Checkups, cleanings, sealants and fluoride

What happens at a checkup

We count and clean your child’s teeth, look at how everything is growing, and talk through brushing, flossing and snacks in words kids understand. We assess each child’s cavity risk and tailor the visit to it. You’re welcome at your child’s side the whole time.

Digital X-rays

Digital X-rays capture images with a sensor instead of film. There are no developing chemicals, radiation exposure is significantly lower than with traditional film, and the pictures appear on screen right away so we can look at them together.

They help us find things a mirror can’t show:

• Cavities hiding between teeth
• Developmental differences
• Tooth roots that are out of position
• Damage in existing fillings

Fluoride treatments

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens enamel, the tough outer layer of the tooth. Children’s enamel is especially prone to decay, so even if your family gets fluoride from tap water and toothpaste, we may recommend brushing a topical fluoride directly onto your child’s teeth for extra protection.

It takes a minute, it’s part of the regular cleaning visit, and kids get to pick the flavor.

Dental sealants

Sealants are thin protective coatings painted into the grooves of the back teeth, where most childhood cavities start. They form a barrier between the enamel and the acids that cavity-causing bacteria produce.

• Quick and painless — no numbing, no drilling
• Long-lasting — with good care they can protect for several years, and we check them at every visit
• Less costly than a filling — in money and in chair time

Sealants don’t replace brushing, flossing and regular checkups. They work alongside them.

Space maintainers

When a baby tooth is lost early to decay or injury, the neighboring teeth can drift into the gap, and the permanent tooth may come in crooked. A space maintainer is a small stainless steel and/or plastic appliance that holds the spot open. It comes out once the permanent tooth starts to grow in.