Services
Minimally Invasive Treatment
As pediatric dentists who aim to treat your child compassionately and comprehensively, we consider many factors when making treatment recommendations for your child. It is common for a child to be anxious or concerned about having cavities treated, and knowing this- we can often provide cavity treatments that do not involve the drill or numbing medicine. We can accomplish this with silver diamine fluoride (a special fluoride treatment), Hall crowns (a crown technique that involves no numbing and is great for kids) or even a laser! Learn more about silver diamine fluoride here.
Cleanings, Fluoride and Routine Check-Ups
In order to maintain your child's healthy grin, we typically will recommend a cleaning and check up every 6 months. This will allow our team to catch potential problems early, when treatment can be easy and breezy!
Laser Dentistry
We are proud to be Biolase laser providers, which means we can often offer an alternative to treating cavities with a drill. Usually, there is need for less numbing medicine when using a laser to treat cavities and it also allows us to reshape gums, treat ulcers and sores and provide frenectomies to treat lip and tongue ties.
Fillings
At Athens Dentistry for Children, we strive to be as conservative as possible when restoring decayed teeth. By using the latest tooth bonding techniques, we are able to restore many teeth with natural looking white fillings – many times without local anesthetic (lidocaine). However, some situations may necessitate the use of silver-colored fillings or crowns.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Many times an anxious child will benefit from the use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen that is safe and non addictive. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through the nose by a small breathing mask and is able to help relieve mild anxiety without putting the child to sleep. Possessing a rapid onset and elimination from the body, the child is able to proceed normally after their appointment without any residual drowsiness or side effects. Although some children may not be able to tolerate nitrous oxide, it is an effective treatment adjunct for many patients.
Prior to Your Child's Appointment:
Please advise the doctor and staff of any changes in your child's medical history.
Inform us of any respiratory conditions that may make breathing through the nose difficult for our child.
Since nitrous oxide might induce nausea or vomiting in a small number of cases, it is advised that your child not eat approximately 2 hours before their appointment.
Fillings/Crowns
Sometimes, fillings or crowns are the best choice for cavity treatments. At Athens Dentistry for Children, we strive to be as conservative as possible when restoring decayed teeth. By using the latest tooth bonding techniques, we are able to restore many teeth with natural looking white fillings. However, some situations may necessitate the use of silver-colored fillings or crowns.
Frenectomies
(Tongue tie and lip tie)
In some infants, children and teens, the frenum (a piece of tissue under the lip and under the tongue) is too tight and can cause problems ranging from difficulties with nursing to speech issues or trouble eating and drinking. Our doctors are trained to assess your child's symptoms and to he
General Anesthesia
Outpatient general anesthesia may be recommended for very apprehensive children, children with extensive dental needs or children with special medical needs. General anesthesia renders your child completely asleep- the same as if your child was having their tonsils removed, hernia repaired or ear tubes placed. This procedure is done in the outpatient surgical center at Piedmont Athens Regional Outpatient Surgery Center, www.piedmont.org. While the assumed risks are greater than that of other treatment options, if general anesthesia is recommended for your child it has been determined that the benefits far outweigh the risks.
Prior to Your Child's Appointment:
Please call our office with any change in your child's health. If your child has a fever or cold, the appointment may need to be postponed.
The child's parent or legal guardian must remain at the outpatient reception area for the duration of the procedure.
Your child should not have solid food or milk after midnight the night before their appointment and should have only clear liquids (water, diluted apple juice) up to 6 hours prior to the appointment.
Please have another responsible adult accompany you and your child to the appointment. Your child will be drowsy on the way home and will need to be monitored closely.
Following Your Child's Appointment:
Your child will need to be monitored closely as they will be drowsy and need to be protected from potential harm. Your child may not regain full control of their reflexes for a full 24 hours after general anesthesia.
If your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with their chin up so as not to restrict their breathing. Every hour, awaken your child and encourage them to have something to drink in order to prevent dehydration. Start with small sips of a clear liquid to help prevent nausea. Their first meal should be small and easily digestible.
Please refer to the your post operative instructions which will be given to you at the outpatient surgical center. These instructions contain directions on post-op care and provide an emergency contact number, if needed.
In-Office IV Sedation
For patients who feel anxious about dental treatment, in-office IV sedation can help create a calm and relaxed experience. This option allows you to remain comfortable while your dental team completes necessary procedures. Our practice offers in-office IV sedation in partnership with the anesthesia group PDAA, ensuring your care is monitored by trained professionals throughout your visit. IV sedation works quickly and allows the level of sedation to be adjusted during treatment, helping many patients complete their care in a more comfortable and stress-free way.