Pediatric Dentistry at Golden Heart Dental
Healthy Smiles and Happy Hearts
At Golden Heart Dentistry, we understand the lifelong importance of a healthy smile.
Dr. Miller and her team proudly offer exceptional pediatric dentistry services in a calm and comfortable environment. We strive to help every young patient establish and maintain optimal dental health for a lifetime. Beginning routine dental exams and cleanings from an early age helps give children the good habits to maintain a healthy smile for the rest of their lives.
What is Pediatric Dentistry?
Tiny teeth, big responsibilities
Pediatric Dentistry addresses children’s oral health from infancy through adolescence. How a baby’s first teeth come in can often indicate whether there will be problems later in life. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends a dental visit before a child’s first birthday. Examination at this age enables the early detection and treatment of many oral problems, including cavities and gum disease.
Monitoring a child’s teeth as the adult ones come in can give an early indication of whether braces or Invisalign may become necessary. We can also check on the strength and durability of the enamel, identifying weak points and applying a sealant, if necessary, to protect the teeth from acid-producing bacteria.
Child Dentistry Benefits and Procedures
Navigating the land of toothbrushes and lollipops
Parent Education: We model proper home hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing, and recommend the type and amount of toothpaste to use depending on your child's needs and age. We discuss healthy nutrition, disease prevention, and trauma prevention. We are all about working with you to help your child maintain strong, healthy teeth for a lifetime.
Preventive Care: Regular exams and cleanings help detect conditions in their early stages and keep children’s teeth clean and healthy. We may recommend dental sealants and topical fluoride treatments to strengthen and protect your child's teeth and prevent future tooth decay.
Restorative Procedures: Detecting a problem early will allow us to treat it immediately, preventing its progression. A simple filling to repair a cavity may prevent the need for a root canal down the road. We always discuss all restorative procedure options with you to determine the best course of treatment.
Monitoring Growth: We can anticipate dental issues and quickly intervene by tracking your child's dental growth and development. If we determine that your child may need future orthodontic treatment, early intervention will enable easier treatment and better outcomes down the road.
Emergency Dental Care: Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Children can get into all sorts of trouble, from objects that don’t belong in the mouth to bumps, falls, and loose teeth. That’s why we’re fully prepared and equipped to provide your child with urgent dental care. Safeguarding your child’s dental health is just a phone call away.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride, a dentist's trusty sidekick
Some research indicates fluoride may help prevent cavities in children and adults in two ways:
- Making the tooth enamel stronger against acids in the mouth formed by bacteria and sugar
- Helping to reduce the amount of bacteria on the tooth surface
- Water fluoridation is a common practice in U.S. public water systems. However, bottled water, home treatment systems, and private well water may not be fluoridated. The lack of fluoride consumption in infants and children during their crucial formative years may contribute to future tooth decay.
- Topical applications of fluoride from toothpaste and mouth rinses can fill the gap. If you’re concerned about getting enough fluoride to protect your teeth, Golden Heart Dental offers fluoride treatments in the office to ensure all teeth receive fluoride.
Dental Sealants
Protect Young Teeth From Cavities and Decay
Dental sealants are a great tool for preventing cavities in hard-to-reach areas and on teeth that have deep crevices. They are typically recommended for children between ages 6 and 14, but patients of virtually any age can benefit from their application.
Dental sealants are made from specially designed dental resin or plastic. We carefully apply the liquid sealant to the teeth in a thin layer. The sealant quickly hardens and bonds directly to the tooth, sometimes with the aid of a curing light.
These sealants can remain effective for as long as a decade. Still, we check on them for wear at every dental check-up and will replenish them as needed.
Kids' Dentistry at Its Finest
Premier Kids' Dentistry Services
Contact Golden Heart Dentistry in Fairbanks, AK, to learn more about caring for your child's teeth. We look forward to building a relationship with you focused on laying the groundwork for a lifetime of oral health. We often serve patients coming from the Fairbanks, Ester, and North Pole areas of east-central Alaska. Call us today at 907-328-0868 to request an appointment!
Request Appointment
At Golden Heart Dental, we make it convenient to plan your visit. Schedule online or call us at 907-328-0868 to request an appointment time that fits your busy schedule. We can't wait to see you.