Pediatric Dental Services
The teeth are the strongest part of the human body. They are made up of calcium and minerals that can withstand the regular wear and tear of biting, chewing, and breaking down food. But even though the teeth are made to be strong and durable, they still need care and protection, and that care needs to start in early childhood. Both at-home oral hygiene practices and professional dental services are necessary to preserve tooth strength and the overall health of the smile. Checkups and cleanings are the cornerstones of professional dental care; they allow Dr. Warren D. Silvers III to rid the teeth of harmful bacteria and diagnose any minor dental problems before they progress into a more serious complication. At Silvers Family Dental Care, we offer a comprehensive range of pediatric dental services that teach our Harrisburg, PA patients the importance of caring for the teeth and smile while they are still at a young age.
Dental Cleanings and Exams
One of the most important pediatric dental services is a routine dental exam and cleaning. We recommend that all of our patients undergo a dental checkup and cleaning at least twice a year. These appointments allow us to clean the hard-to-reach places in the mouth and remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar that may have built up since the patient’s last appointment. Patients of all ages can benefit from a cleaning and exam, but they are especially helpful to children, who often have not yet developed strong or proper oral hygiene habits. It is also important that Dr. Silvers is able to closely examine the teeth and gums at these routine checkups. The best way to treat dental problems and prevent them from turning into something more serious is through early detection, and regular dental exams allow us to diagnose any potential complications while they are still in the earliest stages.
Fluoride Treatments and Sealants
Two preventative dentistry treatments that are common for our pediatric patients are fluoride treatments and sealants. Both of these treatments are meant to protect the teeth from the harmful effects of decay.
- Fluoride treatment: A fluoride treatment is a simple rinse with a fluoride solution. We typically offer fluoride treatments to all pediatric patients undergoing a routine exam and cleaning. A fluoride treatment strengthens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acids, sugars, and bacteria that can cause decay.
- Sealants: Dental sealants provide treated teeth with an added layer of protection. Sealants are typically clear or tooth-colored. During treatment, the sealant material is brushed over the biting surface of the teeth. The teeth are then exposed to a dental light that hardens the sealant and helps it bond to the tooth. Dental sealants block out bacteria and other dangerous substances so that they cannot damage the natural tooth structure.
Restorative Dentistry Treatments
With routine exams and cleanings, along with preventative measures such as fluoride treatments and sealants, most pediatric patients can avoid serious dental damage. However, it is not uncommon for minor tooth decay to develop. Dr. Silvers offers a comprehensive range of restorative dentistry treatments to correct all manners of dental damage. In most cases, our pediatric patients will require no more than a dental filling to repair a small dental cavity. Dental fillings can rebuild any tooth structure that has been damaged by decay and seals off the tooth to prevent further complications.
Learn More
Your child deserves the best when it comes to professional dental care, and that is what they will get at Silvers Family Dental Care. To learn more about the pediatric dental services offered by Dr. Warren D. Silvers III and his dental team, contact us at your earliest convenience.