Tag: Pediatric

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Dental Fillings: Types, Benefits, and Procedures

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry
Dental Fillings

As parents, you want to ensure your children’s teeth stay healthy and strong. However, sometimes cavities happen. Our pediatric dentist will use dental fillings — one of the most common dental procedures — to help preserve your child’s smile when these problems occur in Greenville, NC.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are regularly used to repair and rebuild parts of a tooth compromised by cavities and decay. Cracks or fractures caused by accidents, or everyday wear and tear also often need fillings, even if the damage is in baby teeth. The process involves removing the damaged part of the tooth, cleaning the area, and filling it with a suitable material to keep the tooth stable and healthy.

The Dental Filling Procedure for Kids

  1. Diagnosis: The first step involves a diagnosis. This might be done through a visual exam, X-rays, or other diagnostic tools. We will carefully check your child’s teeth to see the extent of the issue.
  2. Numbing: To keep your child comfortable, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the affected tooth, minimizing pain and discomfort.
  3. Removal of Decay: The dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth with specialized instruments to prevent further damage.
  4. Cleaning and Preparation: After removing the damage, the cavity is cleaned to get rid of any bacteria and debris. The area is then prepped for the filling to ensure it bonds well with the material.
  5. Filling Placement: Depending on the chosen material — like composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain — the filling is applied in layers. Each layer is hardened or cured using a special light.
  6. Shaping and Polishing: Once the filling is in place, it is shaped to fit the natural contours of your child’s tooth. Finally, it is polished to ensure a smooth finish that blends seamlessly with other teeth.

Taking Care of Your Child’s Fillings

Here are a few tips to help care for your child’s dental fillings and their overall oral health:

  • Ensure they brush twice a day and floss daily.
  • Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
  • Teach them to avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pencils that can damage fillings.
  • Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks that contribute to decay.
  • Consider preventative dental sealants as an extra step to protect your child’s hard-to-brush back teeth.

Fillings are a key part of keeping your child’s teeth healthy and functional. If you suspect your child needs a cavity filling in Greenville, or have any concerns about their oral health, don’t search your phone for “dentist near me” — just reach out to us at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. Your child’s smile is our top priority!

The ABCs of Dental Fillings: Understanding the Process

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry
Dental Fillings  

Tiny teeth deserve big smiles, and dental fillings can play a crucial role in keeping those smiles healthy and bright. Whether you’re a seasoned parent or new to the game, understanding the process of getting dental fillings in Greenville can help you as you make informed decisions for your child’s well-being. 

Cavities and Getting a Cavity Filling in Greenville, NC

Early Cavity Detection

The process begins with finding a good dentist in Greenville, NC: someone who specializes in helping children feel comfortable and cared for and who can do a thorough dental checkup. 

At Wilson Pediatric Dentistry, your trusted pediatric dentist in Greenville, NC, we use advanced technology like digital X-rays to uncover cavities even in their earliest stages. Early detection minimizes tooth damage and ensures smoother, less invasive filling procedures.

Clearing the Way

If a cavity is identified, Dr. Elmore will gently remove the decayed tooth material using special instruments. Anesthesia is available to ensure your child’s comfort throughout the process.

Dental Fillings

At Wilson Pediatric Dentistry, we offer a variety of dental fillings in Greenville, NC, tailored to your child’s needs and preferences. The most common filling we use is tooth-colored composite fillings, which blend seamlessly with natural teeth, making them ideal for front teeth especially. 

There are other materials available, and in rare cases, we might put in a dental crown. Each material has its unique advantages, and our experienced pediatric dentist will guide you toward the best choice for your child’s specific situation.

Cavity Prevention

While fillings effectively restore teeth, prevention is always the gold standard. Regular dental cleanings and fluoride treatments at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry can significantly reduce the risk of cavities in the first place. We also provide age-appropriate oral hygiene education, empowering your child to take charge of their smile.

Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

At Wilson Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that a visit to the dentist can be nerve-wracking for both parents and children. That’s why we create a warm, welcoming environment where every child feels comfortable and cared for.

Kid-Friendly Atmosphere

Bright colors, playful decorations, and a touch of magic transform dental appointments into fun adventures.

Gentle, Experienced Dentist

Dr. Elmore is specially trained to work with children, ensuring a calm and stress-free experience for your child. The goal is that they never have an unpleasant experience and thus never learn to “fear” a dental visit.

Advanced Technology

Digital X-rays, comfortable equipment, and the latest in modern techniques minimize discomfort and maximize efficiency.

Schedule your child’s next dental checkup today and let Wilson Pediatric Dentistry be your partner in creating a lifetime of healthy smiles.

What All Parents Should Know About Baby Teeth and Pediatric Dentistry in Knightdale

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Watching your child develop is a wonderfully exciting time, and we all want to give our kids a great start in life. It’s both encouraging and sobering to know that your choices now can affect your child’s health for life, which is why it’s important to know what to expect with baby teeth. Finding quality pediatric dentistry in Knightdale for your child is crucial for your child’s future dental health. 

Good Health Begins With Teeth

Our oral health is like a gateway into our overall health, which is true for kids and adults. The human mouth contains bacteria that can get into the digestive and respiratory tract, causing disease. 

Good brushing and flossing protect your child from gum disease and tooth decay: but these habits also safeguard their overall health. 

Even Baby Teeth Need Dental Care

Some people mistakenly believe that kids don’t need dental care until their permanent teeth erupt. Yes, they will eventually replace your child’s baby teeth, but they are critical to your child’s health and welfare. 

Baby teeth enable your child to smile, speak correctly, and chew their food. And the space made by baby teeth helps the mouth form properly to allow adult teeth to come in properly.  

Pediatric Dentistry

It’s crucial that your child visits the dentist early in life, and the best time is after you see the first tooth erupt. Regular dental visits will teach you and your child how to care for teeth, help prevent cavities, and alert you to any dietary problems that are causing dental issues. They may even help you avoid expensive dental work down the line by addressing issues while they are still small. 

At-Home Care

Any tooth can decay, and baby teeth have less enamel and are therefore more at risk of decay than adult teeth. Brushing should begin as soon as the teeth erupt. Brush and floss your child’s teeth twice a day. 

Let them help and teach them how to do it as they get older. If they learn to floss while they have only a few, more widely-spaced teeth, they’ll have fewer issues flossing their permanent teeth once those come in. 

A Good Diet Is Crucial

Sugar is the worst thing for teeth, yet nearly all foods have sugar: even fruits, vegetables, and milk. That said, some foods and drinks are harder on the teeth than others. 

Children should rarely eat sticky fruit snacks and candies, sugary sodas and juices, or sour candies with ascorbic acid. Always choose foods low in sugar, encourage your children to drink water, and choose something other than sweets for snacks and meals. 

Find a Partner in Pediatric Dentistry in Knightdale

You don’t have to care for your child’s teeth alone. At Wilson Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Jasmine Elmore has dedicated her career to helping children achieve excellent dental health so they can thrive for a lifetime. Visit us at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule an appointment and get your child on the road toward good health. 

How to Find the Right Dentist for Your Child

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Finding a dentist you like can be hard enough for an adult. So its understandable that many parents are particular about finding just the right dentist for their child. Establishing a positive dental experience at a young age is important and can set a child on a path to a lifetime of healthy smiles. 

 

Below are five tips for finding the right dentist for your child so that both of you can be comfortable and confident in the care they receive. 

Finding the Ideal Dentist for Your Child

1. Find a pediatric dentist

There are dentists who treat children, and then there are pediatric dentists. Pediatric dentists have specialized training in working with the small and delicate mouths of children, dealing with their behaviors and fears and creating a positive experience. Look for pediatric dentists near you when searching for a dentist for your child. 

2. Look for a fun environment

A dentist’s office can be a scary place for a child, but it doesn’t have to be. When looking for a dentist for your child, visit the office in person to see the inside. Kid-friendly offices are generally decorated with bright colors and playful designs that can have a positive psychological effect on a nervous youngster. 

3. Ask about their approach

Some dentists take more of a reactive approach. But young teeth and gums need a more proactive approach that uses sealants, fluoride treatments and other preventive measures to stop tooth decay and gum disease before it happens and keep your child’s oral health on the right path. Call any prospective dentist and ask about their preventive services for children. 

4.  See if they teach good dental habits

A children’s trip to the dentist should be more than just an appointment to have their teeth cleaned. They should also leave with some knowledge and advice about how to properly care for their teeth. When trying to find the right dentist for your child, look for one who provides education in addition to service. 

5. Find one that has options for anxious children

If your child is especially nervous or anxious, some dentists offer the use of nitrous oxide or anesthesia in dosages that are safe for young patients. While this may not be for everyone, it’s something to consider for more serious dental work or particularly scared children. 

Find the Right Dentist for Your Child at Wilson Pediatric

If you’re looking for dentists in Wilson, NC, you’ll find the perfect one for your child right here at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Jasmine Elmore is a pediatric dentist who takes a preventive and educational approach to dentistry in a fun and kid-friendly setting. We also provide nitrous oxide and anesthesia for children who may be especially sensitive or have high anxiety about the dentist. 

 

Contact us with any questions about our practice or visit us on Wooten Blvd in Wilson, NC, to learn more about how we may be the right dentist for your child.

Getting Your Child Ready for a Cavity Filling in Greenville, NC

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Filling a cavity can be a scary experience. Knowing how to prepare your child for a filling will not only help your child know what to expect, but it will also help you feel more calm about the appointment as well. Continue reading to learn more. 

Pediatric Cavity Filling Preparedness Tips

Consider your child’s temperament

Dental repair is a common anxiety for adults so it’s only natural that a child might feel unnerved at the idea of undergoing this procedure. 

 

Your child’s temperament is one of the biggest factors to consider when deciding how to handle those nerves. Some children can sit calmly through long dental procedures without any need for sedation while others may benefit from a light oral sedative or even nitrous oxide. 

 

Discuss your concerns with your child’s dentist so you can develop a plan and share these expectations with your child prior to the date of the procedure. 

Be honest but don’t overshare

You know that a filling requires numbing the area with a needle and using a drill to file away any damaged areas of the tooth. Rather than sharing these unpleasant details with your child, however, simply share that he will get to relax on the dentist’s chair while the dentist puts part of his mouth to sleep. Explain that he may experience some strange vibrations and sounds from the dentist’s tools, but that there shouldn’t be any pain.

 

Avoiding these details could lead to the child feeling blindsided in his appointment and developing a long-term mistrust or fear of the dentist. Your dentist will strive to make your child as comfortable as possible, but knowing what to expect going into the appointment will empower your child to trust what the dentist is doing.

Rely on a favorite stuffed animal

Dress your child in comfortable, loose-fitting clothes on the day of the appointment. Encourage him to bring a favorite stuffed animal or comfort item he can squeeze or hug when he starts to feel nervous. Having a familiar item on hand can help him channel his attention away from the procedure towards something that brings him comfort. 

Find a Pediatric Dentist in Greenville, NC

The best way to prepare for dental fillings is to avoid them in the first place. At Wilson Pediatric Dentistry, we will help your child develop strong oral hygiene practices for lifelong oral health. We offer pediatric dentistry services and teeth cleanings in Greenville, North Carolina. Schedule an appointment today.

Teeth Cleaning Health Resolutions for Your Kids

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Teeth Cleaning Health Resolutions for Your KidsThe start of a new year is the perfect time to consider what went well in the previous year and what changes you’d like to implement in the coming year. As you start to consider resolutions for your family, why not make your child’s dental health a priority this year? 

New Year’s Dental Resolutions for Your Kids

Decide On Your Resolutions Together

There’s something about resolutions that make usually mundane tasks seem more exciting — especially for kids. What are some resolutions you and your kids can write together that would make their oral hygiene routine more enjoyable to them? 

 

Start by creating a list of good oral hygiene practices to choose from. This can be an excellent learning experience for your kids and may shed light on some problem areas you can help them address together. Some of the items on this list could include: 

  • Eating less sugar
  • Regular teeth cleanings
  • Flossing daily
  • Drinking less soda
  • Using a fluoride rinse 

 

Don’t overwhelm your kids with an endless list of resolutions. Pick three to five of your top priorities and focus on those. Make sure these resolutions are measurable and quantifiable so you can easily monitor your family’s progress throughout the year. 

Implement a Reward System

Depending on the age of your child, a reward system might be an effective way to measure and celebrate progress throughout the year. To ensure you don’t undo all of your hard work, opt for a reward system that is free from sugary treats. For younger children, consider a sticker chart. For older kids, maybe a fun experience after completing a number of resolutions would be enough to entice them to take more ownership over their oral hygiene practices. 

Find a Pediatric Dentist in Greenville, NC

The most effective way to improve the health of your child’s teeth is to partner with a pediatric dentist who will help you navigate your child’s oral health while creating a warm, child-friendly environment. If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist, we are accepting new patients at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. We provide pediatric dental treatments near Greenville, North Carolina. 

 

Make your first New Year’s resolution to schedule an appointment today.