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 Dental appointments for children are important to evaluate the teeth and gums as well as to educate the young patient for a lifetime of dental hygiene. We will talk with you about your child's oral health and hygiene, including teething, fluoride, brushing and flossing, cavities, sealants and orthodontics.
Periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a leading cause of tooth loss in American adults. Plaque is the sticky film of bacteria that is brushed and flossed away with proper oral care. When left on the teeth, plaque produces toxins that attack below the gum line in the sulcus, a shallow v-shaped crevice between the tooth and gums. This causes the bond between teeth and gums to break down.
When they are correctly aligned, wisdom teeth pose no threat to the mouth and may even be helpful. Often, though, problems develop that necessitate their removal. When the jaw is too small to accommodate the extra teeth, they may erupt sideways (impacted), part of the way, or not at all. Improperly erupted wisdom teeth have the potential to damage nearby teeth, bone and roots, and invite bacterial infection, which in turn leads to pain, swelling, jaw stiffness and other problems. Removal by an oral surgeon is swift and effective.
 Root canals can prevent tooth decay and loss when there is damage to the soft core of the tooth (the pulp). Despite its reputation as a painful ordeal, a root canal is actually not very uncomfortable. During the procedure, the damaged pulp is removed, the root canal is cleaned and sealed off, and a crown is bonded to the tooth to maintain strength.
We are trained to care for dental emergencies, including broken or knocked-out teeth, toothache, objects stuck between teeth, bitten tongue or lip, and other trauma to the teeth, tongue, lips and cheeks. Patients with emergencies are given priority.
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