Composite Fillings

A tooth colored filling that restores teeth that have cavities. Composites can also be used to improve cosmetics of a smile and change the color and shape of disfigured or fractured teeth.

*We do not do any amalgam (silver) fillings in our office*

Sealants

What are sealants?

Dental sealants are a form of preventative treatment that is used to help prevent or slow down the development of caries. They are plastic coatings are placed on the chewing surface of the teeth, which are generally the molars or premolars. These teeth are the most susceptible to caries because due to the anatomy of the tooth, food particles get stuck in the fissures of the tooth. When food accumulates in these areas, plaque forms and attacks the enamel, causing a cavity to form. The plastic coating of the dental sealant helps prevent the food from being stuck in the fissures of the tooth.

When are sealants placed?

Dental sealants are first placed when the first permanent molar is erupted. The dental sealant will help protect the permanent teeth of children to help prevent the formation of cavities. These sealants can also be placed on adults that are at high risk for forming dental caries. Sealants last for many years, but new ones can be placed when the old sealants have worn down.

Nitrous Oxide (Happy Gas)

Nitrous Oxide is commonly called laughing gas and is often recommended for children that need to undergo a dental procedure that may be uncomfortable or cause fear or anxiety. The purpose of Nitrous Oxide is to make it more comfortable for your child to receive the necessary dental care with less pain and/or anxiety. Nitrous oxide is classified as an analgesic because it reduces pain and for many procedures makes local anesthesia unnecessary. It is also an anxiolytic, which means your child will be in a pharmacologically induced state of consciousness where he/she is awake but has decreased anxiety to facilitate coping skills, retaining interactive ability. Nitrous Oxide helps to ease patient’s fears so as to help them relax during their visit, and to receive dental treatment in a comfortable and safe manner. It is typically delivered through a mask over the nose; nitrous oxide is mixed directly with oxygen and delivered as the patient breathes in and out regularly. The patient is usually asked to breathe normally through the nose, and as the gas begins to take effect, the child will become more relaxed and less nervous. It raises the pain threshold and may even make the time appear to pass quickly. Some normal sensations that a patient may feel may include tingling in the fingers, toes, cheeks, lips, tongue, head or cheek area; heaviness in the thighs and/or legs, followed by a lighter floating feeling; resonation in the voice; warm feeling throughout body, flushed cheeks; fits of uncontrollable laughter or giddiness; a lightweight or floating sensation with an accompanying “out of body” sensation; sluggishness in motion and slurring and/or repetition of words. Rarely a child may feel dizzy or nauseous. We do ask you not to give your child any food or drinks for two hours prior to any procedure scheduled requiring the use of laughing gas. Laughing gas enhances communication between your child and their doctor during dental procedures. Additionally, it reduces the gag reflex, which can interfere with effective dental treatment. All of these sensations and reactions are temporary and go away after 100% oxygen is delivered at the end of the procedure.

Nitrous Oxide is 100% safe to use during treatment and is eliminated from the body quickly after the gas is turned off. The child will remain awake during the entire procedure and will be able to interact and communicate with the pediatric dentist. After the procedure(s) are over, the nitrous oxide gas will be turned off and your child will be given oxygen for 3 to 5 minutes, which flushes the laughing gas and its effects out of your child’s system. There are no lingering effects.

Nitrous Oxide is perhaps the safest relaxant used in dentistry. It is well tolerated, having a rapid onset, and is reversible, can be adjusted in various concentrations and is non-allergenic. Absolutely no one is allergic to oxygen or Nitrogen, which are the only two ingredients in Nitrous Oxide. Your child remains fully conscious and maintains all natural reflexes when breathing the gases. He or she will be capable of responding to a question or request. You should inform our office regarding any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. In a very small percentage of children Nitrous Oxide may not be effective, especially those children who have severe anxiety, nasal congestion or discomfort wearing a nasal mask. We will review your child’s medical history, level of anxiety, and treatment needs and inform you if nitrous oxide is recommended for your child.

Oral Sedation

A procedure where an oral medication is given based on the weight of your child in conjunction with Nitrous oxide to reduce anxiety and fear to allow for a more pleasant dental experience. Please contact our office for more information.

IV Sedation

An anesthesiologist is to provide IV medications to sedate the child and monitors the child while the pediatric dentist provides dental treatment necessary. Please contact our office for more information.

Mouth Guards

Mouth guards are an important piece of safety equipment, especially for children. As children become more and more involved in physical sports, protecting teeth from physical damage becomes critical. We recommend mouth guards for any children taking part in an activity that might cause tooth damage, be it skateboarding, biking, basketball, football, baseball or anything else.

Nutrition Counseling

Dr. Nadia has a vast array of information to provide to mommy’s that are concerned about the health of their child’s teeth. Come to our office and experience our unique take on nutrition, caries control and health of your child’s teeth.

24 Hour Emergency Treatment

We provide patients a 24 hour answering machine service. All messages are checked by the doctor. Please leave your name and your number and we will get back to you asap.

Digital Radiography

Dr. Nadia spent a lot of time researching dental xray machines and devices. She wants the young child to be able to tolerate X-rays rather than feeling like they “hurt” or are “uncomfortable”. We have the new sensors that are smaller and rounder in shape that allow ease of placement minimizing irritation and gagging and provide an instant image.

Space Maintainers

Fixed appliances that hold space when a child loses a baby molar too early. Standard of care to prevent tipping of the adjacent teeth into the space to prevent blocking out the permanent tooth from eruption.

Routine Dental Procedures

We provide a variety of toothpaste flavors your child can choose from for their cleaning. For many taste sensitive children we can use the paste less option. We apply a fluoride varnish to the teeth which means your child NO longer has to wait 30 minutes to eat/drink after their dental appointment.

Care for Children with Special Health Care Needs

Dr. Nadia has extensive training and background treating children with special needs. Call our office to speak with Dr. Nadia and she will customize your child’s visit with your input.