Dental Procedures

Cleaning and Fluoride:

Preventive dental exams, teeth cleaning, and topical fluoride treatment are important tools used to maintain good dental health. A thorough cleaning every 6 months to remove plaque and calculus that can cause gum disease and tooth decay is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Also, topical fluoride applied to the teeth help make them stronger and more resistant to tooth decay. These procedures have been proven extremely effective against dental disease. + Learn More

X-Ray Use & Safety:

In general, children need X-rays more often than adults. Their mouths grow and change rapidly. They are more susceptible than adults to tooth decay. For children with a high risk of tooth decay, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends X-ray examinations every six months to detect cavities developing between the teeth. Children with a low risk of tooth decay require X-rays less frequently. + Learn More

Sealants:

Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.+ Learn More

Early Orthodontic Care:

It’s never too early to keep an eye on your child’s oral development. Dr. Grimball can identify malocclusion – crowded or crooked teeth or bite problems – and actively intervene to guide the teeth as they emerge in the mouth. Orthodontic treatment early can prevent more extensive treatment later.+ Learn More

Emergency Care:

When your child needs urgent dental treatment, we are ready to help. Contact us as soon as possible so we may best assist you with your child’s circumstance.+ Learn More

Esthetic Dentistry:

Children smile when they are proud of their teeth. At school and at play, they feel more confident. Sometimes children’s teeth can become discolored and there are many causes, such as, trauma to the tooth, severe illness during tooth development, exposure to certain medicines or even poor oral hygiene. Ask us about esthetic dentistry to restore or enhance your child’s smile.

Extractions:

There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth are some of the many reasons that a tooth may have to be extracted. Dr. Grimball may recommend that a space maintainer be put in place of the extracted tooth in order to avoid shifting of the teeth.

Space Maintainers:

If your child loses a primary tooth before the permanent tooth is ready to come in, or if it has to be extracted prematurely, Dr. Grimball may decide to use a space maintainer. The maintainer keeps the space open until the permanent tooth comes in, so that neighboring teeth can’t move or tilt into the space.

Pulp Treatment:

When the nerve or pulp tissue of a primary or permanent tooth is infected, it needs to be treated to prevent a dental abscess and loss of the tooth. Pulp therapy is used to treat the infected nerve and preserve the tooth. There are several types of pulp treatment offered and Dr Grimball will discuss your options. Once the pulp has been treated, a restoration is needed to protect the tooth. The most common restoration after pulp therapy is a crown.

Stainless Steel Crowns:

Stainless steel crowns are used to restore teeth that are too badly decayed to hold fillings. These are typically used in primary (baby) teeth and will fall out naturally when the tooth does. Dr Grimball can also place white crowns if a more cosmetic appearance is desired.

Tooth Colored Fillings:

Tooth colored fillings are used to restore teeth where cosmetic appearance is important. They can be used to repair fractured teeth or areas of decay. The shade of restorative material is matched as closely as possible to the color of the natural teeth. These require excellent hygiene and a careful diet following placement on teeth.