At Teeth ‘R’ Us Children’s Dentistry, Dr. Andriani Ongkorahardjo and our entire team are dedicated to providing gentle, comprehensive dental care tailored specifically for growing smiles. We believe that educating parents is just as important as treating our patients.
Below is a guide to the common procedures and preventive treatments we offer to help keep your child’s smile healthy and bright.
Prophylaxis (Routine Dental Cleaning)
A prophylaxis is a thorough professional dental cleaning. Even with excellent brushing and flossing at home, plaque and tartar can build up on your child’s teeth. During this visit, we gently remove plaque and calculus, polish the teeth to remove surface stains, and provide personalized tips for improving your child’s home care routine. Regular cleanings are essential for preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to the acid attacks that cause cavities. After a cleaning, we apply a safe, highly concentrated fluoride to your child’s teeth. This quick, painless process provides an extra layer of defense against decay, especially during the years when their teeth are developing.
Dental Sealants
The chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) have deep grooves and pits where food and bacteria easily get trapped, making them highly susceptible to cavities. Dental sealants are thin, protective plastic coatings painted onto these surfaces. They act as a barrier, sealing off the grooves and creating a smooth surface that is much easier to keep clean. The application is fast, requires no numbing, and provides long-lasting protection.
Resin-Based Composite Restorations (White Fillings)
If your child develops a cavity, we need to remove the decayed portion of the tooth to prevent the infection from spreading. We use resin-based composite—a durable, tooth-colored material—to fill the space. These fillings blend in seamlessly with the natural color of your child’s tooth, providing a strong and aesthetically pleasing repair.
Pulpotomy (Pediatric Nerve Treatment)
When a cavity becomes very deep and reaches the inner nerve (pulp) of a primary (baby) tooth, a standard filling isn’t enough. A pulpotomy, sometimes called a “baby root canal,” involves carefully removing the infected part of the nerve while leaving the healthy nerve tissue in the roots intact. A soothing medication is placed inside to promote healing, and the tooth is typically covered with a crown to restore its strength. Saving the baby tooth is crucial for guiding the permanent tooth into its proper place.
Pediatric Crowns
When a tooth is extensively decayed, fractured, or has undergone a pulpotomy, a simple filling may not provide enough support. A pediatric crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth down to the gum line, restoring its shape, size, and function. Depending on which tooth needs to be restored, we offer durable stainless steel crowns (ideal for back molars) or tooth-colored crowns to ensure a natural look.
Tooth Extractions
Our primary goal is always to save your child’s natural teeth. However, an extraction (removal of a tooth) may be necessary if a tooth is severely decayed or infected beyond repair, damaged by trauma, or if it is stubbornly refusing to fall out and blocking a permanent tooth from coming in. We prioritize your child’s comfort during this procedure and provide clear aftercare instructions to ensure quick and easy healing.
Space Maintainers
Baby teeth act as natural guides for the permanent teeth growing beneath them. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely due to decay or injury, the surrounding teeth can shift or drift into the empty space, causing crowding and orthodontic issues later on. A space maintainer is a small, custom-made appliance (either fixed or removable) that holds the gap open, ensuring the permanent tooth has the room it needs to erupt properly.