PROCEDURE DETAILS

 All procedures are conducted with care, safety, and comfort in mind

Oral Hygiene & Nutrition

Maintaining your oral health is important. That’s why we provide ongoing counseling to our patients with each appointment. One of our clinicians will sit down one-on-one to discuss the importance of good nutrition and oral care, including the best techniques for brushing and flossing.  

PAIN & ANXIETY REDUCTION

Nitrous Oxide:
Nitrous oxide and oxygen are mixed together and inhaled through a small mask worn over the nose to aid in relaxation. This helps in the reduction of anxiety and suppresses the gag reflex. Note that this procedure may provide insufficient anxiety reduction for some patients.

Local Anesthesia:
Medication is administered topically or by injection. This helps by making it more comfortable during dental procedures. Local anesthesia may cause pain, swelling, tingling, pressure or damage to the nerve. 

Deep Sedation:
Using an outpatient facility, a deeper sedation is offered by administering an intravenous medication. With this procedure, the dental treatment needed can be completed in one or two appointments only.

DIAGNOSTIC

Dental Exams:
A pediatric exam includes a review of the child’s medical history, diet, homecare, and chief complaints, followed by a clinical extraoral and intraoral evaluation. The purpose of the exam is to obtain a diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Dental Records:
Records include extraoral and intraoral photographs, digital images, digital impressions of the top and bottom teeth, and bite registration. The purpose of obtaining records is to ensure an accurate diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan.

Dental Images:
To detect potential disease in its early stages, intraoral and extraoral images are taken periodically, using radiation. The images allow the dentist to see inside and between teeth. In the absence of digital images, disease may otherwise go undetected until more obvious signs and symptoms develop. Digital x-ray equipment is used to reduce the size of the beam, and to eliminate “scatter” radiation, and lead-free, nontoxic, biodegradable barium aprons are used for additional protection.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Prophylaxis/Cleaning:
Prophylaxis, also referred to as a “cleaning,” involves cleaning and polishing surfaces of the tooth with hand instruments, floss, electric rotary instrument or sonic scaling. Cleanings help to remove plaque, bacteria, stains and tartar from teeth.

Topical Fluoride Varnish:
Fluoride varnish is a topical agent used to destroy bacteria. It adheres to the tooth surface and absorbs into the enamel structure to strengthen the teeth, thereby increasing the resistance of the tooth. Note that high doses of fluoride varnish could potentially be toxic. Potential alternatives include: calcium phosphate, xylitol, chlorhexidine, and baking soda.

Sealants:
A sealant is a composite resin applied to the grooves and pits of healthy back teeth to provide a barrier. This procedure is performed in order to prevent demineralization and cavities. Note that sealants can break down without proper home care and diet.

Space Maintainer:
A space maintainer is a fixed appliance used to maintain space from premature primary tooth loss. It works to maintain space for eruption of permanent teeth. Note that the space maintainer appliance must be monitored, adjusted, and sometimes replaced. It also may cause interference with adjacent erupting teeth. Decay and decalcification are more likely if oral care and diet is poor.

SURGICAL

Endodontic Therapy/Pulpotomy:
Pulpotomy is the removal of coronal pulp/tissue. This procedure is performed to remove infection and relieve pain and sensitivity. Note that this may result in residual infection or abscess. Alternatives include extraction or root canal therapy.

Exodontia - Extraction - Tooth Removal:
Exodontia is a procedure in which a tooth is extracted, for the purposes of alleviating pain and discomfort, by removing the cause of the infection. Note that this procedure may cause a fracture of the root, infection, bone loss, shifting of adjacent teeth, and space. The alternative is no treatment.

RESTORATIVE

Composite Restoration (Tooth-Colored Filling):
During composite restoration, a resin-based material is used to fill and replace decayed areas of teeth. Composite fillings are made of stable material, and offer esthetic quality. Note that composite fillings can break and stain, may cause filtration (leak), and shades may not match exactly. Alternatives include: glass ionomer.

Icon Resin Infiltration (ICON):
Resin infiltration is a minimally-invasive restorative treatment to help fade post-ortho white spot lesions and certain congenital hypocalcified enamel lesions. ICON has optical properties similar to natural tooth enamel. The procedure is on visit, no shots or numbing involved and no drilling required.

Maxillo Facial orthopedic and ORTHODONTIC

Oro-Maxillofacial Orthopedic and Orthodontic Treatment:
Maxillofacial Orthopedic and Orthodontic treatment uses procedures that enhance the growth and development of the oro-facial system, as well as enhance the positioning of the teeth. At Puredontics, our orthopedic and orthodontic treatment starts with a comprehensive evaluation, followed by a series of records. After records are obtained, a case study is performed, and presented to the patient to discuss appropriate treatment options.

Depending upon the cooperation of the patient, treatment duration can take several months, or even years, to complete. The alternative is no treatment.