Treatment

X-rays

Even for young children who only have their primary teeth, x-rays play a big role in their dental health. X-rays are our best way to make sure teeth are coming in properly, that they are healthy and that unseen problems are not cropping up. Besides helping us find decay, x-rays also enable us to see how wisdom teeth are coming in and help our orthodontists in planning for treatment.

Think of x-rays as a way to find dental problems early, so it is easier and more affordable to treat your child. Here at RVA Children's Dentistry, we use digital x-rays and take particular care so that your child receives the least amount of exposure.

For a growing child, RVA Children's Dentistry suggests x-rays once each year. It’s one of the best ways we can make sure your child keeps smiling.

Tooth-colored Fillings

If your child needs a filling, one that is tooth-colored will blend in so well with other teeth, you’ll forget it is even there. Our tooth-colored fillings are made of a special resin that tightly bonds to the tooth, keeps it strong and also releases fluoride to help prevent cavities. Another advantage of a tooth-colored filling is that the dentist removes less of the tooth than when a “metal” (amalgam) filling is used. A tooth-colored filling doesn’t conduct heat or cold, or darken the way a metal filling can. It is no wonder tooth-colored fillings are the most widely used fillings today.

At RVA Children's Dentistry, we’re very good at calming children and keeping their discomfort to a minimum when we fill a tooth. We have fun kids programs for them to watch or they can listen to music through headphones.

Crowns

Dental crowns are used to cover a tooth that might be likely to break or is too damaged and decayed to be fixed with a filling. A crown is an aesthetic covering or a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over another tooth to provide it stability. Crowns are generally used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth. When a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth, a crown is a good option. Crowns are also used to restore the shape and size of chipped or damaged teeth. They are typically bonded to the tooth using dental cement. We only recommend dental crowns for children when it is absolutely necessary.

Root Canal

We may perform a root canal if a decayed tooth or deep cavity is causing pain to a child.  The problem typically results from an untreated cavity that is now deep within the tooth. Inflammation from the cavity can cause discomfort and sensitivity.

What is a Pulpotomy?
This procedure is a nerve treatment in which the sick portion of the tooth nerve is removed and medicine is placed in order to avoid extracting the tooth. A baby root canal (pulpotomy) is similar to a root canal treatment of an adult tooth. It removes all the coronal pulp tissue from the chamber of the tooth.  Pulpotomy procedures are very important to prevent the unnecessary and untimely loss of baby teeth. Remember, baby teeth are important to save in order to maintain adequate space for adult teeth.  If baby teeth are lost prematurely, the rest of the teeth may begin to shift, causing crowding and reducing the space for adult teeth to grow in.  If this happens, braces may be needed to properly realign the teeth.

Extractions

In most instances, we want to save teeth for as long as possible. There are times, however, when removing a tooth is recommended. Teeth are removed for a wide variety of reasons including large decay unable to be restored, primary teeth that need assistance in exfoliating, orthodontic concerns, infection of the nerve tissues, etc. Dr. Carter will clarify why an extraction is recommended in each case and how the space will be managed following the removal of the tooth.