Pediatric Dental Services
At Hometown Children's Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing our young patients with exceptional care in a supportive environment. Our child-centered team offers the latest in minimally invasive cavity treatments to enhance your child's comfort and dental health. Our priority is to make every visit as stress-free as possible while providing the highest standard of care. Visit our Ivyland practice to experience the difference.
What Are Minimally Invasive Treatments for Cavities?
Here is a look at some of the minimally invasive treatments for cavities in baby teeth, proudly offered by Hometown Children’s Dentistry:
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF): Silver diamine fluoride offers a breakthrough in pediatric dental care, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional dental fillings. When applied to cavities, the liquid solution provides a dual cavity-fighting action: the silver component acts as an antimicrobial agent, killing bacteria, while the fluoride components help remineralize the tooth enamel, preventing tooth decay from growing or spreading.
SDF is a highly effective option to treat tooth decay until a child is ready for a permanent restoration or the affected baby tooth naturally falls out. With no anesthesia and no dental drill, the alternative treatment is beneficial for young patients who are fearful or anxious about dental procedures or those who find it challenging to sit still during treatment. The only downside of SDF is that it leaves dark stains on the treatment area. However, the ease of application and its non-invasive nature make SDF an ideal choice for some patients.
Silver Diamine Fluoride - The SMART Technique: The Silver Modified Atraumatic Restorative Technique (SMART) is a step forward in minimally invasive dentistry, designed to treat cavities without causing stress to young patients. After applying SDF to arrest decay, we place a tooth-colored glass ionomer filling material, which helps mask the black stains left by SDF.
Aside from sealing the cavity and masking the SDF stains, the glass ionomer filling material releases fluoride over time, further aiding in cavity prevention. Depending on the extent of the decay and your child's unique needs, the SMART technique may require multiple visits.
Hall Crown Technique: The Hall Crown Technique is a novel approach that allows us to treat cavities in baby teeth with no shots and little to no drilling. It involves placing a stainless steel dental crown over the affected molar, essentially sealing off the decay, which helps prevent its progression. But how does that work? When the cavity-causing bacteria in the tooth is sealed away from sugary, starchy foods, the decay gradually dies away.
The Hall crown technique takes just a few minutes to complete. It has been found to be highly effective for stopping tooth decay in its tracks until the treated tooth falls out. That means the tooth will, in most cases, require no further treatment.
Which Minimally Invasive Cavity Treatment Is Right for Your Child?
The best way to determine the minimally invasive cavity treatment option right for your child is to contact Hometown Children's Dentistry to schedule a consultation. We will evaluate your child’s unique needs and recommend the ideal solution to restore a healthy, beautiful smile.
Why a Pediatric Dentist Is Best for Children
Choosing a pediatric dentist to care for your child's smile offers numerous advantages, including the following:
- Pediatric dentists undergo two years of training after dental school to better care for the unique needs of children.
- They have extensive knowledge of a child’s oral growth and development from infancy through adolescence.
- Pediatric dentists have special training in addressing anxiety, medically compromised patients, and patients with special needs.
- Pediatric dentistry practices offer smaller, child-friendly equipment.
- Pediatric dentists have training and experience in child psychology to support positive behavior and reduce anxiety.
- They have knowledge about nutrition and preventive care to avoid dental disease in children.
Our team brings a wealth of experience, skill, and expertise to children in Ivyland and the surrounding communities. We are dedicated to ensuring our young patients are cared for at the highest level and helping them develop positive associations with future dental care.
Here are some ways we ensure our young patients feel right at home:
- Our child-centered team is committed to creating a warm and comfortable office environment where your child feels safe and valued.
- We welcome you to accompany your child to the treatment room during most procedures.
- We use a cutting-edge intraosseous dental anesthesia delivery system to numb the area quickly with minimal discomfort, reducing fear and anxiety associated with dental visits.
- We offer sedation dentistry options to help even our most anxious patients feel calm and relaxed while receiving the best possible care.
- We take the time to hear you and your child, answer your questions, and address your concerns.
Why Choose Hometown Children's Dentistry?
Minimally Invasive Cavity Treatments in Ivyland, PA
At Hometown Children's Dentistry, we are committed to providing our young patients with exceptional care using the most conservative treatments possible. We understand that a positive dental experience during childhood can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy dental habits. We invite you to learn more about our minimally invasive treatments and how they enhance your child's dental care.
We invite you to call us at (215) 716-8830 to schedule an appointment or use our online scheduling today!