Dentistry for Kids – Casper, WY Keeping Young Smiles On the Right Path

Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings

If you want to ensure the health and future of your child’s teeth and gums, make sure to bring them in every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning. It is during these visits that we can examine their oral cavity and facial structures to ensure no signs of tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease exist. Our team will also closely monitor their bite development and recommend appropriate treatment early on if necessary. In addition, our dental hygienists will eliminate any plaque and tartar buildup that might cause cavities or gum pockets to form and lead to periodontal disease.

Oral Cancer Screening

Although it is highly unlikely that a child will develop oral cancer, it is still a possibility, which is why we always screen for it during their six-month visits. Because early detection is essential for successful treatment, our team will carefully look for any abnormalities, lesions, or growths that may be developing. If we notice anything that is a cause for concern, we will refer you to a specialist who can provide further testing.

Dental Sealants

The chewing surfaces of your child’s molars tend to be prime locations for bacteria and food particles to burrow and cause cavities. If you want an added layer of protection for these teeth, a kid’s dentist in Casper can apply dental sealants. These thin, plastic coatings are painted onto the surface of their back teeth to create a barrier between their tooth enamel and food particles that might try to penetrate. If properly maintained at home using good oral habits, they can remain in place for many years.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) Treatment

Fluoride is known for its unique capabilities. Not only can it strengthen tooth enamel, but it can also combat tooth decay before it even starts. Unfortunately, when a cavity is already present, it may seem the only option is to immediately pursue restorative treatment. However, with the use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF), we can stop the spread of bad bacteria and tooth decay, effectively saving the tooth from further problems until it’s appropriate to treat with a more permanent restoration. Using SDF also works to prevent the continuous spread of tooth decay to neighboring teeth.

Nightguards/Sportsguards

At Casper Children’s Dental Clinic, Dr. Roy and Dr. Ryne want your child to be fully protected while playing their favorite sport. This is why they are happy to provide customized sportsguards to comfortably fit your child’s smile. By absorbing any pressure that’s applied to the mouth during physical activity, it can help to keep your little one out of the emergency dental office and instead, on the field. But if sports aren’t the reason you want a custom oral appliance for your child, it may be that they grind their teeth at night. With a specially-made nightguard, we can prevent excessive wear and tear to your child’s tooth enamel while also minimizing the risk for chronic jaw pain that leads to problems with their temporomandibular joints (TMJ).

Space Maintainers

Has your child recently lost a baby tooth? Losing these teeth at the appropriate time allows for a successful eruption of their adult teeth. However, if the tooth is lost too early, it can potentially cause alignment problems that negatively impact their future smile. To avoid regular teeth from shifting out of place and creating issues for the permanent tooth, a pediatric dentist in Casper will place a space maintainer to keep nearby teeth from shifting. 

Tooth-Colored Fillings

No one wants your child to develop a cavity, but let’s face it: no matter how hard you try, sometimes, these common dental problems still occur. If they do, the team at Casper Children’s Dental Clinic has a quick and easy solution – tooth-colored fillings! Using composite resin that matches your child’s natural tooth color, we can remove the decayed or damaged areas of the tooth before filling it with this malleable substance. Not only does it contain no metal, but it also allows your child to keep more of their natural tooth structure and enjoy a restoration that blends in beautifully with the rest of their smile.

Laser Bacterial Reduction

If we notice that your child’s gums appear red, inflamed, or overly sensitive when touched, there’s a good chance they are in the early stages of gum disease. To prevent it from progressing and causing additional damage to their soft oral tissues, bone, and teeth, we can use a soft tissue laser to easily clean their gums and remove harmful bacteria. The process is gentle and much less invasive than using traditional techniques and equipment. Because the laser is a concentrated beam of light, it only treats the problem area(s), leaving healthy tissue untouched.

Tooth Extractions

It is never the desire of a pediatric dentist to extract your child’s tooth; however, when all other options are unsuccessful, tooth removal is the only possible solution that will ensure the health of their smile. Whether this type of procedure is necessary to extract a baby tooth so the adult one can move into place, prevent overcrowding, or treat a severely decayed or damaged tooth that cannot be saved using pulp therapy, you can trust we will take every precaution to ensure your child’s safety and comfort.

Laser Frenuloplasties & Frenectomies

A lip-tie or tongue-tie can be problematic for a child if left untreated. Although commonly addressed during infancy, issues may not form until your child reaches a certain age. Eating, speaking, and even sleeping can become difficult. The good news is that our team can use a soft tissue laser to easily release these banded tissues, allowing for greater oral function. Because the laser is precise and quick, the procedure is virtually painless and minimizes any bleeding or swelling. As a result, your child can expect to recover quite quickly.

Pulp Therapy

Is your child complaining of serious tooth pain? If so, it may be that an infection is present inside the tooth and wreaking havoc on what is known as the “pulp.” When bacteria reach this area, it can cause immense pain and discomfort. Without proper treatment, it can worsen and lead to serious problems for your child. This is why pulp therapy is essential. By clearing out the damaged or decayed pulp, we not only eliminate the pain but also save the tooth and avoid extraction.

Non-Nutritive Habits

It is normal for babies to practice thumb-sucking or use a pacifier for comfort. However, toddlers and children who continue his practice can experience developmental problems with regard to their teeth, jaw, and bite. As a result, many children with non-nutritive habits eventually require orthodontic treatment to fix an overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. By providing tips to help your little one curb their thumb-sucking habits, we can turn their focus to healthier comfort solutions and minimize the potential damage to their smile.

Metal-Free Dental Crowns

When your child’s teeth are severely damaged or decayed, our team can recommend metal-free crowns. These aesthetically pleasing restorations make it possible to protect weakened teeth by serving as a shield to block harmful particles from reaching vulnerable structures. Because of their natural look, most patients have a hard time telling the difference between their real and artificial teeth, making this a welcomed option for kids who are self-conscious about their appearance.

Orthodontics

If your child’s teeth or bite are misaligned, it will impact their physical appearance and oral health. Fortunately, Dr. Roy and Dr. Ryne can use interceptive orthodontics, comprehensive orthodontics, oral appliances (i.e., palatal expander, Quad-Helix, rapid palatal expander, facemasks, etc.), traditional braces, and early orthodontics to create healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. When evaluating your child’s smile, we will recommend the appropriate treatment and customize a plan that guarantees exceptional results.