Just like cleanings and exams for adults, pediatric cleanings and exams are fairly straightforward. Your child’s dental team will clean their teeth and gums, before their San Antonio dentist carefully examines their mouth and x-rays to look for potential issues with your child’s oral health or development. In most cases, your child should come in for their checkup and cleaning every six months to ensure their smile stays healthy and is developing properly.

You’ll have the opportunity during this visit to speak with your child’s dentist about what to expect during the various stages of their oral development, like when their teeth will be erupting, falling out, then erupting again as adult teeth. We will discuss proper techniques for at-home oral care and hygiene for different age groups, and even talk about nutrition and diet, and how it’s related to your child’s developing oral health.

Digital x-rays are fast, high-resolution images that capture your child’s jaw and tooth health. By using minimal radiation, digital x-rays are a safe and effective way to ensure your child is developing properly. X-rays will only be recommended if your child’s dentist thinks they are necessary. For most cases, x-rays are taken every 12 months, however, your child’s dentist may recommend more if your child is at high risk for oral disease.

If your child has a cavity, it can compromise their oral health, and leave them with a lingering toothache. Dental fillings are one of the fastest, simplest, and most affordable ways to treat cavities for kids, and by using tooth-colored composite materials, our fillings will leave your little one with a smile that looks as natural as it feels. Cavities are a big deal, even if they're only present in the baby teeth. Cavities can cause pain and discomfort and may lead to infected teeth or even tooth loss. Baby teeth are just as important as your child’s adult teeth since they help form the paths that adult teeth follow when they emerge later in life. With a dental filling, your child’s tooth will stay healthy for years to come.

We know that your child being happy and healthy is the most important, and when they get little bumps in the road, it can be scary! Toothaches and damaged teeth can be a huge burden for kids. If they are needing a solution to damaged or decayed teeth, pediatric dental crowns can help. Our skilled pediatric dentist is trained up-to-date with the most innovative dental products, such as white zirconia crowns. They are designed specifically to restore tiny teeth to their former function and look. Your child will no longer have discomfort and will have a solution that will last for years to come.

Dental sealants use a transparent liquid resin, which is applied directly to the teeth and is hardened using a UV light. This creates an impenetrable seal on your child’s tooth, which stops bacteria, acid, and food particles from causing cavities. This treatment is usually recommended specifically for cavity-prone rear teeth.

For many children, sitting still for the duration of their dental appointment can be a challenge. Others may be anxious or even fearful about visiting the dentist at all. Fortunately, sedation options can safely alleviate these feelings of restlessness and anxiety, so your child can get the care they need without pain or stress. Sedation is completely safe when performed by a skilled professional, and can keep your little one calm and comfortable, which ican help them gain a positive outlook on visiting the dentist and taking care of their oral health. If you think your child could benefit from sedation, let us know, and we'll help you find the best option for them.

Cavities and toothaches are never fun, especially for your child. When it comes to treating decay in baby teeth, you may be wondering if there are alternatives to dental fillings. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a non-invasive procedure that doesn't require any drills or shots and can be completed in minutes. Painting on a layer of SDF to the affected tooth not only kills the bacteria that cause decay but also seals and remineralizes the tooth for added strength. If your little one has a cavity, fillings may not be the only option!

Even children need oral cancer screenings! This is an essential part of preventive care that can be performed quickly, safely, and usually without your child noticing.

During the screening, the dentist will examine your child’s mouth, gums, and oral tissues. They’ll look for discolored patches, lumps, growths, and other similar abnormalities. In the rare case that an issue is found, a biopsy may be taken and sent to a specialist for further analysis, or the dentist will refer you to a specialist directly.

Scheduling a dental visit every 6 months allows your child’s dentist to address any issues before they become larger problems.

When your child experiences a dental emergency, every moment counts. Providing them with timely care can accelerate their healing process and, most importantly, get them out of pain. Toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, and other issues can cause your child discomfort and interfere with their school performance, sports, and other activities. Unsure if your little one is experiencing a dental emergency? Don't hesitate to give us a call right away. Our team will help you figure out the severity of their issue, guide you through at-home care, and schedule an appointment as soon as possible, so your child can get back to being a kid.

If you have a child active in sports, you may want to consider protecting their smile. Contact sports like football, hockey and basketball can lead to trauma to the mouth and teeth. Athletic mouth guards are designed to protect the teeth from impact damage and reduce the risk of oral soft tissue injuries while playing sports. Our team is trained to design a mouthguard that is customized to fit your child's mouth and teeth. And the best part? No gooey impressions required! Our digital scan will ensure your child's comfort throughout the process. Customized guards are more comfortable, which means your child will be more likely to wear it when participating in their favorite sport or activities.