Pediatric Dentistry in Huntersville, NC

The Importance of Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that specializes in the care and treatment of children's teeth, gums, and mouths. Pediatric dentists are trained to handle the unique needs of children, including those with special needs and behavioral challenges. They focus on preventative care, such as regular check-ups and cleanings, as well as providing treatments for dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and orthodontic issues. The goal of pediatric dentistry is to help children maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout their childhood and into adulthood.

When searching for a dentist for your child, it’s important to find someone that has experience in pediatric dentistry. Dentists that have experience working with children can often help the child overcome their fears. At Lake Norman Dentistry, we understand that how a child feels during their first several dental visits will influence how they react to dentistry throughout their lifetime.

A positive experience now can set the tone for ongoing, regular dental care throughout their adult life. At our Huntersville office, we take active steps to ensure children’s emotional and physical comfort.

The Benefits of Early Oral Care

We treat children from a very young age, because we believe that beginning preventative oral health care at a young age is essential. Establishing good oral hygiene and having your child undergo dental visits early on helps ensure their ability to eat and speak clearly, prevents oral discomfort, and decreases the need for future orthodontic treatment. There are many benefits to pediatric dentistry, including:

• Preventive care
• Specialized care
• Early intervention
• Promotes overall health
• Established good oral health practices

Pediatric Dentistry Procedures

We offer a variety of pediatric dentistry procedures that can help your child to stay in excellent oral health. While it starts with a dental exam and teeth cleaning, this is only the beginning. As a children's dentist office, we can also complete fluoride treatments and seal the teeth when necessary. These two procedures can help to strengthen and protect teeth so that they are less likely to become infected or get a cavity. While simple and fast, these two procedures can work together or separately to prevent your child from experiencing any unnecessary dental pain that can be caused by a cavity.

If your child does get a cavity or an infection, we can treat it right away so that they can feel comfortable again. Even baby teeth need to be treated because of the discomfort that they can cause your child. Fortunately, we can work with young children, and though the teeth are smaller, the procedure can be completed with precision so that they get the care they need without further complications. In order to help children relax and remain comfortable during this type of treatment, we offer sedation dentistry. This may be as simple as providing your child with laughing gas to relax, or if they are very small, they may need to be put to sleep while we complete the procedure. As a kids' dentist, we only use sedation when necessary. Simultaneously, it is dangerous for a child to be wiggly when dental tools are in their mouth. As such, it is better for a small child to be put to sleep than risk them moving and getting a secondary cut as a result.

As a children's dentist, we will discuss all of these treatment options, including the possibility of sedation, with you. This way you can make an informed decision as to the dental work you want to have completed and the timing of it. In some cases, parents prefer to postpone treating minor cavities for a few months if they feel their child may experience a developmental milestone, for example turning four years old, that may make them more prepared for the treatment. At Lake Norman Dentistry, we will work with you to ensure that both you and your child are confident in the decisions that you make regarding their oral health care.

Cleanings & Exams

We offer a variety of pediatric dentistry procedures that can help your child achieve and maintain excellent oral health. While it starts with a dental exam and teeth cleaning, this is only the beginning. As a children's dental office, we complete the cleaning with fluoride treatments and seal the enamel against damage. While simple and fast, these two procedures can work together or separately to strengthen your child’s teeth and prevent dental pain caused by cavities.

Cavity Treatment

If your child does develop a cavity, it’s important that we treat it right away. Even baby teeth need repair after tooth decay because of the discomfort that they can cause your child. Even though children’s teeth are smaller, we can perform cavity treatments with speed and precision.

Sedation Dentistry & General Anesthesia

In order to help children relax and remain comfortable during treatment, we offer sedation dentistry. Sedation is as simple as providing your child with laughing gas to help them relax. As a children’s kids' dentist, we only use sedation when necessary.

If they’re very small, they may need to be put under general anesthesia while we complete the procedure. It’s dangerous for a child to be wiggly when dental tools are in their mouth. For more lengthy or invasive procedures, a small child may need to be put to sleep to keep them from moving around.Rest assured that we’ll closely monitor their vitals during this time.

As a children's dentist, we will discuss all of these treatment options, including the possibility of sedation, with you. We’re here to answer any questions you or your child may have with transparency and accuracy. That way, you can make an informed decision as to the dental work you want to have completed and the timing of it.

In some cases, parents prefer to postpone treating minor cavities for a few months if they feel their child may experience a developmental milestone. For example, your child turning four years old may make them more prepared for the treatment. At Lake Norman Dentistry, we will work with you to ensure that both you and your child are confident in the decisions that you make regarding their oral health care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?

A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist who has completed additional training and education in the care and treatment of children's teeth, gums, and mouths. They are specifically trained to handle the unique needs of children. Pediatric dentists often have access to smaller tools and educational materials, to help children feel more comfortable and to help them learn about oral hygiene.

How can I help my child maintain good oral hygiene?

You can help your child maintain good oral hygiene by supervising their brushing and flossing, modeling good oral hygiene practices, and limiting sugary foods and drinks. They’ll probably need help caring for their teeth until they’re at least eight years old. Be ready to calmly answer any questions and demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques yourself, so your child understands how it’s done.

When should my child first see a pediatric dentist?

It is recommended that a child should see a pediatric dentist for their first dental visit by the age of one year old or within six months of the eruption of the first tooth. Early oral care is vital to preventing poor dental health in the future.

Will my child need sedation for dental procedures?

The need for sedation depends on the procedure and the child's level of anxiety. Pediatric dentists are trained to use a variety of techniques to minimize discomfort and anxiety for children, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation and general anesthesia.