Dr. Loretta Smith and her team are committed to providing comprehensive dental care in a safe and
friendly environment using the latest state-of-the-art technology for children. Dr. Smith is
uniquely qualified and trained to care for infants, children, teens, and patients with special needs
while focusing on prevention and education for their families.
Call today to schedule your child's first visit!
Dr. Smith works with children from birth to adolescence and enjoys being the first introduction a young child has with dental care. She shows warmth, kindness and compassion and loves working with children. Believing that good dental care depends on prevention. Brushing and flossing daily with regular dental check-ups is essential for good dental health regardless of age. With reassurance and regular dental check-ups, children will have less decayed teeth and gingivitis as they become adults. Children should learn not to be fearful of dental treatment and should know the importance of dental care so that they will want to maintain good oral health throughout their lives.
Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth, dental sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic “coating” is painted onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively “seals” the deep grooves, acting as a barrier and protecting enamel from plaque and acids.
Sealants protect the depressions and grooves of your teeth from food particles and plaque that brushing and flossing can’t reach.
Easy to apply, sealants take only a few minutes to seal each tooth. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed.
Dental Bonding
Bonding is an alternative to veneers and can be used as a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored or misarranged.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The tooth is prepared for the procedure by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a plastic resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by the dentist. Once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed and polished to a natural appearance.
CONSIDERATIONS
The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit, and can improve the appearance of a tooth significantly. However, since the plastic resin used is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip or break than natural teeth. Bonding typically lasts three to five years before need of repair.
Childs First Dental Visit
The first “regular” dental visit should be no later than your child’s first birthday. We will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child’s permanent teeth under the gums. We may clean your child’s teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most important of all, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth.
Fillings/Restorations
A dental filling is a common dental procedure used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay or cavities. During the process, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the space with a filling material, which can be made of various materials like amalgam, composite resin, porcelain, or gold.
The purpose of a dental filling is to restore the tooth's structure and function while preventing further decay. It helps to restore the tooth's appearance and strength, allowing you to chew and use the tooth normally.
Tooth Extraction
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure where a tooth is removed from its socket in the bone. It's typically done for various reasons, such as severe decay, damage, or overcrowding. The process involves loosening the tooth in its socket and then carefully removing it. Dentists may perform extractions for wisdom teeth, baby teeth, or permanent teeth, depending on the situation.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure used to improve the appearance of teeth by applying a tooth-colored resin material to the tooth's surface. This resin is then bonded (adhered) to the tooth using a special light, creating a strong bond that can reshape, repair, or enhance the tooth.
This procedure is commonly used to:
Repair Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Dental bonding can effectively restore teeth that have small chips or cracks.
Close Gaps Between Teeth: It can be used to fill in gaps or spaces between teeth, providing a more uniform appearance.
Cover Discolored Teeth: Dental bonding can mask stains or discoloration on the tooth's surface, improving its color and overall aesthetic.
Change Tooth Shape: Dentists use bonding to alter the shape or length of teeth for a more harmonious smile.
Inlays & Onlays
Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.
