Kids Dental Treatment in Fishers

Bonding is a conservative way to repair slightly chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth. During dental bonding, we place a white filling on your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling "bonds" with your teeth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades, it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth.

Bonding can also be used in place of regular amalgam fillings. Many patients prefer bonded fillings because the white color is much less noticeable than the silver of the amalgam fillings. Bonding fillings can be used on front and back teeth, depending on the location and extent of tooth decay.

Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and can usually be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and breaks more easily than other cosmetic treatments like porcelain veneers.

If your bonding does break or chip, please let us know We can generally patch or repair bonding in one visit.

The use of fluoride, x-rays, and other dental treatments is based on each individual’s history and clinical evaluation. Caries-risk Assessment Tool (CAT) is the professional standard for determining the risk of developing decay. Factors considered include;

• special health care needs
• salivary flow
• use of a dental home
• time lapsed since the last cavity
• presence of braces
• dietary habits
• fluoride exposure
• visible plaque on front teeth
• gingivitis
• demineralizations
• enamel defects
• radiographic enamel caries
• clinical judgment of the dentist

Dr. Joshi will discuss your child’s caries risk assessment with you at their next visit.

Crowns and bridges are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged, or to replace missing teeth. A crown also called a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can also dramatically improve a tooth's appearance, shape, and alignment.

Crowns may be used to:

• Replace a large filling when there is little tooth structure remaining
• Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
• Restore a fractured tooth
• Attach a bridge
• Cover a dental implant
• Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
• Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment

A bridge is an ideal method to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the real teeth on either side for support--hence the name. This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. Bridge materials include gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all-ceramic material made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.

A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. Most dental cleanings take only 25 to 30 minutes. Cleanings should be performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque buildup. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. Routine dental cleaning should include scaling, root planing, and polishing.

Scaling and root planing is the process of removing plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces with a variety of methods, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar. Dental hygienists traditionally perform scaling by hand. However, new and advanced technology has led to more modern methods such as electric scalers. This sophisticated tool allows dental cleanings to be performed more efficiently and in less time. Both electric and manual scaling methods can be combined to achieve the best results. Polishing completes the cleaning, making the surface of the teeth smooth, and minimizing future plaque build-up.

As your child gets older, you’re probably beginning to wonder about the world of orthodontia. Other methods like braces and Invisalign are reliable, standard methods of straightening your child’s teeth and correctly aligning their jaw, but sometimes orthodontists require added support — a palate expander — to transform your child’s smile.

Expanders before braces are typical among children and younger adolescents. If you’ve had orthodontic treatments in the past, you might have even had one yourself. In this post, we’ll outline everything you need to know about palate expanders and how to know when to schedule an orthodontic appointment for your child.

A palate expander is an orthodontic tool used to widen the palate — the roof of the mouth also referred to as the maxilla — over time. Some children need them, and some don’t. It depends on your child’s mouth and the orthodontist’s treatment plan.

Everyone is unique, including their palate shape. Naturally narrow palates can cause improper tooth growth and jaw alignment, making it harder for orthodontists to transform a child’s smile. A dental expander makes room for teeth to grow and corrects specific jaw alignment problems.

So how do they work? Well, palatal expanders work by applying gentle pressure to the palate until it reaches the desired expansion. Treatment can last anywhere from three to twelve months, depending on the usage, child’s palate, and the orthodontist’s opinion. Most orthodontists will keep the palate expander in place after achieving the desired expansion so the palate solidifies its new shape, then orthodontic treatment will continue as needed.

For more information, speak with one of our doctors to see if this may be an option for your child.

Good oral hygiene is a must, because the loss of a single tooth can have major impact on overall oral health and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still some occasions when a tooth needs to be extracted. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:

• Severe decay
• Advanced periodontal disease
• Infection or abscess
• Orthodontic correction
• Malpositioned teeth
• Fractured teeth or roots
• Impacted teeth

The dentist may advise to have a tooth extracted after careful examination and treatment—often taking x-rays to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone before extracting the tooth. Based on the degree of difficulty, a dentist may refer you to a specialist called an oral surgeon.

A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, but it can be minimized with pain killers and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. Discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks.

If you experience prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call our office immediately.

A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and fill the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material. This filling will help prevent further decay by filling in any cracks or spaces where bacteria might enter.

There are a variety of filling materials available including gold, silver, plastic and porcelain. We will work with you to determine which material is best for you, depending on the extent of repair, where in your mouth the filling is needed, and the cost. Each of the filling materials is briefly explained below:

• Gold fillings are custom-made in a laboratory and then cemented into place. While gold fillings are often the most expensive choice, many consider gold as the best filling material. Gold inlays are well-tolerated by gum tissues and may last more than 20 years.
• Amalgam (silver) fillings are a more inexpensive choice and are also well-tolerated. However, due to their dark color, they are more noticeable than porcelain or composite restorations and are not recommended for fillings in very visible areas such as front teeth.
• Composite (plastic) resins are custom-made to the exact color of the patient's teeth, creating a more natural appearance. While these white fillings may be less noticeable than other materials, they usually only last between 3 and 10 years. They may not be ideal for large fillings as they may chip or wear over time. They can also become stained from coffee, tea or tobacco.
• Porcelain fillings are created in a lab and then bonded to the tooth. They can be matched to the color of the tooth, resist staining, and are about the same cost as gold fillings. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable.

A frenectomy is a simple procedure where connective tissue from under the tongue or the upper gums. This is usually evaluated or recommended if your little one is experiencing speech, eating, or orthodontic problems.

New technologies have made frenectomies a safe and convenient option for children of all ages including infants.

In infants, both lingual and maxillary ties can cause problems with breastfeeding and potentially bottle-feeding. Symptoms of a possible tongue-tie or lip-tie in a newborn are prolonged breastfeeding, difficulty latching onto the breast (causing sore nipples on the mother), and excessive gassiness. More and more, parents are opting for a safe, fast-healing frenectomy to help their babies establish a good seal while eating.

In other patients, both adults and children, frenectomies can be a solution to eating or speech issues. A dentist may also recommend it as part of a patient’s overall orthodontic treatment.

Halitosis is the sophisticated word for "bad breath". Depending on the cause, bad breath may happen only occasionally or may be a more persistent condition. The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria. Because the mouth is moist and warm, it creates perfect conditions for the millions of bacteria that live in the mouth. In fact, approximately 80% of bad breath is caused by something in the mouth.

Bad breath caused by bacteria in the mouth can be easily treated. Brushing your teeth, tongue and gums after meals as well as flossing and rinsing with mouthwash will usually take care of the problem. Regular visits to our office for a deeper, professional cleaning and exam will also help you.

Most types of occasional bad breath, such as "morning mouth," are considered fairly normal and are not usually health concerns. However, persistent bad breath may be a sign of more serious problems with the gums and teeth.

Bad breath may be caused by the following:

• Poor oral hygiene, which can leave food particles to decay in the mouth
• Infections in the mouth such as periodontal (gum) disease
• Respiratory tract infections such as throat infections, sinus infections or lung infections
• External agents including foods such as garlic, onions, and coffee, as well as cigarettes and chewing tobacco
• Dry mouth caused by salivary gland problems or by breathing through the mouth
• Systemic illnesses such as diabetes, acid-reflux disease, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus problems and others

In treating bad breath, the dentists will perform a physical examination of the patient's mouth to determine the cause. If they discover that systemic problems are the cause, they may refer the patient to their family physician. In severe cases of gum disease, it is recommended that a patient visit a periodontist, a doctor that specializes in treating gum disease.

Call our office promptly if you have bad breath with painful, swollen gums that bleed easily or loose teeth.

The HealthyStart® System is a non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical, pain-free approach to opening the airway and straightening teeth WITHOUT braces. HealthyStart® is rooted in 54 years of research and experience and has treated over 4 million children around the world. Our system straightens teeth without the price-tag of braces and does more than traditional orthodontic aligners. The HealthyStart® System consists of a series of appliances that address symptoms of Sleep Disordered Breathing, which 9 out of 10 children are affected by. These symptoms often go misdiagnosed or untreated and worsen with age. HealthyStart® aims to address these symptoms early on so that they can be solved naturally.

Custom-designed mouthguards and nightguards are made of flexible plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Mouthguards are recommended to protect the jaw , tongue, cheek lining and teeth during physical activity and sports such as boxing, football, basketball, or other activities where your mouth might get hit. Nightguards are recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night to protect their teeth. Guards generally last 3-10 years.

If you have decided a guard is right for you, we will take an impression of your teeth that will be sent to a lab to make a custom-fit guard for you.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things a patient can do for their teeth and gums. It's ultimately up to the patient in between visits, but the dentist is here to help and offer tips. Healthy teeth enable patients to have a smile that is both attractive and functional, and good oral health is vitally important to overall well-being.

Daily preventive care in between regular dental visits can greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. Consider incorporating these habits:

• Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss daily
• Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
• Use dental products that contain fluoride, including fluoride toothpaste
• Rinse with a fluoride mouth rinse if your dentist advises you to
• Make sure that your children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area

Feel free during your visit to our office to ask us any questions regarding your oral hygiene habits. We are here to help you.

Orthodontics is the art of using special appliances to straighten and align the teeth and bite. Braces are the most common orthodontic treatment. In this method, arch wires are threaded through brackets that are bonded to the surface of the teeth. The arch wires act as a track, and guide each tooth to its proper position. There are several types of orthodontic braces available, including the more traditional metal braces, ceramic "tooth colored" braces, as well as clear plastic braces.

Root canal treatment, also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy, is used to save an infected or damaged tooth and avoid having to remove it. A root canal becomes necessary when a neglected cavity reaches all the way to the pulp at the center of the tooth and becomes infected. Regular cleanings and checkups detect and prevent problems early on. Trauma can also cause the nerve of a tooth to be deeply damaged. Once this occurs, the pulp becomes infected, even extending through the root tip, and it begins to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is called an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system, making it very dangerous and painful. Symptoms of infected pulp may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain with biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms, and you are unaware of any problem until a checkup.

A root canal is performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) is filled to prevent any further infection. Crowns are usually recommended to cover and restore a tooth after root canal therapy.

Sealants are a common preventive treatment in dentistry. Some teeth have fine grooves or pits that accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because the grooves are too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. When plaque accumulates, it can lead to cavities and other types of tooth decay. To apply sealants, a plastic material is brushed onto the tooth, filling these narrow grooves and preventing the cavity-causing buildup. Sealants make healthy teeth possible.

Our biggest goal is to help your child feel comfortable during treatment. It’s also vital that the treatment be thorough. Unfortunately, there will be certain situations where a child cannot complete their dental needs under routine dental settings. Circumstances include dental phobia or anxiety, medically-compromised or -challenged children—or the child can simply be too young to cooperate for extensive restoration (for example and infant with bottle induced cavities). It’s for these situations that sedation is used to complete treatment effectively.

Our staff has specific training and qualifications to ensure that the sedation is monitored and safe for your child.

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint and is used to describe dysfunction or disorders related to the joint. "Temporo," refers to the temple area of the skull; "mandibular," refers to the lower jaw; and "joint" is essentially where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by a trauma, misalignment of the teeth, or excess muscle tension. The two bones that meet at the jaw are buffered by cartilage and five different muscles, so TMJ can cause a variety of troubles.

Common TMJ symptoms:

• Headaches
• Earaches
• Trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth
• Clicking or popping of the jaw
• Pain in the jaw muscles
• Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face

Dental treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite, filling gaps between teeth, and more. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Sometimes a plastic mouthpiece is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. If TMJ is left untreated and reaches extremes, surgery may be required to repair the badly damaged joint.

Veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure in which a thin layer of porcelain or composite material is placed over the outside of the tooth. They are used to improve esthetics or help with tooth damage. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.

The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. Because of that, the direct technique is usually referred to as bonding.

The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers are fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. The veneers are back from the laboratory after two or three weeks. The temporaries are removed, and the veneers are bonded to the teeth.The laboratory-fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are esthetically pleasing.

The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less of the tooth material has to be removed, and the procedure is generally less uncomfortable. Veneers are recommended for patients who have large fillings or little tooth structure.

Teeth whitening is a popular procedure to make your teeth whiter and brighter, and therefore more attractive. Bleaching can be used to whiten stained and discolored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile. Either way, tooth whitening is a safe and relatively painless procedure for most patients. Our office offers two methods of whitening: in-office whitening and tray whitening.

ZOOM! is a common in-office whitening procedure and is ideal if you want immediate results. The whole process takes about an hour, taking little time out of busy lives. A protective gel is applied to your gums to protect the soft tissue. Then a special light-activated gel is applied to your teeth and light or laser is used to enhance the action of the agent. Finally, the patient receives a take-home gel and instructions to keep the smile bright. The result is dramatically whiter teeth that will last for years.

Tray whitening is a less-expensive and convenient at-home whitening treatment. The results are more gradual. An impression is taken at the dentist's office in order to create a customized clear tray. Trays are generally ready within a few days, depending, and the patient must follow instructions for how to apply the gel in the trays and how often to use it. Maximum whitening results and a dazzling smile are achieved at the end of the set treatment period. An occasional treatment can be used to maintain the new smile.

Please consult us about use of over-the-counter whitening treatments.