Services

• Pediatric Dental services offered at Honeycomb Pediatric Dentistry are as follows:

Preventative Care

• • Cleanings
    At every dental visit, your child will receive a thorough cleaning. We use specialized handpieces and instruments to remove plaque and calculus, which are major contributors to gum disease and tooth decay.

  • Fluoride Treatment
    To help strengthen your child’s teeth against bacteria that cause decay, we apply a fluoride treatment during each visit. This treatment provides an additional layer of protection for their teeth.

  • Oral Hygiene Education
    Preventing cavities starts with understanding their causes. We dedicate time to educate both parents and children on effective oral hygiene practices. This knowledge helps you maintain excellent oral health at home and reduce the risk of future dental issues.

  • Sealants
    Permanent molars often have deep grooves and crevices on their biting surfaces, making them prone to trapping bacteria and developing cavities. Sealants are protective coatings applied to these surfaces to create a smoother, cavity-resistant barrier. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), sealants can reduce cavities on these teeth by over 70% within 2–3 years.

Comprehensive Clinical Exam

• • Schedule your child’s first dental exam 6 months after their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. These early visits help your child feel comfortable with the dental office environment. 

  • Our team will provide practical tips and information to support your child’s oral health at this critical stage and help minimize the risk of tooth decay as they grow.

• Routine Dental Check-Ups

  1. 1. Following the first visit, dental check-ups are recommended every six months to monitor and maintain your child’s oral health.

     2. Before each appointment, we will review your child’s medical history to identify any conditions that could increase their risk of cavities.

     3. Each check-up includes a comprehensive oral health assessment, a cancer screening, cavity checks, and discussions about oral habits or concerns.

     4. Radiographs (X-rays) are recommended every six months to detect hidden cavities between teeth and monitor for other unseen dental issues.

• Oral Hygiene Guidance

  1. 1. Your child will receive personalized instruction on proper brushing techniques (twice daily) and flossing (once daily).

     2. We dedicate one-on-one time to ensure they feel confident and equipped to maintain a healthy, bright smile at home.

Restorative

Tooth-Colored Fillings

• When a cavity is detected, the decayed portion of the tooth will be removed, and the tooth will be restored with a tooth-colored resin filling.

• The resin is carefully matched to the natural color of your child’s tooth for a seamless and natural appearance.

Extractions

• While we strive to avoid extractions whenever possible, there are times when removing a tooth is necessary.

• Common reasons for extractions include severe decay, making room for adult teeth, or addressing severe fractures.

• Our team takes every measure to ensure this process is as gentle and comfortable as possible for your child.

Stainless Steel Crowns

• For baby teeth with extensive decay or where a previous filling has failed, we recommend stainless steel crowns, as advised by the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry).

• These crowns are durable, ensuring the tooth remains functional until it naturally falls out, reducing the need for future treatments.

Pulp Therapy (Baby Root Canal)

• When decay reaches the nerve or pulp of a tooth, a pulpotomy (or baby root canal) may be required.

• This procedure involves removing the affected nerve tissue, filling the tooth with a medicated material, and covering it with a stainless steel crown for protection and longevity.

• Pulp therapy is a common and effective treatment for saving baby molars.

Space Maintainers

• If a baby tooth is lost too early, a space maintainer may be needed to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting and closing the gap.

• Space maintainers help ensure proper alignment and adequate space for the adult tooth to emerge, reducing the likelihood of needing orthodontic correction later.

Sedation

Sedation Options for a Comfortable Experience

• Mild Sedation (Nitrous Oxide)

  • For children who feel a bit nervous or for procedures requiring more time, we offer mild sedation using nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas."

  • A small breathing mask is gently placed over your child’s nose, delivering a safe mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen to help them feel calm and relaxed.

  • Your child will remain awake and able to breathe independently throughout the procedure. Afterward, the nitrous oxide is turned off, and your child breathes pure oxygen for a few minutes. Recovery is rapid, allowing your child to return to normal activities immediately.

• General Anesthesia

  • For more complex needs, we provide treatment under general anesthesia, where your child will be completely asleep.

  • A trained medical anesthesiologist carefully monitors your child’s safety and comfort throughout the procedure.

  • This approach is especially beneficial for children with severe anxiety, those requiring extensive dental work, younger children, or those with special needs.

  • All necessary treatment is completed in a single visit, and your child will have no memory of the procedure.

Dental Emergencies 

Dental Emergencies: What to Do and When to Contact Us

If your child experiences a toothache or dental injury, please call us immediately. We strive to see your child as soon as possible, often the same day. Knowing when your child needs urgent care can be challenging, so here are some guidelines to help you decide:

• Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

  • If your child’s permanent tooth is knocked out, it’s critical to seek dental care immediately.

  • Handle the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), avoiding the root. Gently rinse it with water to remove debris—do not scrub.

  • Place the tooth in a container of milk and bring it to the office with you.

  • Baby teeth that are knocked out do not need to be reinserted, but it’s important to have a thorough exam to check for other injuries.

• Chipped Tooth

  • If your child chips a tooth, try to locate the broken piece and place it in a container of milk. Bring it to the office as it may be possible to bond the fragment back onto the tooth.

• Toothache

  • Gently clean the tooth with a toothbrush and floss to remove any trapped debris. Check for swelling or irritation around the gums.

  • Contact our office to schedule an appointment.

  • If swelling impacts your child’s breathing, take them to the emergency room immediately.