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Super Teeth Pediatric Dentistry
Coming Soon!
Exciting News! Super Teeth Pediatric Dentistry is coming soon! We‘re thrilled to announce that our pediatric dentist office will be opening its doors in December 2023.
Super Teeth Pediatric Dentistry
Exciting News! Super Teeth Pediatric Dentistry is coming soon! We‘re thrilled to announce that our pediatric dentist office will be opening its doors in December 2023.
As parents, we understand the importance of keeping our children’s teeth healthy and strong from an early age. That’s why we are dedicated to providing the best preventive dental care for kids in the Oak Park area.
We believe that preventive care is the key to a lifetime of healthy teeth, and we are here to help your child get off to the best start. Contact us today to learn more about our pediatric preventive dental services and schedule your child’s appointment!
Teeth are composed of many tiny pieces called molecules that attach to each other. These tiny pieces are constantly breaking apart throughout the day and reforming depending on our diet. Fluoride can be thought of as a “glue” for these pieces by keeping the molecules more tightly bound together and less prone to breaking apart. Topical fluoride treatment is effective in protecting children’s teeth and reducing cavities.
Think of a tooth’s top (chewing) surface as mountains with many grooves. When your child eats, food gets caught in those grooves. Although daily brushing is essential, applying a dental sealant will enhance the ability to keep those hard-to-reach areas clean. A dental sealant flows into the grooves, “sealing” the tooth and reducing the probability of cavities.
Radiographs (or X-Rays) are an essential part of our diagnostic protocol. Without them, dental conditions may go undetected. Dental X-Rays detect much more than dental cavities, and they allow the dentist to evaluate growth and development, bone health, pathology, and trauma. At Super Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, we use the latest dental X-ray technology with very minimal exposure.
Restorative dental care for children focuses on repairing and preserving the health and function of their teeth. These treatments aim to treat dental decay, injuries, or developmental issues, allowing children to regain their beautiful smiles and maintain optimal oral health.
Should your child have a cavity, we use a resin tooth-colored filling to restore function and comfort to your child’s tooth. These fillings restore teeth to an attractive, healthy state!
If your child’s cavity is too large to restore with a tooth-colored filling, a crown may be recommended. Crowns help protect the baby teeth, providing structure for the tooth. Crowning a tooth also maintains the space, allowing the eventual permanent tooth to erupt properly. If you are concerned about a silver crown, talk to Dr. Angelo about the possibility of a tooth-colored crown!
Your child may need to have a tooth extracted. Most often, extractions are indicated due to infection or for orthodontic purposes. Dr. Angelo will review your child’s needs and discuss treatment options with you.
The baby teeth serve as space holders for the permanent teeth. With the loss of a baby tooth, neighboring teeth start migrating into that vacant space, potentially causing problems as your child grows. This loss may lead to the need for extensive orthodontic treatment at a later age. A space maintainer is placed in that area to hold the space open so that the adult tooth can erupt in a more appropriate position.
Baby root canals are often needed when the cavity approaches the tooth’s nerve. This procedure stops the progress of the cavity and minimizes the chances of an infection or abscess. The procedure is completed by cleaning out the center of the tooth where the nerve lives and placing soothing medicine. The tooth is then protected by placing a crown.
At Super Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, we offer a comprehensive range of dental services, including pediatric esthetics, to enhance the smiles of our young patients. Led by Dr. Angelo Arce, our experienced team specializes in pediatric cosmetic dentistry, ensuring that every child receives personalized and gentle care. Our esthetic treatments for children focus on improving the appearance of their teeth, addressing concerns such as discoloration, chipped teeth, or misalignment. With advanced techniques and a child-friendly approach, we strive to create beautiful and confident smiles for our young patients. Whether it’s tooth-colored fillings, dental bonding, or orthodontic options, we tailor our esthetic treatments to meet the unique needs and developmental stages of children. Trust Super Teeth Pediatric Dentistry and Dr. Angelo to provide exceptional pediatric esthetic services, helping your child achieve a radiant and healthy smile they can be proud of.
We will always choose the most conservative treatment options available to your child, and we seek to use non-invasive procedures whenever possible. However, there are times when your child may need to be sedated to care for them properly. Ultimately, their safety and comfort are our utmost concern.
Laughing gas is the common term for Nitrous Oxide, a safe and mild method used during dental procedures. Your child will be awake and responsive throughout the procedure, in a more relaxed state.
Because this type of dentistry is short-lived with a gentle effect, it is often used for children. Nitrous oxide puts patients at ease to remain relaxed during dental procedures allowing the anxious child a more pleasant dental experience! We customize each case individually and will discuss sedation only if necessary.
At Super Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that many children experience dental anxiety, which can hinder their ability to receive the necessary dental care. That’s why we offer intravenous “IV” sedation as an option to help alleviate fear and ensure the comfort of our patients. Our IV sedation services are provided in conjunction with a mobile anesthesia company, which means a trained anesthesiologist and dedicated staff will be present on-site during the procedure. This additional measure maximizes safety and allows us to provide a controlled and stress-free environment for your child’s dental treatment. If your child fears going to the dentist, we encourage you to contact us today to learn more about our intravenous “IV” sedation and how it can help make their dental experience more comfortable and anxiety-free.
Addressing these issues while your child is still growing and developing may help save your child from having complex treatment plans once their adult teeth have emerged. Getting started early can also help save you time and money down the road.
At that first visit, we will evaluate your child’s teeth, gums, jaw, and oral hygiene. We will look at your child’s teeth, face, and jaws to determine proper growth and development. X-rays may be given if recent ones aren’t available or don’t provide the correct angles necessary for evaluation. We are explicitly looking at tooth placement, bite and jaw alignment, and the overall development of the mouth and face. We may recommend early treatment If any issues are noticed.
Additionally, If your child displays any of the characteristics below, it’s good to schedule an orthodontic check with us.
Three common malocclusions (bite problems) are crossbite, crowding, and impacted teeth.
Crossbite – A crossbite exists where the top teeth and bottom teeth do not come together or bite in the correct position. Instead, the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. If the back teeth are affected, the upper teeth sit inside of bottom teeth, and this is referred to as a posterior crossbite. One or more top teeth sit behind the bottom teeth in an anterior crossbite. This should not be confused with an underbite, where the top teeth are located behind the bottom teeth, and the bottom jaw is pushed strongly forward.
Crowding – Overcrowding of teeth is when there is not enough space in your mouth for your permanent teeth to grow straight, which can cause misalignment of your bite and teeth.
Impacted Teeth – An impacted tooth is a tooth that does not fully erupt above the gums. This is typically caused by overcrowding; your jaw is too small for all of your teeth, or the tooth is erupting in the wrong direction. Not all impacted teeth require oral surgery.
We provide many different orthodontic treatment options which are personalized to the specific situation of each patient. There are times when several options may be available, while some treatments may have only one. Each plan is based on the patient’s age, their activities, the underlying orthodontic issue being treated, and other factors such as cost. If your child’s particular issue can’t be resolved in our office, we will refer you to an Orthodontist that we trust.
It’s important to remember that orthodontic treatment is a service and not a product. When you purchase orthodontic kits that allow you to perform orthodontic treatment at home, you’re taking on risks that your mouth and bone structure may not respond as anticipated. At-home treatment does not begin with a comprehensive evaluation of your orthodontic condition. No x-rays are taken, overlying issues aren’t addressed, and a professional assessment isn’t made that may include more than one type of solution. Additionally, should problems arise during orthodontic treatment, it’s best to have a trained professional evaluate your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
We all hate to see our children in pain. If your child is suffering from a dental emergency, the Super Teeth Pediatric Dentistry team is trained to help alleviate your child’s pain and manage the crisis.
When an emergency occurs, it’s essential to seek treatment for your child as soon as possible. A quick response can help Dr. Angelo save the tooth, if possible, and reduce the risk of more extensive dental care.
Pediatric dental emergencies can include:
If your child fractures a tooth, then gather any fragments you can find and store them in a clean container of milk or saliva of the child that lost the tooth. Never use water to transport a broken or knocked-out tooth. You must visit the dentist immediately to prevent infection and other complications brought on by chipped or knocked-out teeth. If the tooth is knocked out, only touch the crown of the tooth and not the root. The dentist will be able to repair your child’s tooth or fix it with a crown.
If your child experiences a cut on their tongue, cheek, or lip, bleeding can usually be stopped by applying clean gauze to the affected area. You can also apply ice to the site to help stop the bleed. If you cannot stop the bleeding, call our office or visit the emergency room. If your child has an open oral wound for a long period of time, they can be susceptible to infection.
If your child has a toothache, then have them rinse their mouth with warm water to ease the pain. If the pain persists for more than 24 hours, contact (708) 765-4586. Persistent toothaches can indicate more serious problems that need to be observed by a dental professional.
The arrival of permanent teeth is an exciting time for children, but it can also come with some challenges. One of these challenges is when the adult teeth start to come in behind the baby teeth. This is a common occurrence and is often caused by the lower primary (baby) tooth not falling out in time for the permanent tooth to take its place.
If your child starts to wiggle the baby tooth, it will usually fall out naturally within a couple of months. If this doesn’t happen, it’s best to contact your pediatric dentist. They can easily remove the baby tooth and help the permanent tooth move into the correct position.
In conclusion, if you notice that your child’s adult teeth are coming in behind the baby teeth, there’s no need to worry. With a little help from your pediatric dentist, the problem can be easily resolved and your child will be on their way to a beautiful, healthy smile.
If your child has a dental emergency, call our office today, and we can work to get you in to be seen right away.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry defines special healthcare needs as “any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, healthcare intervention, and use of specialized services or programs.” Whether your child’s condition is congenital, developmental, or the result of disease or trauma, we can provide guidance and raise awareness of their special dental care needs.
We offer specialty appointments at SuperTeeth Pediatric Dentistry for children with special healthcare needs. Our goal is to accommodate and provide these patients with a stress-free and calming dental experience, and we value the unique qualities of each young smile we treat.
Dental care for patients with special needs requires specialized knowledge acquired by additional training and increased awareness and attention, adaptation, and accommodative measures beyond routine treatment. At our office, we have the experience necessary to provide appropriate dental care while keeping in mind your child’s unique nature. We have experience with children with ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome, and other special healthcare needs. Dr. Angelo and his compassionate team seek to ensure the best oral health for all children, regardless of developmental disability or other healthcare issues.
We put our patients’ needs first by being as accommodating as possible to those with needs. We take extra steps to make them feel comfortable in our office. Whether turning down the lighting or providing sunglasses or ear plugs for those with sensory issues, our goal is to make your child feel as calm and comfortable as possible.
Sedation dentistry is another popular option for those with special needs. We offer options to help your child stay calm or sleep throughout their visit. For more information on sedation dentistry options, you can view our sedation options or contact our office with any questions you may have.
Some children are born with extra tissue called frenum under their tongue or upper lip. These are called tongue-ties and lip-ties and can cause difficulty with speech, breastfeeding, weight gain, and even dental decay.
If not treated during childhood, the adverse effects of tongue and lip-ties can follow children into adulthood. Headaches, neck and shoulder pain, sleep issues, and speech problems are all signs of untreated tongue and lip-ties.
According to the National Institutes of Health, between four and ten percent of infants are born with a tongue-tie. We’re learning now more than ever why breastfeeding is so crucial to a child’s development. If your baby has difficulty latching on to the breast, they may be experiencing a tongue- or lip-tie.
However, there’s no reason for the bonding between a mother and her child to be disrupted. Frenectomies can improve latch, allowing babies (and mothers) to have a better nursing experience.
A frenectomy is a simple procedure that involves the release of the frenum to enhance range of motion. This quick and straightforward treatment is the initial step towards improving your child’s well-being.
Traditionally, frenectomies were performed by doctors using scalpels under general anesthesia, often resulting in stitches. Due to the risks associated with anesthesia in infants, this procedure was often denied to young children.
Fortunately, advancements in technology have revolutionized the way frenectomies are performed. In our office, we utilize modern techniques that eliminate the need for anesthesia. These minimally invasive treatments are completed within minutes, causing minimal bleeding and swelling for our patients.
Thanks to this quick and nearly painless treatment, your child or infant can resume their daily routine right away. Many older children return straight to the playground after their procedure.
Since breast milk contains many healing properties, breastfed infants are encouraged to nurse immediately following the procedure. Our experience has also been that older children who may be picky eaters or children who have difficulty gaining weight will often experience better appetites.
Some smaller children introduce new words to their vocabulary the day of their procedure. Older children will speak clearly with fewer restrictions, boosting their confidence. You can also expect infants and children to sleep throughout the night, improving their behavior during the day.
Our office believes oral restrictions shouldn’t hold children back, and tongue and lip-ties are entirely treatable. We invite you to schedule a consult today to learn how a frenectomy can positively impact your family’s future.
At Super Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, we provide a comprehensive range of dental services to meet the unique needs of children of all ages. Whether your child requires preventative care, restorative treatments, orthodontics, or specialized pediatric dental services, our dedicated team is here to help.
If you have any questions about our services or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our friendly team is ready to assist you.
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