Common Procedures offered by a Top Pediatric Dentist in Reston

Top Pediatric Dentist Reston, VA

The most common pediatric dentistry procedures include dental X-rays, routine dental cleaning procedures, fluoride treatment, dental sealants, dental fillings, crowns, and early orthodontic care. Of course, all pediatric dentists offer their unique set of services, so it is important to ensure a pediatric dentist provides the service your child needs before visiting their office. However, most top pediatric dentists offer all or most of these services.

Common pediatric dentistry procedures

It can help to understand pediatric dental procedures before your child’s first visit. Here is a closer look at each service.

Pediatric dental X-rays

Pediatric dental X-rays are performed on the first visit with a pediatric dentist. There are various dental X-ray types, each of which provides a unique view of the patient’s teeth and periodontal health. The most common types of pediatric dental X-rays include bitewing, panoramic, periapical, and orthodontic. They can reveal several oral health concerns (and potential concerns), including dental cavities, impacted teeth, overcrowding, jaw complications, and more.

Routine dental cleaning

Routine dental cleanings are usually part of check-up visits. Dentists primarily perform them for preventive purposes. During a routine dental cleaning, teeth are scaled to remove plaque and tartar accumulation, which can develop even with the right oral care routine at home. The dentist will also clean the gum line to help prevent gum disease and other periodontal problems.

Fluoride and dental sealants

Pediatric dentists offer fluoride and dental sealants as preventive services. Much like dental cleanings, they help protect teeth enamel—the outermost layer of teeth. Fluoride, in particular, can help remineralize enamel after acidic attacks weaken it. Dental sealants similarly protect teeth. They are plastic coatings placed over the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars. (These are vulnerable areas of teeth.)

Tooth-colored dental fillings

A tooth-colored dental filling is a way to repair dental cavities (caries). Cavities form when enamel decays and leaves a small hole on one or more teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are minimally invasive and safe. They simply restore the morphology of the tooth and help protect against further decay and associated discomfort. Tooth-colored fillings are made of either a ceramic or amalgam material, providing the perfect balance between natural, aesthetic appeal, and strength. For further protection, silver fillings may also be an option.

Dental crowns

Dental crowns or caps cover a damaged tooth on all sides for the best protection possible. Top pediatric dentists may recommend dental crowns for severe cavities that a filling alone cannot treat. They may also be used after a baby root canal procedure (see below).

Perhaps more commonly, crowns repair chipped and cracked teeth. There are a variety of crown material options. Most notably, the material types include ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and metal-alloy. The location of the tooth and the severity of the damage may dictate which material your pediatric dentist recommends.

Baby root canal

A pediatric dentist may need to perform a baby root canal to treat severe decay or damage that extends to the root of a tooth. Also, this procedure treats severe tooth infections and dental abscesses. This procedure involves drilling toward the tooth’s root, removing damaged, decayed, or infected dental pulp, sanitizing the tooth, and filling it. As mentioned, a dental crown may be placed after a baby root canal procedure. Although more invasive, a baby root canal can often help prevent worsening concerns and prolonged tooth discomfort.

Early orthodontic care (phase 1 orthodontics)

Many top pediatric dentists also offer early orthodontic treatment, also called phase 1 orthodontics. This includes orthodontic services before all permanent teeth emerge fully. Common early orthodontic care treatments include space maintainers and palatal expanders. Early orthodontic care can help reduce the extent to which orthodontic care (i.e. braces, clear aligners) are needed later.

How to choose a top pediatric dentist in Reston

When choosing a pediatric dentist in Reston for your child, consider their services. In addition, to gain more information, read the online reviews from former clients to gain a better sense of the overall experience. It can also help to ask family members and friends that you trust about their experience with pediatric dentists in the local area.

Are you considering pediatric dentistry in Reston?

You can schedule a visit with our pediatric dentist in Reston by calling us or sending us a message today. We can answer your initial questions about treatment and find the right time for you and your child to visit our dentist and staff. We look forward to serving you.

Request an appointment here: https://www.orthodonticprecision.com or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at (703) 391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Reston, VA.

Recent Posts

How Painless Pediatric Dentistry Can Ease Your Child's Fears

Children are often afraid to go to the dentist because it is a new, unfamiliar place full of sights, smells, and sounds that they do not know, but the good news is that painless pediatric dentistry is one possible solution to help your child get to know the dentist in a positive light. By avoiding…

First-Time Visit To A Pediatric Dentist: A Parent's Guide

When parents decide to take their child to the dentist for the first time, they often do not know what to expect, but fortunately, a pediatric dentist is a professional who dedicates their attention to treating children, which can help put your mind at ease. That said, knowing what your child (and you!) will go…

Exploring Pediatric Dental Services: What Parents Should Know

Curious about pediatric dental services? Read on to learn more. Protecting their children's smiles and dental health should be a top priority for every parent. Pediatric dental services are essential today due to the changing healthcare environment and increasing demand for oral hygiene. This article covers some of these services and what every parent needs…

Handling Dental Emergencies: When To See An Emergency Pediatric Dentist

An emergency pediatric dentist provides children with prompt dental care to ease pain and protect their oral health. Sudden dental pain or a damaged tooth can be upsetting, but having an emergency plan in place can ease distress. Parents need to recognize when their child is dealing with a dental emergency so they can get…

Recent Posts

Why You Should Consider Invisalign For Teens

Why You Should Consider Invisalign For Teens

If your child is concerned about crooked teeth or a bad bite, you may want to consider Invisalign® for teens. This is an alternative to metal or ceramic braces that has numerous benefits, especially for those who are self-conscious about their appearance. There are various reasons why Invisalign may be the right choice, but not…

Ask Your Orthodontist About Invisalign For Teens

Ask Your Orthodontist About Invisalign For Teens

As a child's mouth and teeth develop throughout their teenage years, it may become apparent that their teeth have misalignment or spacing problems. Invisalign® for teens presents an alternative to traditional metal braces but without sacrificing the quality of the results of corrective treatment. The specifics of a teen’s condition may impact the eligibility of…