Common Procedures

Regular Exams and Cleanings.

Regular exams are an important part of maintaining your child’s oral health. During your child’s regular exam, we will:

Look for early signs of cavities or tooth decay
Examine teeth and gums for signs of gingivitis or other gum conditions
Identify issues that may not be visible or causing discomfort, yet
Perform a complete cleaning, polish, and rinse to remove plaque and tartar

Your child’s exam will take about 45 minutes. Visiting every six months helps prevent dental issues before they start—and gives you a chance to discuss any questions or concerns with the dentist.

Regular exams are offered by appointment only. Please contact our practice today to schedule your child’s next dental examClick to open in this tab and teeth cleaning.

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Crowns

Crowns are used to restore the shape, strength, and appearance of a damaged tooth. A crown (or “cap”) covers the part of the tooth above the gumline, helping to protect and preserve it.

We usually recommend a crown when your child has a tooth that is:

Broken or chipped tooth
Severely worn down
There’s insufficient tooth structure remaining to hold a filling

The doctor and team will work with you to make the best decision for your child.

Extractions

Sometimes, removing a tooth can be the best choice for your child’s dental health. Extractions may be recommended when:

A baby tooth doesn’t fall out naturally, and blocks a permanent tooth
Severely decayed tooth that puts the surrounding teeth at risk
There’s an Infection or an abscessed tooth that’s beyond repair
Orthodontic correction to help straighten the teeth

Your dentist will explain what to expect and determine whether sedation is appropriate for your child. The procedure is usually quick and can often be done during a regular visit.

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Fillings

Fillings are used to restore teeth that have been damaged by cavities. Today’s fillings come in a variety of materials to match the location and visibility of the tooth, including:

Tooth-colored composite resins
Amalgam

Your dentist will recommend the best type of filling based on the tooth and your child’s needs.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a powerful tool in the fight against cavities. It helps:

Prevent decay
Strengthen enamel
Reduce plaque buildup

Fluoride treatments are quick and painless—just a few minutes in the dental chair. After treatment, your child should avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes to let the fluoride fully absorb. Depending on your child’s needs, fluoride may be applied every three, six, or 12 months.

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Mouthguards

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If your child plays sports, a well-fitted mouthguard is essential. It helps protect the teeth, gums, lips, and jaw from injury. The American Dental AssociationClick to open in new tab recommends wearing a mouthguard if your child participates in any full-contact sports, such as football, hockey, and basketball.

There are three main types:

Pre-made mouthguards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards
Custom-made mouthguards (from your dentist)

When choosing a mouthguard, select one that is tear-resistant, comfortable, well-fitted in the mouth, easy to clean, and doesn’t restrict your child’s breathing.

We recommend a custom mouthguard for the best fit and comfort, especially if your child wears braces. An orthodontist can provide a custom one, and we can provide a referral. We’ll help you choose the right one and show your child how to wear it correctly.

Sealants

Even with great brushing, it’s hard to reach every groove in your child’s back teeth. That’s why we often recommend sealants. They help:

Protect hard-to-reach areas from plaque and decay
Smooth the deep grooves on molars to make brushing more effective
Lower the risk of cavities in permanent molars

Sealants are a quick, painless preventive treatment. They’re usually applied to permanent molars shortly after they erupt and typically last from three to five years. However, it is pretty common to see adults with sealants still intact from their childhood. If your child’s sealant wears off, we’ll recommend reapplying it to maintain protection.

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Pulpotomy

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A pulpotomy, also known as a baby root canal, is a common procedure used to treat an infected or inflamed nerve (pulp) inside a baby tooth. It helps save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted.

We may recommend a pulpotomy if:

Your child has deep decay reaching the pulp of the tooth with no symptoms
The tooth is causing pain or sensitivity

During the procedure, the infected part of the pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and filled with a disinfecting root filling material to prevent further infection. The tooth is then sealed—usually with a crown—to restore its function and strength.

A pulpotomy can relieve pain and protect your child’s smile by preserving the tooth until it falls out naturally.

Canton
1657 North Canton Center Road, Canton, MI 48187
frontdesk@cantonpediatricdentist.com
(734) 335-7270