Healthy children can look forward to many dental visits. Even if your child never develops cavities, they still need to visit a dentist regularly. At Myriam Cerezo, DMD, Pediatric Dentist in Holland, PA, children receive preventive care and in-office procedures. Routine pediatric dental procedures keep your child's mouth healthy and promote lifelong dental wellness.
Understanding Routine Dental Procedures in Holland, PA
Every child needs routine dental care. These exams and procedures promote lifelong dental health. Keeping up with dental visits improves the look and function of your child's teeth. Some routine procedures prevent common tooth problems like cavities. Others treat pediatric dental problems in their early stages. This type of preventive care helps your child avoid dental issues during adulthood. Routine pediatric dental procedures at our Holland, PA office include X-rays and cleanings, fluoride treatments, early orthodontic intervention, dental sealants, and preventive and restorative treatments. Exams and cleanings represent the most common type of routine care.
"Routine care promotes lifelong dental health for children in Holland, PA."
Deep Cleanings and Fluoride Treatments
Sometimes, pediatric patients may need a deep cleaning — also known as periodontal scaling or root planing. During a deep cleaning at our Holland, PA office, the dentist removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline. Deep cleanings combat gum disease and bad breath. If the patient has gum recession, this procedure helps the gums reattach to the tooth. However, deep cleaning can be slightly uncomfortable. Pediatric providers may offer a numbing medication during this procedure. After a routine or deep cleaning, the dentist may apply a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a mineral that prevents cavities and supports tooth enamel. The process generally takes only a few minutes.
"During a deep cleaning, the dentist removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline."
Orthodontic Assessments
Many parents want to know more about orthodontic care. No doubt, braces can be time-consuming and expensive, but early orthodontic interventions can save time and money. As part of a routine checkup at our Holland, PA office, pediatric providers may screen for orthodontic concerns. Common orthodontic problems can include overbite, underbite, crossbite, protruding teeth, crowding, improper spacing, mouth breathing, and tongue thrusting. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends performing this evaluation by age seven. At this stage, the child's mouth is still developing. Early intervention can prevent the need for a more intensive treatment down the road.
"A dental provider trained in orthodontics can perform an in-depth assessment by age seven."
Sealants and Teeth Whitening
A dentist can perform dental sealant procedures on children's molars at our Holland, PA practice. Sealants provide added protection against cavities and tooth decay. For optimal results, children should receive sealants soon after their molars have erupted. Your pediatric dental provider can let you know when to consider sealants. Some pediatric providers may offer basic teeth whitening. Not all children are eligible for this procedure. Before undergoing teeth whitening, children must have all their permanent teeth. Also, children must finish their orthodontic treatments beforehand.
"Before undergoing teeth whitening, children must have all their permanent teeth."
Dental Bonding and Crowns
Dental bonding can repair minor cracks and chips at our Holland, PA office. During this procedure, the dentist uses a composite resin to cover up damaged spots. Bonding protects teeth against further cracks or decay. But if the damage remains severe, bonding may not be the right choice. If a tooth has severe decay, the dentist may suggest a crown. Decayed teeth stay weak and prone to cracks. A crown protects the tooth from further damage. Modern crowns can be customized to fit even a young child's mouth. These crowns, often known as mini crowns or baby crowns, are even suitable for children who do not yet have their permanent teeth.
"Bonding protects teeth against further cracks or decay at our Holland, PA practice."
Treatments We Offer
Dental Exams & Cleanings
Comprehensive checkups and professional cleanings every six months.
Deep Cleanings
Periodontal scaling to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline.
Fluoride Treatments
Professional fluoride applications to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
Dental Sealants
Protective coatings applied to molars to prevent tooth decay.
Dental Bonding
Composite resin repairs for minor cracks, chips, and cosmetic issues.
Pediatric Crowns
Custom-fitted crowns to protect severely decayed or damaged teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Dental Caries
Also known as cavities, resulting from plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
Dental Prophylaxis
A professional cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Dental Sealants
Resinous material applied to the chewing surfaces of posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
Gum Disease
Inflammation of the gums and irregular loss of underlying bone that surrounds the gums and teeth.
Tongue Thrust
The habit of pushing one's tongue forward between the upper and lower teeth when swallowing.
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