Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) is ALWAYS administered with oxygen. Nitrous oxide is a safe gas and is 100% exhaled by the patient. The combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen, inhaled by your child during the restorative appointment, is used to relax a mildly anxious child. Nitrous Oxide/oxygen also acts to minimize discomfort during dental treatment.Your child does not fall asleep and can effectively communicate with the dentist.Your child should be able to return to normal activities upon leaving the dental office, however limit the amount of physical activity immediately following treatment.

A pulpectomy is necessary when the nerve of the tooth is dead. The entire infected pulp is removed and medication is placed in the root canals.

This procedure is a nerve treatment in which the sick portion of the tooth nerve is removed and medicine is placed in order to avoid extracting the tooth.

Stainless steel crowns are silver colored “caps” used to restore teeth that are too badly decayed to hold fillings, need a nerve treatment, or when durability is a concern. Crowns with white facings can be used on front teeth.

Composites or tooth colored fillings are used to “fill” areas of decay, restore fractured teeth in which cosmetic appearance is important. The shade of the restoration material is matched as closely as possible to the color of the natural tooth.This is typically the restoration of choice, unless treatment conditions dictate the use of another material.

Amalgams or silver fillings are used to restore or “fill” decayed areas in teeth. Amalgam fillings have a scientifically proven history of safety and effectiveness in restoring teeth.

The chewing surface of teeth is most at risk for developing cavities, and least benefited from the protective effects from fluoride. Sealants are adhesive coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth and are very effective in preventing tooth decay. Current research shows that for children under the age of fifteen, 80% of cavities develop on the chewing surfaces of molars. Food and plaque accumulate in the tiny grooves of these chewing surfaces, which are normally very difficult to keep clean. In fact, toothbrush bristles may not effectively clean these grooves. Sealants prevent cavities by ‘sealing’ off these groves preventing bacteria to cause cavities in these areas.

While good oral hygiene is of utmost importance in the prevention of cavities, lack of a proper diet can have a tremendous impact on a child’s cavity rate. Limit not only the quantity of consumed sugary foods and beverages, but also the frequency throughout the day. Cavity formation is a process.When sugar comes in contact with teeth, the cavity process can begin. The more times in a day that we consume sugar, the more at risk we are for developing cavities. By nature, many children like to snack throughout the day and many of these foods, including juices, are loaded with sugar. Even some” healthy” foods can be very high in sugar content, including, granola bars, cereal, and chocolate milk. Check the nutritional label if you are uncertain as to how much sugar a food item contains. Have your child drink plenty of water following snaking.

• Set a good example
• Make good oral health a family effort
• Show children that daily brushing and flossing, limited snacking and regular dental checkups are necessary for good oral health
• Support your child when they are able to brush and floss on their own- assisting and performing spot checks as needed

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends:

• Brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day (for children 2 years or older.)
• Floss children’s teeth once a day.
• Visit your pediatric or general dentist regularly.
• Ensure that fluoride is consumed through drinking water, fluoride products, and fluoride supplements.
• Apply sealants to the chewing surfaces of permanent molars
• Snack moderately, no more than twice a day. It is best to snack on foods with minimal or no sugar content. Fresh fruits and vegetables make great snacks.