Comprehensive Dental Services
Our pediatric dentists and team of professionals specialize in all types of treatment options and would be happy to help you find the right one for your child. We have a wide variety of services to choose from, and our team of experts is here to help you find the best options including regular checkups, exams, restorative care, and specialty treatments.
If after we have performed a thorough exam on your child’s oral health and determined treatment is necessary, one of our pediatric dentists will discuss a plan with you that may include any of the following options:
Local Anesthetic (Numbing)
In Indianapolis, when it comes to pediatric dentistry, local anesthesia for children mirrors the procedure for adults, being a widely accepted and secure method to desensitize the area around the teeth and gums. Initially, we apply a topical jelly to gently numb the surface, followed by the careful administration of the local anesthesia, ensuring a comfortable experience for your child’s dental care, including those with special needs. This can sometimes be a delicate process, so we try to use humor or ask a lot of questions about the child’s life to distract them which in most cases is effective. This procedure and effective numbing application allows our pediatric dentist in Indianapolis and West Lafayette to perform some dental procedures, such as tooth extractions and crowning with less pain and shorter recovery times.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Depending on the anxiety level of your child and their prescribed treatments, the combination of inhaled nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oxygen is a safe and effective means of managing both pain and anxiety. In the field of comprehensive dental care, especially for new patients, the use of nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation 10 advanced delivery systems. These systems are equipped with both audio and visual safety features, which are crucial in preventive care, as they significantly reduce the likelihood of adverse events during administration nitrous oxide-oxygen. Rest assured our pediatric dentists take all precautions necessary and will discuss all options with you to determine the best course of action.
Resin (white) and Amalgam (silver) Fillings
If your child has a cavity, our pediatric dentists in Indianapolis and West Lafayette may recommend either a white or a silver filling. Their decision will be largely based on where the tooth is located and/or how large the cavity is. Resin fillings are typically the material of choice unless the decay is too large, and a stronger material (such as amalgam) is needed to withstand biting forces. Our children’s dentists and specialists value your opinion in the selection of filling material and encourage parents to discuss the options with us. Our treatment philosophy is to work together to determine the best dental treatment options for kids to fit their specific needs.
Resin (white) Crowns
Stainless Steel (silver) Crowns
A stainless steel crown is a prefabricated silver crown that covers the entire visible portion of the tooth. Stainless steel crowns (silver caps) are incredibly durable and the favored choice for restoring back teeth when a large portion of the tooth is lost due to extensive decay or a fracture. Dental crowns, the key to maintaining a healthy smile for our patients, exhibit remarkable durability, effectively withstanding normal biting forces. the back of the mouth., these crowns blend seamlessly with the patient’s natural dentition, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Pulpotomy
A pulpotomy, often referred to as a “baby root canal”, is a procedure used to restore infected baby (primary) teeth in kids. Baby teeth most commonly become infected due to untreated tooth decay specifically known as cavities. This happens when cavities destroy the outer layer of the tooth and attack the soft pulp inside your child’s tooth. This pulp is full of nerves which usually causes a lot of discomfort and pain.
Your child’s teeth can also become infected due to oral trauma. If your child breaks or cracks a tooth, oral bacteria can enter the inside of the tooth and cause an infection. If this happens our pediatric dentists highly recommend seeking emergency care in the event your kid experiences an oral injury. Regardless of how the infection begins, the results are always the same as the bacteria in your child’s mouth will begin to attack the pulp inside the tooth, killing the nerves and blood vessels. Without treatment, your child’s tooth will eventually die and fall out.
A pulpotomy is a procedure performed by our pediatric dentists that involves the partial removal of the nerve tissue, followed by placing a sedative material to help soothe the tooth and seal the remaining exposed nerve. The tooth is then restored with a crown, covering the remaining tooth structure and providing strength to withhold biting forces.
The key difference between a pulpotomy and a root or “pulpectomy”, particularly in young patients dealing with dental problems, is that a ‘pulpectomy’ involves the complete removal of all the pulp and nerves, rather than just a partial extraction. Although sometimes a pulpectomy might be required to address specific dental issues in a child’s teeth, it is generally not necessary in most dental visits aimed at maintaining healthy teeth.
Extractions
If a tooth has an abscess, certain traumatic injuries, or too much decay, an extraction may be recommended. In some cases, we may recommend the extraction of a permanent tooth before orthodontic treatment. We perform both baby tooth extractions and simple extractions of permanent teeth if needed. Our pediatric dentists will determine if your child’s extraction can be done with local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, or if general anesthesia is recommended.
Space Maintainers
Pediatric dental space maintainers, also known as “spacers”, are devices used for children who have lost some baby teeth but whose permanent teeth still have not grown in. Space maintainers hold space for the appropriate adult teeth to grow in as well as prevent the remaining adjacent baby teeth from moving into the open space. If your child loses their baby teeth early, our pediatric dentists in Indianapolis and West Lafayette highly recommend the use of space maintainers, especially in the back of the mouth where there is often less room for permanent teeth to develop and erupt.
From infants to adolescents, we go the extra mile to ensure that your child feels comfortable and enjoys their dental visit with us. Our dental services are tailored to each patient, making every experience positive. Whether for a routine check-up or a more in-depth procedure, our pediatric dentists in Indianapolis and West Lafayette will work with you and your child to help make your pediatric dental experience both effective and pleasant!
Why Choose Pediatric Dentistry West?
Specialized Pediatric Dentistry: Our pediatric dentists have specialized training in providing dental treatment for children. This expertise is vital in addressing tooth decay, one of the most common dental issues among kids, with the most effective treatment options.
Child-Friendly Environment: We’ve designed our office to make dental visits a positive experience for children. This welcoming environment helps in reducing anxiety, making it easier to conduct thorough dental cleanings and any necessary dental work.
Comprehensive Dental Care: Our range of dental treatment options for kids includes everything from preventative care to combat tooth decay to restorative treatments and orthodontics. This ensures comprehensive dental health care under one roof.
Advanced Technology for Effective Treatments: Utilizing the latest in dental technology, we provide efficient and less invasive dental treatments. This approach is especially beneficial for pediatric dental work, making procedures like dental cleanings more comfortable for children.
Prevention and Education: A cornerstone of our practice is focusing on preventive care and educating families about oral hygiene. We aim to equip both parents and children with knowledge and practices to prevent tooth decay and maintain optimal dental health.
Friendly and Patient Staff: Our team is experienced in making children feel at ease, even during complex dental work. We understand the importance of patience and communication in providing effective dental treatment and building positive associations with dental care.
Convenient Location and Hours: Situated in Indianapolis, our office is easily accessible, and we offer flexible hours to accommodate the busy lives of families, ensuring that dental cleanings and treatment options do not disrupt your schedule.
Trustworthy Reputation: The positive feedback from parents underscores our commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate dental care. Our focus on preventing and effectively treating tooth decay, along with our comprehensive dental treatment options for kids, has solidified our reputation in the community.
By choosing us for your child’s dental care needs, you’re opting for a practice dedicated to ensuring the best dental health outcomes. Our emphasis on specialized pediatric dentistry, combined with a comprehensive approach to dental treatment and a focus on oral hygiene education, makes us an excellent choice for dental treatment options for kids in Indianapolis.
