A pediatric dentist focuses on dental services for children. Our office provides pediatric dentistry in Worcester, MA, for infants, children, and teenagers. We offer comprehensive pediatric dental services to help young smiles develop normally and stay healthy.
Early dental care and intervention help maintain a growing child’s oral health and can prevent future oral health issues. Dr. Dan Moheban takes a minimally invasive approach to pediatric dental care. He wants to ensure patients get comfortable care with effective diagnoses and treatments.
The 4-Step Process for Minimally Invasive Pediatric Dentistry
Minimally invasive dentistry aims to conserve healthy tooth structure. We can detect, diagnose, and treat dental caries at the microscopic level. Our approach uses personalized risk assessments and focuses on early cavity detection.
Treatment includes conservative procedures that maintain tooth structure. Prevention is also key. We focus on less invasive procedures, which often means no pain, less anxiety, and lower costs.
Here’s a breakdown of our process to restore our patient’s teeth with gentle techniques:
1. Early Detection and Diagnosis
We want to see your child every six months to do what we can to prevent dental diseases. Even if we can’t prevent dental decay, we can at least catch early signs of infection. Dental cleanings and exams help us find and treat cavities.
With early detection, we can remove tooth decay in the earliest stages when it hasn’t reached the tooth’s dentin. Dentin is the layer between the nerve and tooth enamel. Once the infection has reached this layer, it’s just one step away from nerve damage.
Also, since the dentin is porous, decay can quickly progress through this layer. When we catch decay while still in the enamel, we can fill the tooth quickly and painlessly.
2. Risk Assessment
Another reason we want to see our patients regularly is to assess their risk of dental issues. At regular dental visits, we can find signs of cavities and evaluate the progress of their adult teeth. When we notice issues like a baby tooth not falling out at the right time, we can take a more gentle approach to fix it. We can provide early orthodontic care or wisdom teeth extractions if needed.
Also, when we see our young patients for cleanings, we can evaluate the health of their gum tissue. Because of genetics, some children are more prone to gum disease than others. Regular teeth cleanings can keep gum disease at bay. It also helps us take action early if we see signs of gum infection.
3. Tooth Remineralization
The third step is remineralization. Do you ever see white spots on your child’s teeth? Often, white spots are a sign that the tooth will demineralize. This process makes teeth weaker and at risk of decay.
Demineralization can happen at any point in a child’s life. But you might notice it more when they have had traditional braces. For example, after dentists remove the metal brackets, some children have white spots around where the brackets used to be.
But at this point, the tooth has not decayed. We can restore the strength of the tooth and prevent a cavity. Our office can also provide fluoride treatments after we clean your child’s teeth and gums. These treatments strengthen the teeth and can help prevent infections.
4. Minimally Invasive Restorative Procedures
We can fix decayed teeth using special dental lasers. These lasers remove only the damaged part of the tooth and leave the healthy parts alone. This helps make the treatment more comfortable for your child.
Because the laser is very precise, we only take out what’s needed. Lasers also help reduce bleeding and swelling after the procedure. They help the mouth heal faster, too. Dental lasers are safe for both kids and adults.
Our Pediatric Dental Services
We provide full pediatric dentistry treatments in our office:
- Dental Cleanings
- Dental Fillings
- Dental Sealants
- Emergency Dentistry
- Laser Dentistry
- Mouthguards
- Pediatric Root Canal
- Sedation Dentistry
- Sleep Appliances
- Tooth Extraction
- Tongue and Lip Tie
Cavity Prevention in Children
Keeping your child’s teeth healthy starts with good cavity prevention. Cavities happen when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that wear down tooth enamel. Thankfully, we offer simple ways to help protect your child’s teeth and keep their smile strong.
Fluoride for Stronger Teeth
Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps make teeth stronger and protects them from cavities. It rebuilds weak spots in the enamel and helps stop bacteria from causing tooth decay.
Most kids get fluoride from their toothpaste and drinking water, but our dentist might suggest a fluoride treatment for extra protection. These treatments are quick, easy, and don’t hurt. They can really help prevent cavities.
Dental Sealants for Added Protection
Sealants are thin and protective coatings that go on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. These teeth have deep grooves where food and bacteria can get trapped so they’re more likely to develop cavities. A sealant covers these grooves and acts like a shield to keep out bacteria and make the teeth easier to clean. We easily and quickly apply sealants and they can last for years with proper care.
Along with regular dental checkups, fluoride and sealants give your child’s teeth extra protection against cavities. When you start good oral care habits early, you can help your child enjoy a healthy smile for life!
How to Choose a Pediatric Dentist
Picking the right dentist for your child is an important choice. Take your time and do some research. A good place to start is by checking the dentist’s reputation in your community. Ask other parents for suggestions and read online reviews. This can help you learn how well the dentist works with kids and if families are happy with their care.
You should also think about whether the dentist uses new dental tools and technology. Dental care keeps getting better, and great pediatric dentists stay up to date. They want to give your child the best care possible.
At Children’s Dental Specialties, we use the latest tools and techniques to help your child feel more comfortable during their visit. Our goal is to make sure every dental visit is a good one.
Request a Dental Consultation
Do you need a pediatric dentist? Contact Children’s Dental Specialties today at (508) 625-5534 or schedule a dental appointment on our website. Our dental office provides pediatric dental care for patients in Worcester and Boylston, MA.
Let us know if you have any questions about your child’s dental health. We’re here to help.