Pediatric Dentistry – San Ramon, CA
Help Your Child Enjoy a Healthier Smile
It is always better for your child to learn the right oral hygiene habits while they are still young. Naturally, this means making sure that they visit the dentist once every six months. Here at Gale Ranch Family Dental, your little one can enjoy a variety of age-appropriate treatments from an expertly- trained pediatric dentist, from dental sealants to silver diamine fluoride. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment for your child, don’t lose any more time; pick up the phone and call our dental office in San Ramon today.
Why Choose Gale Ranch Family Dental for Pediatric Dentistry?
- Trustworthy Pediatric Dentist
- Team That Puts Comfort First
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments
Dental Sealants
Many children have trouble keeping their molars clean since they’re still developing the dexterity they need to brush properly. If you want to minimize your child’s risk for tooth decay while they’re still getting the hang of oral hygiene, it’s a good idea to have dental sealants placed. Sealants can close off the pits and grooves in the chewing surfaces of the molars, protecting them from bacteria and food particles. The protection that sealants offer can last a long time – up to 10 years in many cases.
Silver Diamine Fluoride
Silver diamine fluoride, or SDF for short, was approved by the FDA in 2014, and today many dentists in the United States are using it to help stop cavities from spreading. When applied to your child’s smile, SDF can get rid of decay-causing bacteria and help the enamel remineralize. In specific cases, we may be able to recommend SDF as an alternative to a traditional filling.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
If your child has a cavity, we may decide that they need a filling to keep the affected tooth safe. However, instead of using a dark-colored amalgam filling that may have a negative impact on your child’s confidence, we instead offer fillings made out of composite resin, a material that’s notable for its ability to match the appearance of real tooth enamel. Composite resin is highly biocompatible, and since it bonds directly with the tooth, less undercutting is required. Fillings can last for years at a time depending on the kind of care they receive.
Pulp Therapy
When your little one has a toothache, it’s important to figure out what’s causing it. Sometimes we may find that the pulp at the center of the tooth in question has been damaged or infected. To stop your child’s pain, we may recommend pulp therapy. The upper part of the pulp is removed so that your little one can find relief. This also helps eliminate the risk of an infection spreading. In many cases, undergoing pulp therapy can mean that your child won’t need to have an extraction performed later.
Non-Nutritive Habits
It’s okay for infants to use pacifiers or suck on their thumbs for comfort. However, it’s important to make sure that these habits don’t last longer than they should. In general, it’s recommended that non-nutritive habits stop between the ages of 2 and 4; if they continue past that point, they could lead to significant developmental issues. If your little one is having a hard time giving up thumb-sucking, we can help you find a solution.
Tooth Extractions
The baby teeth are supposed to fall out in order to make room for permanent ones. But sometimes, they might stay in the mouth for longer than intended. As such, it may be necessary for us to extract the tooth in question so that it doesn’t cause further problems for your child’s smile. Additionally, we may recommend tooth extraction as a solution for certain oral health issues, such as a severe infection that is beyond the point where it can successfully be treated with pulp therapy or a tooth that is no longer capable of supporting a restoration.
Athletic Mouthguards
Your child may need a helmet, shoulder pads, and other types of protective equipment in order to safely enjoy their favorite sport. But there is one other thing they should be wearing if you want to help them avoid dental injuries on the court or field: a mouthguard. Remember, accidents can happen no matter what kind of sport your little one plays, so even if you’re not told that they need a mouthguard, investing in one is always a wise decision – especially when it’s personalized by a dental expert.