Pediatric Dentistry
Receiving high-quality dental treatment is just as important for children as it is for adults. We take great pride in helping our younger patients achieve excellent oral health and pediatric dental services in the Grand Junction community.
Pediatric Dentist in Grand Junction, CO
Our dental office in Grand Junction strives to make every visit enjoyable and positive, offering a child-friendly environment and gentle dental techniques to ensure comfort. Dr. Ryan Helgerson, our experienced pediatric dentist, focuses on preventive care, including regular check-ups and cleanings, alongside education for you and your children on maintaining oral health at home.
Our Pediatric Services
We offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of your children:
- Routine Exams and Cleanings: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings to keep your child’s teeth healthy and free from cavities.
- Fluoride Treatments: Strengthen your child’s teeth and prevent decay with our fluoride treatments.
- Dental Sealants: Protect your child’s molars from cavities with our safe and effective dental sealants.
- Restorative Dentistry: From fillings to crowns, we provide restorative treatments to address any dental issues your child may encounter.
- Orthodontic Evaluations: Early assessments and referrals for orthodontic treatment to ensure proper alignment and bite.
-
What are the common issues of dental health in children?
Children can experience many of the same dental problems as adults. However, because their teeth are still developing, untreated dental issues can lead to poor tooth development and alignment, potentially causing more serious problems as they grow up. Some common dental issues in children include:
- tooth decay
- bad breath
- sensitive teeth
- thumb-sucking
- gum disease
- teeth grinding
- canker sores
- baby tooth loss
- over-retained primary teeth
- dental anxiety
-
What does pediatric dentistry include?
Pediatric dentistry involves the use of dental sealants to prevent cavities and tooth decay on a child’s back molars. This treatment is proven to be effective by applying a thin acrylic coating over the teeth, allowing it to harden and keep out bacteria and plaque that can harm the teeth.
In addition, using fluoride applications to strengthen your child’s tooth enamel is extremely helpful in preventing decay. This process involves applying fluoride directly to the teeth, bonding the enamel, and helping to keep teeth strong and healthy, and it may even reverse decay.
-
What is pulp therapy?
If your child is experiencing sensitivity or constant pain, or if the tissue around a tooth is swollen and painful, they may have pulp damage. Pulp damage can occur due to trauma, decay, or infection. The ‘pulp’ refers to the live part of the tooth.
If the living pulp is damaged, it is important to retain as much of it as possible while also treating the infection or removing any damaged sections. One way we do this is with a pulpotomy.
A pulpotomy can be performed if the pulp root is unaffected and only the tip of the pulp is damaged. If the root is healthy, we will remove all the decay and place material over the remaining pulp to protect it. Finally, a crown will be placed. By saving the pulp, your child has a greater chance of producing a healthy adult tooth.
A pulpectomy is performed if the damage has extended into the tooth root. In this case, we will need to remove all of the living material and fill the space, similar to an adult root canal. When the adult tooth is ready to come in, a crown will be placed to help with spacing.
Schedule Your Child’s Visit Today
If you're in search of a reliable pediatric dentist in Grand Junction, look no further than Bookcliff Family Dental. We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment and give your child the gift of a healthy, beautiful smile.
