Pediatric Dentistry
When it comes to pediatric dentistry, parents want the best care for their little ones. At Let’s Smile Dental in Springfield, VA, we provide comprehensive dental care for children of all ages. Our skilled team of pediatric dentists and hygienists is dedicated to helping children have healthy and happy smiles. Read on to learn about all the different services we offer!
PREVENTATIVE CARE
Preventative care is key to keeping your child’s smile healthy. Our team provides regular cleanings and exams to check for any signs of decay or infection. We also offer fluoride treatments that help strengthen teeth, as well as sealants that can fill deep grooves in the enamel and protect against cavities.
SPECIAL NEEDS CARE
At Let’s Smile Dental, we believe that all children deserve to receive the highest quality of care. We specialize in providing dental care for children with special needs, ranging from physical disabilities to developmental delays.
If you feel your child requires extra attention beyond what a general level of care would provide, it’s time to call a dentist who understands. We take the time to learn about your child, and we will be completely transparent with you. Our team believes in a collaboration between providers and parents to learn from each other how to get the best results for the child.
Ultimately, we will not only make formal dental treatments easier for your child but can also recommend long-term solutions for optimum dental care.
CLEFT LIP & PALATE
A cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that can affect a child’s facial appearance and ability to speak, eat, and drink. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for children born with this condition. We understand the importance of early intervention and provide comprehensive oral health services to ensure your child has the best possible outcome.
Cleft Lip Treatment: Cleft lip surgery is usually performed when the child is about ten years old. The goal of surgery is to close the separation between the lip tissues, restore muscle function, and provide a normal shape to the mouth. Any accompanying nostril deformity may be improved as a result of the procedure or may require a subsequent surgery.
Cleft Palate Treatment: A cleft palate is initially treated with surgery safely when the child is between seven and eighteen months old. The goal of surgery is to close the gap or hole between the roof of the mouth and the nose, reconnect the muscles that make the palate work, and make the repaired palate long enough so that it can perform its function properly.
CHILDREN’S SEDATION
At Let’s Smile Dental, we understand that some children may be anxious about going to the dentist. That is why we offer sedation options for those who need it. Our team of experts is trained in providing safe, effective sedation to make sure your child is comfortable during their procedure.
We have several different levels of sedation available, depending on your child’s needs. We utilize nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation to help kids relax during their visit.
Nitrous Oxide: This is the most commonly used form of sedation at Let’s Smile Dental. It can be used for both minor and major procedures to help your child feel more relaxed. It is administered through a mask that is placed over the nose and mouth and helps reduce sensations of fear and discomfort.
Oral Conscious Sedation: This is a form of sedation that is given orally in pill form. It helps to relax your child and make them sleepy before the procedure starts. They may be somewhat groggy or disoriented during the procedure, but will still be conscious and able to follow instructions.
IV Sedation: This is the deepest level of sedation available at Let’s Smile Dental. It is administered through an intravenous line and helps provide a deeper level of relaxation for more complex procedures. Your child will still be conscious during the procedure but may experience an amnesiac effect causing them to forget their time in the office.
PEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES
We know that dental emergencies can happen at any time. That is why our team is committed to providing prompt, compassionate care in these situations. We are equipped to handle a wide variety of pediatric dental emergencies, including broken teeth, lost primary teeth, and severe toothaches. Our goal is always to relieve pain and restore your child’s smile as quickly as possible.
Tooth pain and sensitivity do not always require emergency dental care. However, when the pain becomes severe enough that it prevents your child from eating, drinking, or living a normal life, an emergency dental appointment is strongly recommended.
