materials such as zirconia or porcelain, white crowns mimic the natural color and translucency of tooth enamel, making them nearly indistinguishable from natural teeth. Additionally, white crowns are highly durable and can withstand the daily wear and tear of chewing, ensuring that they last until the primary teeth naturally fall out. By preserving the aesthetics of your child’s smile, white crowns can help boost their self-esteem and confidence, especially if the crown is placed on a visible front tooth.
The placement of a white crown typically involves a few essential steps. The affected tooth is carefully prepared by removing any decay and shaping it to accommodate the crown. This ensures a proper fit and secure placement. An impression of the prepared tooth is taken to create a custom-made crown that fits perfectly, and temporary crowns may be placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated. Once the custom crown is ready, it is carefully fitted and bonded to the prepared tooth using a strong dental adhesive. Adjustments are made to ensure a comfortable bite and natural appearance. After the crown is securely in place, final adjustments are made to ensure optimal fit and function, and your child will leave with a restored tooth that looks and feels like natural enamel.
Maintaining white crowns is similar to caring for natural teeth. Encourage your child to brush twice a day, floss regularly, and visit your pediatric dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings. Avoiding hard or sticky foods can also help prolong the life of the crown.
Composite Restoration
We prioritize not just the health of your child’s teeth but also their appearance. Composite restorations, often referred to as tooth-colored fillings, are an ideal solution for treating dental decay and minor damage. These restorations are crafted from a high-quality resin material that can be closely matched to the natural color of your child’s teeth, ensuring a seamless and attractive repair.
One of the primary advantages of composite restorations is their aesthetic appeal. Unlike traditional metal amalgam fillings, composites blend in with natural tooth enamel, making them virtually invisible. This means your child can smile and speak confidently without worrying about noticeable fillings. The resin material used in composite restorations is also highly durable, capable of withstanding the daily pressures of chewing and biting.
In addition to their cosmetic benefits, composite restorations offer functional advantages. The bonding process involves adhering the resin directly to the tooth structure, which helps to strengthen the tooth and restore its original function. This technique requires less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to traditional fillings, preserving more of your child’s natural tooth.
Caring for composite restorations is straightforward and aligns with general oral hygiene practices. Encourage your child to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly to maintain the health of their teeth and restorations. Regular dental check-ups are essential for monitoring the condition of the restorations and maintaining overall oral health. While composite restorations are resilient, it’s advisable to avoid chewing on very hard objects, such as ice or hard candy, to prevent potential damage.
Space Maintenance
At Thomas & Moore Pediatric Dentistry, we recognize the critical role that primary teeth play in your child’s overall dental development. When a primary tooth is lost prematurely, it can lead to significant dental issues down the road if not addressed properly. This is where space maintainers come into play, acting as a guide to ensure that your child’s permanent teeth have the space they need to emerge correctly and align properly.
Primary teeth serve as natural placeholders for permanent teeth. When a primary tooth is lost too soon, the surrounding teeth can drift into the vacant spot, which can cause problems like crowding or misalignment of the permanent teeth. Space maintainers are custom-made devices designed to prevent this drift, keeping the space open for the permanent tooth to erupt naturally.
Having a space maintainer doesn’t significantly alter your child’s daily routine, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. It’s essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene, making sure that your child brushes and flosses regularly, especially around the maintainer. Regular check-ups at Thomas & Moore Pediatric Dentistry will help monitor the maintainer’s condition and your child’s dental development, ensuring everything stays on track.
By addressing premature tooth loss with space maintenance, we can help prevent more extensive orthodontic treatments in the future. At Thomas & Moore Pediatric Dentistry, our commitment is to provide proactive and preventive care that supports healthy dental development. Space maintainers are just one part of our comprehensive approach to ensuring that your child’s smile grows beautifully and healthily.
Sedation Dentistry
Imagine your child undergoing a complex dental treatment like a root canal, extraction, or oral surgery. When treatment is complete, your child will have no recollection of the time it took, the pain, the noise, or the discomfort. We are pleased to offer your child the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry. Our pediatric dental patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:
- A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
- A hard time sitting still for long periods of time
- A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics
Sedation dentistry allows your pediatric dentist to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for children who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. There are several benefits to sedation dentistry, including:
- No memory of undergoing the procedure
- No sense of time while under sedation
- No sense of smell or sound
- No fear or anxiety during treatment
Levels of Sedation
Sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law, and there are three sedative states at which your child’s dentist can administer treatment: mild sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation.
- Mild Sedation — Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry and is often used for children with mild anxiety, longer procedures, or more complex situations. Mild sedation is usually administered orally. Your child will remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and will be able to breathe normally, but he or she will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from anxiolysis sedation within a few hours after the procedure is complete. Nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas) is another form of mild to moderate sedation that results in relaxation during treatment.
- Moderate Sedation — Used for patients with moderate dental anxiety and for patients who need longer or more complex procedures, conscious sedation often refers to the use of light IV sedation. With conscious sedation, your child will remain awake throughout the procedure, but will be in a deep state of relaxation.
- Deep Sedation — Patients receiving deep sedation go between consciousness and unconsciousness during their dental procedure. Patients often have no recollection of the treatment and are unable to respond to commands even if they are awake at times during the procedure.
How Are Sedatives Administered?
- Inhalation — Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety. Recovery is quick so your child can resume normal activities immediately.
- Oral — An extremely common technique for dental sedation is oral sedation. It is easy and does not require the use of needles. Your child will be given a prescription pill which, taken about an hour before the appointment, will have your child fully relaxed by the time you arrive at our pediatric dental office.
IV Sedation
Most dental procedures in children are completed with local anesthesia; however, very young, fearful or uncooperative children may require sedation. Intravenous (IV) sedation is a deep sleep that insulates your child from the stress and discomfort associated with dental procedures.
Drs. Thomas and Moore are very excited to announce our affiliation with Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates of Tampa, FL. We are now able to offer IV sedation to our patients. This is such a wonderful option for our fearful patients and those with medical or special needs.
IV sedation is particularly beneficial for children who require extensive dental work, have difficulty sitting still, or have special healthcare needs that make traditional dental procedures challenging. Our highly trained and experienced dental professionals closely monitor your child’s vital signs throughout the sedation process to ensure their safety. Parents can rest assured knowing that this option not only facilitates a smoother dental visit but also helps to foster a positive association with dental care for their child, promoting better oral health habits in the future. At Thomas & Moore Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to each child’s unique needs, making every visit a successful and stress-free experience.
Emergency Care
At Thomas & Moore Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that dental emergencies can be both uncomfortable and stressful for parents and children alike. Whether it’s sudden pain, an injury, or another urgent issue, our team is equipped to provide prompt and effective care. Our primary goal during any dental emergency is to alleviate discomfort, address the underlying problem, and prevent further complications. We are committed to offering timely and compassionate assistance, ensuring that your child receives the best possible care when they need it most. Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process, providing clear instructions and support to quickly restore your child’s oral health and peace of mind.
- Toothache — Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be impacted. If the pain still exists, contact your child’s dentist. Do not place aspirin or heat on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the face is swollen, apply cold compresses and contact your dentist immediately.
- Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek — Apply ice to injured areas to help control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call a doctor or visit the hospital emergency room.
- Knocked Out Permanent Tooth — If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze or clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk, NOT water. If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth (beside the cheek). The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.
- Knocked Out Baby Tooth — Contact your pediatric dentist. Unlike with a permanent tooth, the baby tooth should not be replanted due to possible damage to the developing permanent tooth. In most cases, no treatment is necessary.
- Chipped/Fractured Permanent Tooth — Time is a critical factor, contact your pediatric dentist immediately so as to reduce the chance for infection or the need for extensive dental treatment in the future. Rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth piece, bring it with you to the dentist.
- Chipped/Fractured Baby Tooth — Contact your pediatric dentist.
- Severe Blow to the Head — Call 911 immediately or take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
- Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw — Keep the jaw from moving and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
