Kelty McLaurin Pediatric Dentistry

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Pediatric Dental Services

Dental Sealants

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. 

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Dental sealant
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Pediatric x-rays

Radiographs
(X-rays)

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.

Tooth Color Filings

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!

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Dental filling
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silver crown

Crowns

If your child’s cavity is too large to restore with a 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 stainless steel crown, talk to Dr. Kelty about the possibility of a Zirconia crown! 

Extractions

Your child may need to have a tooth extracted. Most often, extractions are indicated due to infection or for orthodontic purposes. Dr. Kelty will review your child’s needs and discuss treatment options with you.  

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close up shot up kid holding tooth
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young boy having a dental exam

Space Maintenance

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.

Schedule Your Child's Next Dental Visit!