Digital X-rays
Panoramic and Regular X-rays
At Branchburg Pediatric Dentistry, taking dental x-rays or radiographs is a crucial part of diagnosing dental issues and concerns. These radiographs provide detailed images of the teeth, bones, and soft tissues, enabling our dentists to identify problems such as cavities or hidden issues like bone loss that aren’t visible during a routine examination. Early detection through dental x-rays can help prevent more serious conditions, reducing the need for painful or costly treatments later on.
Rest assured, dental x-rays use very minimal amounts of radiation, and exposure is well within safe limits. For instance, a full mouth series of x-rays exposes you to about the same amount of radiation you would encounter from everyday environmental sources.
Fluoride Treatment
At Branchburg Pediatric Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of fluoride in preventing cavities and strengthening tooth enamel. Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water and many foods, and it plays a key role in remineralizing teeth to prevent decay and damage. Research shows that drinking fluoridated water has significantly reduced dental caries, with a decrease of up to two-thirds.
Brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and drinking community fluoridated water are effective strategies for reducing tooth decay. In areas where the water supply isn’t fluoridated, we may recommend fluoride tablets for children to ensure they receive the protective benefits of fluoride.
Sealants
What are sealants?
Dental sealants are a preventive treatment designed to help prevent or slow the development of cavities. These thin plastic coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, specifically the molars and premolars. These teeth are particularly vulnerable to cavities due to their complex fissures and grooves, which can trap food particles. When food gets lodged in these areas, plaque builds up and can erode the enamel, leading to cavities. The dental sealant acts as a protective barrier, keeping food and plaque out of the tooth’s fissures and helping to maintain better oral health.
When are sealants placed?
Dental sealants are typically applied when a child’s first permanent molar erupts. These sealants provide essential protection for the permanent teeth, helping to prevent cavities. They can also be used for adults who are at high risk for developing dental caries. Sealants are durable and can last for several years, but they can be reapplied as needed when the old sealants begin to wear down.
Fillings
When a cavity forms, the standard procedure involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and restoring it with a filling. Fillings are used to repair teeth affected by decay, cracks, or minor fractures. They come in various materials, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Tooth-colored fillings:
Composite fillings offer the advantage of matching the natural color of your teeth, making them virtually invisible and an excellent choice for visible areas. Additionally, newer glass-ionomer fillings have the added benefit of releasing fluoride, which helps strengthen teeth and prevent further decay.
What can this procedure repair?
- Tooth decay
- Chipped/cracked/ or broken teeth
- Wide spaces between teeth
- Discoloration caused by Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
- Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.)
How is the procedure done?
Composite fillings are typically applied in a single visit. The dentist will begin by numbing the tooth and removing any decay. The tooth is then thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the new filling. If the decay is near the nerve, special medication may be applied for extra protection. Once prepared, the dentist will carefully place, shape, and polish the composite filling, restoring the tooth to its original form and function.
Maintenance of Fillings
Fillings are not immune to decay or damage, so it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. These practices will help preserve the appearance and functionality of your fillings.
Pulp Therapy / Crowns
At Branchburg Pediatric Dentistry, it’s important to understand that while a tooth may appear solid on the outside, the core consists of soft tissue known as the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and other vital tissues. If a cavity becomes severe enough to reach the pulp, treatment options like a root canal or pulp therapy are necessary.
After the procedure, a crown is placed to protect the weakened tooth and maintain its position until the permanent adult tooth emerges. Depending on the location of the tooth, the crown may be made of stainless steel or a white cosmetic material. These crowns are not intended to be permanent like adult fillings and crowns but serve to safeguard the tooth during this transitional period.
Extractions / Space Maintainers
At Branchburg Pediatric Dentistry, if a baby tooth is damaged beyond repair, it may be necessary to extract it to prevent dental infection and protect the developing permanent tooth beneath.
When a baby tooth is lost prematurely, neighboring teeth might shift into the empty space, which can lead to issues with the alignment of new teeth, such as impaction or misalignment. To avoid these problems, we use space maintainers to keep the surrounding teeth in their proper positions. While space maintainers won’t eliminate the need for braces, they can reduce the duration of orthodontic treatment.
Mouth Guards
At Branchburg Pediatric Dentistry, we recognize the importance of mouth guards as essential safety equipment for children. As kids increasingly participate in physical sports and activities, protecting their teeth from potential injuries becomes crucial. We recommend mouth guards for any child involved in activities that pose a risk of tooth damage, such as skateboarding, biking, baseball, and more.
Nitrous Oxide / Oxygen Sedation
At Branchburg Pediatric Dentistry, most children feel calm, comfortable, and confident during their visits. However, if a child becomes anxious before or during treatment, we use nitrous oxide/oxygen, a safe and effective sedative agent. This helps alleviate fear and improve communication between the child and our team. It is also particularly useful for children whose gag reflex might interfere with dental procedures.
General Anesthesia/Hospital Dentistry
General anesthesia in hospital dentistry allows patients to remain unconscious and pain-free during complex procedures. It’s ideal for those with severe dental anxiety or extensive treatment needs. Administered by anesthesiologists, it ensures safety and comfort by monitoring vital signs and adjusting anesthesia levels throughout the procedure.
Minimally Invasive Dentistry: Silver Diamine Fluoride
If your child has developed dental caries, there are alternative treatments to traditional fillings and crowns. One option is Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), a liquid treatment applied with a small brush during a quick and painless appointment. This method requires no needles or dental drills. The silver in SDF acts as an antimicrobial agent to halt decay, while the fluoride helps strengthen the teeth. SDF is particularly suitable for young children, children with special needs, and those who may have difficulty cooperating during their dental visits. At Branchburg Pediatric Dentistry, we use SDF as a gentle and effective solution to manage dental caries.
Minimally Invasive Dentistry: Icon Treatment and Whitening
Icon Treatment and Whitening is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure aimed at improving the appearance of teeth by addressing discoloration and minor imperfections. This treatment utilizes a specially formulated gel that penetrates the tooth enamel to brighten and whiten the teeth. Additionally, Icon Treatment includes a technique to mask white spots and blemishes, resulting in a more uniform and attractive smile. Unlike traditional whitening methods, Icon Treatment is favored for its precision in targeting specific problem areas without altering the surrounding tooth structure, providing a focused and effective way to achieve a radiant smile.
Special Needs Dentistry
Special needs dentistry is dedicated to offering personalized dental care for individuals with physical, developmental, or intellectual challenges. Dentists in this specialty use customized techniques and accommodations to ensure comfort and effective treatment. They often work closely with caregivers to develop tailored care plans that address each patient’s specific needs.