Pediatric Dentistry

Get your kids the proper dental care

It may not seem like a big deal, but your child will thank you in their adulthood if you start taking care of their oral health now. Pediatric dentistry is vital for the long-term health of your child’s teeth and gums.

At Kangaroo Smiles, we make sure to give children a safe and comfortable environment where their dental care needs are being met. We understand that children can be anxious about going to the dentist, which is why we take extra care to ensure they feel relaxed and at ease.

Our pediatric dentists are highly trained and experienced in dealing with children of all ages, so you can rest assured that your child is in good hands. We also deliver high-quality service, which means your child will receive the best possible care.

Routine Dental Check-Ups

Just like adults, children need to have routine dental check-ups every six months to maintain good oran health. These check-ups allow us to keep an eye on your child’s teeth and gums, and identify any potential problems early on.

At Kangaroo Smiles, our dental check-ups typically consist of an examination of your child’s teeth on your first visit. Then, our pediatric dentist creates a scheduled treatment plan that involves dental cleanings, X-rays, and other necessary treatments. 

Flouride Treatment

Fluoride is a mineral that helps to prevent cavities and strengthens teeth. It can be found in many different products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash.

The AAPD recommends that children have a fluoride treatment every six months. This involves applying a fluoride varnish to your child’s teeth, which helps prevent cavities. Fluoride treatment at Kangaroo Smiles will ensure that your child doesn’t have to experience the pain of cavities.

White or Composite Dental Fillings

When a child develops a cavity, it needs to be filled to prevent the decay from spreading. A white dental filling is a tooth-colored material that is used to fill in the hole left by the cavity.

We use composite fillings to provide durability and resistance that withstands the pressure from constant chewing. They can be applied to either the front or back teeth of the child, which are naturally colored so no one will notice a difference in your child’s smile.

Baby Tooth Root Canals (Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy)

If your child’s tooth has been severely damaged by decay, our pediatric dentists may recommend we perform a baby tooth root canal. It is a treatment that removes the diseased pulp from the inside of the tooth and seals it off with a stainless steel crown over the tooth to prevent infection.

It’s important to consider a root canal treatment for kids instead of immediately resorting to extraction because it can help preserve the space for the adult tooth. It also helps your child to keep their natural smile.

Tooth Extractions

In some cases, the tooth may be too damaged to be saved and will need to be extracted. This is usually done as a last resort.

We will only recommend an extraction if it is absolutely necessary, as we want your child to keep their natural teeth for as long as possible. Despite this, our dentists always ensure that the pediatric patient is comfortable as we perform an extraction. We use the latest technology and equipment to make the experience as smooth as possible for your child.

Custom Athletic Mouthguards

If a child is participating in contact sports or other high-impact recreational activities, parents need to make sure that their teeth are protected from the risk of a dental injury. At Kangaroo Smiles, we can create custom-made athletic mouthguards for children that will fit snugly over their teeth and gums.

Mouthguards help to absorb the impact of a fall or collision and protect the teeth from being chipped, fractured, or knocked out. They also reduce the risk of a child sustaining a concussion or other head and neck injuries.

Dental Cleanings

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children should have their first dental cleaning by the time they turn one. After that, they should have their teeth cleaned every six months.

Dental cleanings are important because they remove plaque and tartar from your child’s teeth, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. Our pediatric dentists are gentle and will make sure your child is comfortable during the cleaning. 

Protective Dental Sealants

A sealant is a thin, clear coating that is applied to the back teeth (molars). They are most often used on children, as they are more likely to get cavities in their molars.

Sealants protect the teeth by sealing off the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the molars, preventing food and bacteria from getting in. We use the latest technology to apply sealants quickly and easily. We also use a special light to harden the sealant, so your child can eat and drink right away.

Digital X-Rays

X-rays are an important part of pediatric dentistry as they allow us to see what is happening below the surface of the teeth. We employ digital X-rays which use less radiation than the traditional type, making them a safer option for children.

The digital images are also displayed on a computer screen, so our pediatric dentist can take a closer look and identify any problems quickly. We use X-rays to check for cavities, gum disease, and other abnormalities.

Stainless Steel Pediatric Crowns

A pediatric crown is a type of dental restoration that covers the entire tooth. It is used to treat teeth that are severely decayed or damaged, which a filling or root canal will not be able to fix.

We use stainless steel crowns for pediatric patients as they are strong and durable. They are also less expensive than other types of crowns, such as porcelain. As your child naturally loses their baby tooth, the crown will come out with it.

Space Maintainers

If your child has lost a baby tooth prematurely, we may recommend using a space maintainer. It is a device that is used to keep the space open until the permanent tooth erupts.

Space maintainers are made of stainless steel and acrylic. They are custom-made to fit your child’s mouth and are barely noticeable. It is important to use a space maintainer to prevent the other teeth from shifting into the empty space, making sure that the child’s adult teeth will have room to come in.

Tooth Whitening

We also offer tooth whitening treatments for children who have stained or discolored teeth. Kids with no remaining baby teeth are eligible for the various tooth whitening procedures available at Kangaroo Smiles.

Tooth whitening is a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of your child’s teeth. Whether it is to get an extra dazzling smile right before prom or for that wow factor after braces come off, our dentists have several options available.

Emergencies

Our team is very familiar with the phrase, “Accidents happen.” We understand that dental emergencies can take place at any time. If your child has a dental emergency, please call our office right away and we will do our best to see your child as soon as possible. 

No matter the situation, be it a cracked or broken tooth to one that has been knocked out completely, our pediatric dentists know how to handle it. They have adequate experience and expertise to provide your child with the best emergency dental care. 

Frequently asked questions

For your convenience, here are some frequently asked questions from parents and our answers. If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.

Although they will all eventually fall out, primary (baby) teeth are important for:

• Proper chewing and eating
• Keeping space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position
• Allowing normal development of the jaw bones and muscles
• Development of speech
• Giving your child the self-confidence they need to succeed in school and other activities

Cavities in baby teeth can cause sensitivity, pain, and sometimes even serious infections. In some situations, they can also directly affect the development of your child’s permanent teeth.

To make an appointment, please click the button below. You an also make an appointment by calling us at (978) 425-1496.

Often times, cavities develop without any pain or other symptoms. That is why it is so important to schedule your child for regular, routine visits with our office. Small cavities that are not painful are always easier to fix than large cavities.

Left untreated, cavities can lead to more serious problems for your child, such as infections in the nerve of the tooth, swellings, and possibly needing to have the tooth removed. Some common symptoms of a larger cavity may include:

1) A painful toothache or swollen gums
2) Pain when chewing or eating hot or cold foods
3) The presence of white spots, tooth discolorations, or holes in teeth

To make an appointment, please click the button below. You an also make an appointment by calling us at (978) 425-1496.

We use dental radiographs, or X-rays, in the dental exams of children of all ages, because many problems with the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen by the naked eye.

X-rays can reveal:
• Small cavities between teeth
• Deep cavities
• Infections in the jaw bones
• Abscesses or cysts
• Developmental problems such as missing teeth

At Kangaroo Smiles we use digital X-rays. Digital X-rays are not only more comfortable and accurate than traditional X-rays, but also faster and better for the environment. With no sharp X-ray film and no lengthy chemical processing required, the images can be seen on our computer screen within seconds. Studies have also found that digital X-rays emit up to 90% less radiation than conventional X-rays!

To make an appointment, please click the button below. You an also make an appointment by calling us at (978) 425-1496.

Dr. Mona is very familiar with the phrase, “Accidents happen.”

If your child experiences a dental accident that causes him or her any amount of dental pain, call us immediately. We can talk you through the situation and help relieve your stress. If needed, we will schedule a same-day emergency appointment.

To make an emergency appointment, please click the button below. You an also make an appointment by calling us at (978) 425-1496.