Our Services

 

Routine Dental Checkup

What our dental check consists of:

Our dental check-ups typically consist of an examination of your child’s teeth, a professional dental cleaning, a fluoride treatment, and a set of dental X-rays. Routine dental check-ups can help prevent any serious dental problems and keep your children’s teeth healthy and beautiful. In fact, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that your child get a checkup every six months in order to prevent cavities and other dental problems.

 

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride vitamin treatments help to strengthen your child’s teeth and prevent cavities. Research has shown that fluoride not only reduces cavities in children and adults, but it also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay, even before the decay is visible. Fluoride is one of the best cavity fighters around for children two years of age and older.

 

Protective Dental Sealants

Dental sealants can be applied to the grooves of the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect the teeth from tooth decay. They work by sealing out food and plaque, adding extra protection to hard-to-reach and deep-pitted areas. Sealants can be applied quickly with no shots or drilling, effectively protecting your child’s teeth for years to come. They are a powerful tool to aid in your child’s overall oral health.

 

 

“White” Dental Fillings

What are “white” fillings?

White dental fillings provide durability and resistance to fracture in smaller-sized fillings that need to withstand the pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They can be used on either front or back teeth.

White or tooth-colored fillings require the removal of less tooth material than metal (Amalgam) fillings. Because the fillings look just like your child’s natural tooth, no one will even notice a difference in your child’s smile.

 

Digital X-Rays

Our doctors follow the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry regarding the conservative use of dental X-rays.X-rays are an essential part of any dental care treatment plan. They are diagnostic, but they can also be preventative, by helping us to diagnose potential oral care issues in a patient’s mouth before they become a major issue. Digital X-rays are a fast and comfortable tool we use to assess your child’s dental needs. They also emit up to 90% less radiation than conventional X-rays. All of our X-rays are digital, so Dr. Jean and Dr. Cyelee are able to view and discuss the images with you immediately and point out any areas of concern.

 

Baby Tooth Root Canals (Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy)

If a cavity is very big and has infected the nerve of the tooth, Dr. Jean or Dr. Cyelee may recommend we perform a baby tooth root canal. Root canal or “Pulpotomy” treatment for babies is perfectly safe and effective for remedying problems associated with permanent teeth. We only recommend this procedure if we feel keeping that tooth is very important for your child’s development. Many times, the only alternative is extracting the tooth. A baby root canal removes the infection from the inside of the tooth and nerve. It is a short, quick procedure and we usually place a stainless-steel crown over the tooth afterwards in order to seal and protect the tooth from chewing forces.

 

Stainless Steel Pediatric Crowns

Stainless Steel crowns are used to restore teeth when the cavity is either too big to be fixed with a white filling, or to protect a tooth after it has had a baby tooth root canal. White fillings are not a good choice for restoring big cavities because they will have a much lower chance of success. Stainless steel crowns are very durable and can last until your child loses his or her baby teeth. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry agrees and recommends restoring the tooth with a stainless-steel crown.  As your child naturally loses their baby tooth, the crown will come out with it.

 

Zirconia Pediatric Crowns (esthetic/white crowns)

Zirconia crowns for baby teeth provide an esthetic alternative to the traditional stainless steel crown. Zirconia crowns are extremely strong and durable. After the cavity is removed, they are cemented onto the child's natural tooth and are meant to last the life of the tooth by providing full coverage to protect the tooth from breakage and bacteria. Most importantly, they blend in with their natural white color and can hardly be noticeable against the surrounding teeth.

 

Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Treatment

Treatment for lip and tongue ties, otherwise known as tethered oral tissues, is called a frenectomy. The tongue and lip are a very complex group of muscles and tissues that are important for all oral functions. For this reason, having a tongue-tie can lead to nursing, bottle-feeding, speech, sleep and solid feeding issues. Tongue-tie and lip-tie release is a simple procedure with minimal complications when using a laser with good technique. At our office, we use a state-of-the-art CO2 laser which allows for excellent visualization and precision during the procedure to achieve a full release of all the fibers. The laser gently removes the tight tissue with minimal bleeding, no stitches and no need for sedation or general anesthesia. Treatment can be provided as early as a  couple of days after birth and can be performed into adulthood.

 

Tooth Extractions

Some situations may require the extraction or removal of one or more of your child’s teeth.

 

Extractions may be recommended for any number of reasons. For example:

• traumatic injury to teeth

•an extremely large cavity making the tooth beyond repair

•an infection or abscess

•a baby tooth not falling at the appropriate time (such as after the adult tooth has already come in) are all possible reasons Dr. Jean or Dr. Cyelee may recommend going forward with an extraction. We are happy to discuss with you the best plan of action for your child.

 

Space Maintainers

If a baby tooth has to be removed well before a permanent tooth is ready to replace it, our doctors may recommend a space maintainer. If one primary tooth is missing for more than a short period, there is a risk of other teeth becoming loose because they aren’t properly supported. Space maintainers help prevent the teeth around the one that was removed from shifting, leading to space loss. It is important to prevent space loss so that all of your child’s adult teeth will have room to come in. Depending on when the tooth was lost and when the next one will come in, Dr. Jean or Dr. Cyelee will be able to determine if and when a space maintainer is needed.

 

Custom Athletic Mouth guards

Children and teens who participate in contact sports and high-impact recreational activities are at an increased risk of dental injury. Wearing a mouth guards is absolutely crucial to your child’s wellbeing. Athletic mouth guards not only protect your child’s teeth and soft tissue from injury, but they can also help prevent more serious head trauma like concussions. All children participating in sports should wear one. The American Dental Association states that mouth guard use has been shown to reduce the risk of sport-related dental injuries. It is vital that your child has the right guard with the right fit.

 

Tooth Whitening

Older children with no remaining baby teeth in their mouth are eligible for our various tooth whitening procedures. Once your child is old enough, they may want to whiten their teeth. A beautiful smile can make all the difference when it comes to building their confidence. Whether it is to get an extra dazzling smile right before prom or for that wow-factor after braces come off, we have several options available. We want to make sure they have the best smile possible!

 

Emergencies

We are very familiar with the phrase, “Accidents happen.” No matter the situation, Dr. Jean and Dr. Cyelee know how to handle it. If your child experiences a dental accident that causes him or her any amount of dental pain, call us immediately. We can talk you through the situation and help relieve your stress. If needed, we will schedule a same-day emergency appointment. We would rather you be safe than sorry, so if you think it is an emergency, call us at 919-303-2873!

 

Sedation and Anesthesia

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is a sweet-smelling, colorless blend of gases. The amount of oxygen present in the blend of gases is actually more than what is in the normal air we breathe in the atmosphere. When nitrous oxide is inhaled, it makes most people feel happy, relaxed, and sometimes, giggly—that’s why it is often called “laughing gas.” Nitrous oxide is a very safe and comfortable way to help many children receive the dental treatment they need. Click for more on sedation.

 

Children with Special Needs

Our Process for Children with Special Needs

We are trained to work with all children, and especially those with special needs! Dr. Jean, Dr. Cyelee and our wonderful team have been trained to work with your child no matter what his or her needs may be. We have obtained extensive specialty training and have the experience, patience, and knowledge to help your children through all of their dental cleanings and treatment.

 

Safety and Technology

Cleanliness & Safety

You’ll never have to worry about your child’s well-being at Little Tooth Co. We exceed all of the standards for cleanliness and safety set by both the American Dental Association and OSHA, because we believe it is our responsibility to protect our patients the same way we protect our own families. We thoroughly sanitize each treatment area between patients, and we even have a state-of-the-art sterilization area where everything we use is disinfected prior to your child’s visit.

 

Intraoral Camera

Like digital X-rays, digital photographs with our intraoral camera are an extremely useful diagnostic and educational tool. Our cameras help us accurately diagnose problems and develop the best treatment plans. In some situations, these photographs can be used to document cavities in place of taking x-rays.

 

Digital X-Rays

Dr. Jean and Dr. Cyelee follow the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry regarding the conservative use of dental X-rays. We only recommend X-rays when needed to ensure a completely thorough dental exam. Digital X-rays are extremely important for children. They not only detect cavities, but they also allow us to evaluate growth and development, diagnose diseases of the jaws and bones, evaluate injuries, or plan orthodontic treatment. Dental X-rays also help us catch dental issues during the earliest stages of development, which can prevent your child from requiring more extensive procedures in the future!

 

Orthodontics

Our Process for Orthodontics

At each visit, Dr. Jean or Dr. Cyelee will complete a thorough growth and development exam on your child. If she notices that problems with your child’s bite may be starting to develop, she may recommend special x-rays to help accurately diagnose any issues. Every child is different, and some children may benefit from starting treatment at an earlier age. Our doctors will thoroughly explain what your child’s unique situation is, and will make sure all of your questions are answered.