Superior Dental Services

We want you to feel comfortable bringing your child to ToothBuds at Lagoon Park LLC. That's why we provide you with extensive information about the procedures your child might undergo, the materials we use, and more. You can read below for some dental service information, check out our dental topics page, or give us a call. You can also download our HIPAA and new patient forms.

Fluoride is a mineral known for its ability to help protect teeth against decay. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes fluoride as effective in preventing cavities in children and adolescents. It allows your child’s teeth to become stronger and more resistant to cavities by making the enamel stronger.

A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that is applied and bonded to the pits and grooves of the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This helps protect them from tooth decay. Most cavities in children start to form on theses chewing surfaces, and sealants keep dental plaque and food particles out of these pits and grooves. A sealant creates a smooth surface on the tooth thereby making it much easier to keep clean.

The purpose of X-rays is to allow dentists to see signs of cavities or potential problems that are not clinically visible. Because every child is different, the need for X-rays will vary among children. We are particularly careful to minimize exposure of patients to radiation. We use non-lead aprons in addition to a thyroid shield. Our office uses a digital X-ray system assuring a minimal amount of radiation exposure. Dental X-rays represent a far less significant risk than dental problems that remain undiagnosed and untreated.

The frequency at which X-rays are taken varies depending on every child’s needs. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that X-rays be taken every 6 months for any child who has a high risk of getting cavities. That risk is determined by the dentist based on the examination. On average, however, most children get X-rays every 12 months.

Baby teeth that show evidence of extensive decay, with two or more surfaces affected, can sometimes be saved through the use of a stainless steel crown. In particular, if the decay or cavity has spread to different surfaces of the tooth or has reached the pulp of the tooth, a baby root canal may need to be performed. At that point, the tooth becomes weaker and is more likely to crack. In these instances, it is important to protect the tooth by using a stainless steel crown.

In general, for front teeth, we may recommend using tooth-colored crowns. These crowns are both aesthetic and strong. However, for baby molars that are constantly exposed to chewing and grinding, silver stainless steel crowns may be a better option.