Services

How We Help

LowCountry Kids Pediatric Dentistry offers a wide array of services to ensure that your child’s dental health needs are fully met. Please click the tabs below to learn more!

Prevention

Tooth decay is the number one preventable childhood disease in the United States. Our goal is for all children to have a “dental home” by the age of one. This is so we can help to educate parents early with a focus on prevention. By establishing a dental home at a young age, we hope to prevent dental disease and pain in the future. Prevention includes routine cleanings, oral hygiene instructions, fluoride treatments, diet guidelines, and sealants.

Regular dental exams (twice a year) allow Dr. Laura to keep a record of how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing. We will monitor growth and development in order to refer for appropriate orthodontic interventions. Early diagnosis is extremely important and will help keep your child healthy and happy!

Fluoride

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), fluoride is safe and effective in preventing and controlling dental caries when used in a proper manner. It has been a major factor in the decline and severity of cavities in the US. Our goal is to make decisions regarding fluoride treatments based on the unique needs of each patient.

The AAPD stresses the brushing of teeth with appropriate amounts of fluoride toothpaste as stated below:

Less than 3 years of age : no more than a “smear” or “rice-sized” amount twice daily

Ages 3 – 6 years old : no more than a “pea-sized” amount twice daily

We recommend a soft bristle children’s sized toothbrush – your child will receive a new toothbrush at their first visit and bi-annual cleanings!

Diet Guidelines

Diet is a major focus of our practice because it is not only critical in cavity prevention, but we also want to give children the tools to start making healthy choices for their overall health. A few of our guidelines are based on the the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations. An important AAP recommendation is no juice before the age of 1 and after 1 year old, only 4 ounces of juice a day.

Healthy snack options: cheese, nuts raw vegetables, fresh fruits, and water

Unhealthy snack options: juice, soda, candy, cookies, fruit snacks, gatorade, and crackers

For more information on dietary guidelines for all ages please visit this page.

Sealants

Sealants are a protective coating placed over deep pits and grooves on the occlusal “chewing” surfaces of the molars. The sealant material penetrates the pits and fissures and acts as a physical barrier that stops or inhibits bacteria from entering the tooth, causing a cavity. Sealants have been shown to prevent over 80% of cavities 2 years after placement. Sealant material is white (tooth-colored).

Space Maintainers

When a child loses a tooth early due to trauma or infection, we sometimes will recommend a space maintainer in order to hold the space for the developing permanent tooth below.

Diagnostic and Restorative Dentistry

We want to make your child’s experience as positive and pleasant as possible. Dr. Laura and her team will use the most up to date, efficient dental procedures and materials to ensure a favorable outcome.

Digital Radiographs (X-Rays)

Digital Radiography has helped us to significantly reduce the amount of radiation exposure while taking diagnostic X-rays. We will evaluate your child’s individual dental needs and take only the necessary radiographs to limit their exposure. We also have a digital Panoramic X-ray machine which will capture an image of your child’s entire jaw. This image will help our doctor evaluate your child’s developing adult dentition, TMJ, and any potential pathology.

Composite (``Tooth-Colored``) Fillings

We offer cosmetic or “tooth colored” fillings. Once the cavity is removed, the composite filling is bonded to the remaining tooth structure and hardened with a light cure. The color will blend in with the actual tooth. We recommend staying away from gummy candies and sticky foods after a filling has been placed to ensure the bond remains strong and the filling doesn’t fall out.

Children's Dental Crowns and ``Baby`` Root Canals

Crowns are used to cover a tooth that is broken off or decayed too severely for a traditional filling to be placed. The tooth is prepared for the crown to fit on top of it and cemented in place. Occasionally a cavity is already into the pulp “nerve” of the tooth. In these cases, we may perform a “baby” root canal. This procedure is nowhere near as extensive as an adult root canal. We remove the infected nerve tissue and place a medication to help calm the nerve. Then we cover the tooth with a protective crown. The crown will then “fall out” with the baby tooth when it is time for the new adult tooth to erupt.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide (“Laughing Gas”) inhalation is a safe and effective technique used to reduce anxiety, gag reflex, and enhance effective communication with the young patient during the dental procedure. The nitrous will help your child achieve a relaxed state while he/she remains alert, awake, and can talk to our pediatric dental team during the treatment. The onset is quick and recovery is just as rapid. When your child’s dental treatment is complete, the “nitrous” is turned off and 100% oxygen is administered for 5 minutes to help flush out any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately.

Get In Touch

652 Coleman Boulevard
Suite 100
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

(843) 800-0361

info@lowcountrykidspd.com

"*" indicates required fields

MM slash DD slash YYYY