Dental Treatments for Children

Dental care for children is similar to treatment for adults in many ways. However, certain procedures may offer extra benefits to patients during childhood, when the teeth and gums undergo rapid growth. Here are some of the treatments children may receive depending on their oral health and risk factors.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, is valued for its beneficial effects on teeth. Although fluoride is commonly added to tap water supplies and toothpastes, some patients benefit from extra fluoride. In addition to applying fluoride in our dental office, our dentist may prescribe products with the mineral for convenient use at home.

Sealants

Sealants are clear plastic varnishes painted over teeth to form a barrier against cavities. Often used in vulnerable areas, such as crevices, sealants can last for years before re-application becomes necessary. Having sealants applied can also save patients money by reducing their risks of needing fillings or other restorations later.

Like adults, children may need a variety of restorations, such as fillings. Our dentist offers restorations in tooth-colored versions for a smile-friendly result. Dental sedation is also available for eligible children with anxiety, movement disorders, or other needs. At a consultation with our dentist for children in Houston parents can learn more about treatments that kids can receive at our office.

Most Common Dental Treatments

There are certain treatments that our Agoura Hills dentists see more commonly than others, especially when it comes to cosmetic dental issues. Common problems include cavities and deep decay, chipped and cracked teeth, and missing teeth. The following is information about how these problems are fixed.

Fillings

Materials used to restore decayed teeth include gold, porcelain, and composite resin. These are used to fill the space of the tooth left by cavities.

Root canal therapy

Usually performed by endodontists, but also done in general dentistry, root canal treatments can save teeth that are suffering from deep decay. A hole is drilled into the tooth so the center of the tooth can be accessed, and the infected pulp can be removed. It is then filled with a material called “gutta percha”, and capped with a crown.

Crowns

Crowns are actually used for a variety of reasons. Teeth that are cracked or broken can be fortified by a crown, which will also protect it from further damage.

Dental implants and bridges

Missing or removed teeth can be replaced in a number of ways. An artificial tooth can cover a titanium post fused into the jaw bone over the course of several months. Alternatively, crowns on the adjacent teeth can act as support to an artificial tooth between them, otherwise known as a dental bridge.