We deliver fun, not fear.

We’ve filled our offices with fun touches like movies in our waiting areas and ceiling TVs in our treatment rooms. Going to the dentist should be like going on a playdate – no stress, all smiles.

We put our attention on prevention.

We “treat and teach” at every visit! When kids learn healthy habits early, it leads to a lifetime of great oral health. We also make every lesson fun – because happy kids keep coming back, and that creates happier teeth and gums.

Moms and Dads, would you partner with us? Let’s work together to teach your child this valuable lesson : prevention is the key to a heathy smile for life.

We’re kid experts.

We’re not just dental professionals. We’re kid experts. We tailor our approach to fit each child’s personality, helping to build a strong doctor-patient relationship. Nervous children have nothing to fear here – our gentle approach helps comfort even the most apprehensive patients. Get ready – your child is going to love going to the dentist!

Great dental hygiene starts with routine cleanings for your child with a pediatric dentist. During appointments, we’ll show your child how to floss, brush and develop a great health care regimen he or she can carry into adulthood. We also make regularly scheduled cleanings a time of discovery as our team identifies and talks about each instrument they use.

Our playful and professional dental assistants and hygienists will perform your child’s cleanings. They use various instruments and devices to loosen and remove deposits such as stains, tartar and plaque from teeth. Routine cleanings give the dentists a chance to locate problem areas that need special attention. We may also recommend special treatments such as fluoride and sealants.

We also engage the littlest patients with an activity called “Tell, Show, Do.” We tell them about the tickly brush, show them on their finger, and then brush their teeth.

Routine dental cleanings are essential for preventive care. We recommend cleanings twice a year for all pediatric patients in our care.

Dental Education:

During our cleanings, your child’s hygienist will talk about healthy habits, such as brushing, flossing and smart snacking. At the end of the exam, your child will recite to you and the hygienist how often they should brush and floss their teeth. Children also get to pick a surprise from the prize wall. Plus, we treat new patients to a Dentistry for Children T-shirt. It’s our way of saying, “Welcome to the family!”

Your child’s visit won’t just be a routine cleaning. It’s a time for smiles, high-fives, and new healthy habits.

Fluoride is a compound that contains fluorine, a natural element, and is found in drinking water. Using small amounts of fluoride on a routine basis can help prevent tooth decay. Fluoride can be found as an active ingredient in many dental products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, and varnish treatments.

How does Fluoride prevent cavities?

Fluoride inhibits loss of minerals from tooth enamel and encourages strengthening the weakened areas of the tooth. Fluoride also affects bacteria that causes cavities, discouraging acid attacks that break down the tooth.  The risk of decay is reduced even more when a fluoride is combined with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene.

How safe is Fluoride?

Using fluoride for the prevention and control of decay is proven to both safe and effective. It is a great benefit in keeping teeth healthy. Nevertheless, all products containing fluoride should be stored out of the reach of young children and use is to be monitored by the parent. Fluoride is only dangerous when used in extreme and excessive amounts.

Topical Fluoride

Topical fluoride is a preventative agent applied to tooth enamel. Fluoride varnish is brushed or “painted” on the tooth enamel by the pediatric dentist or dental professional. Your child will be able to eat or drink, avoiding crunchy food items and hot beverages, after the varnish treatment is applied. Brushing and flossing should be avoided for 4-6 hours after the fluoride treatment to achieve the maximum benefit.

Sealants protect the grooved and pitted surfaces of the teeth from bacteria and an acidic environment. They are especially effective on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where most cavities in children are found. Sealants are made of a clear or shaded plastic and are applied to the teeth to help keep them cavity-free. They do not guarantee that your child will not get a cavity.

The application of a sealant is quick and comfortable. The tooth is first cleaned and then conditioned and dried. The sealant material is then flowed into the pits and grooves of the tooth and hardened by a special light. Your child will be able to eat right after the appointment.

Your pediatric dentist will check the sealants during routine dental visits and recommend re-application or repair when necessary.

Are sealants covered by insurance?

Yes, most insurance companies cover dental sealants under preventative care, but coverage may vary. Some companies only cover sealants on specific teeth and have age limitations. Talk to your pediatric dentist and your insurance company about the exact cost of sealants and coverage.

Do sealants need to be reapplied?

Sometimes, but your pediatric dentist will check sealants at your child’s regular visits and let you know if a sealant needs to be reapplied or repaired. We guarantee our sealants for three years and will replace at no charge within the three years if reapplication is needed.

Should my child continue to brush and floss after the dentist applies sealants?

Absolutely! Sealants only provide one layer of protection. The best way to protect your child’s teeth is to practice good dental hygiene at home. Make sure your child is brushing, flossing and rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash. Schedule dental cleanings every 6 months and offer your child healthy snacks and a balanced, nutritious diet.

Our office offers a variety of orthodontic needs. From Invisalign and space maintainers to referrals to a good orthodontist we make sure your child will have the perfect smile for life!

If your child’s tooth has come out too soon because of decay or an accident, it is important to maintain the space to prevent future space loss and dental problems when permanent teeth begin to come in. Without the use of a space maintainer, the teeth that surround the open space can shift, impeding the permanent tooth’s eruption. When that happens, the need for orthodontic treatment may become greater.

Types of Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are made of stainless steel and are glued/cemented to your child’s tooth to keep space for permanent teeth and ideal smile development.

Fixed space maintainers come in many designs.

A band-and-loop maintainer is made of stainless steel wire and held in place by a crown or band on the tooth adjacent to the empty space. The wire is attached to the crown or loop and rests against the side of the tooth on the other end of the space.

A lingual arch is used on the lower teeth when the back teeth on both sides of the jaw are lost. A wire is placed on the lingual (tongue) side of the arch and is attached to the tooth in front of the open space on both sides. This prevents the front teeth from shifting backwards into the gap.

A Nance Space Maintainer is similar to the lingual arch but is placed on the top teeth. It has metal bands that are glued to molars and holds the molars back to prevent forward movement and space loss in the case of prematurely lost primary teeth or lack of space for permanent teeth.

Caring for Your Child’s Space Maintainer

There are four general rules for taking care of your child’s appliance.

Nitrous Oxide helps kids be comfortable during dental appointments.

For some children, dental appointments can be intimidating, especially if the child is anxious. At Pebble, it is our goal is to provide pediatric dental patients with a positive experience in a safe, stress-free environment. One way we are able to achieve that is through the use of nitrous oxide, often referred to as “laughing gas.” This mild form of sedation is commonly used to relieve anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures.

What is nitrous oxide? When is its use appropriate for children?

Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that has been deemed safe for use in children by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. For children who

• experience fear and anxiety about dentist visits and procedures
• have a short attention span or difficulty following instructions and sitting still
• have a strong gag reflex that could interfere with the dentist’s ability to perform routine procedures
• have special health care needs
• are resistant to local anesthesia due to fear
• will be undergoing a prolonged dental procedure

Nitrous oxide can help to relax and soothe them, allowing them to remain calm during routine cleanings, fillings, or other procedures. Being relaxed during dental procedures not only ensures their physical safety, but encourages a positive dental experience and better overall dental care.

Small doses of nitrous oxide are completely harmless and have been used safely in pediatric dentistry for many years.

What is the purpose of nitrous oxide? What are the benefits?

Nitrous oxide can be used for a wide range of dental procedures, from cleaning teeth to filling cavities. Certain procedures may also require local anesthesia. Qualified board certified pediatric dentists like Dr. Post will be able to manage any discomfort and anxiety together to help young patients maintain good oral health.

There are numerous benefits to using nitrous oxide:

Quick to relax.

Unlike other types of sedation dentistry, nitrous oxide relaxes a child without putting them to sleep, leaving the patient awake and responsive during the procedure. Nitrous oxide helps children relax while sitting in the dentist’s chair so they can get the care they need to maintain a healthy smile without fear, anxiety, or upset. It is referred to as “laughing gas” because one of the side effects associated with it is a feeling of well-being or euphoria. As a result, a child may giggle or laugh a little during treatment, but they will still be able to fully cooperate with the dentist.

Quick to wear off.

One of the wonderful attributes of nitrous oxide is that it takes effect quickly and is reversed quickly. Nitrous oxide wears off as soon as the breathing mask is changed to release only 100% oxygen at the end of the dental procedure. A common misconception is a comparison to oral sedation which can result in lingering grogginess or sleepiness, and requires careful monitoring for the first several hours. The effects of nitrous oxide however dissipate immediately and recovery time is complete before the patient leaves our office. School-aged children are often able to return to the classroom after their appointment is over!

No lingering side effects.

Because there are no lingering side effects from nitrous oxide, it is safe for patients of all ages, including young children. As it is being administered, a child may feel slightly light-headed or that their limbs are heavy. This is a normal reaction, and as mentioned above, will disappear as soon as the patient receives pure oxygen at the end of treatment. The overall feeling while being sedated with nitrous oxide is one of safety and relaxation, allowing the dentists to complete the procedure successfully without any anxiety for the patient.

How is nitrous oxide administered to my child?

Pediatric nitrous oxide is delivered through a small fitted mask that covers the child’s nose. The mask carries oxygen mixed with nitrous, and as the patient breathes in normally through their nose, uptake occurs in the lungs. The sedation takes effect in about five minutes, though the mask will remain in place throughout the procedure. Once treatment is complete, the nitrous will be turned off, and the child will breathe in pure oxygen for a few minutes in order to clear out any remaining gas. Occasionally, nitrous oxide may cause mild nausea. For this reason, we suggest only a light meal for a patient prior to their dental appointment.

What can I expect before, during, and after nitrous oxide use?

With the right preparation beforehand, and proper care afterwards, dental sedation with nitrous oxide is a safe and simple process. Each experienced member of Pebble communicates clearly with each patient and parent in order to provide the best possible experience for the child.

Before nitrous oxide sedation:

While it is not necessary to restrict food and drink after midnight before an appointment where nitrous oxide will be used, children should only be given light food. We encourage parents to dress children comfortable clothing, as this will improve their overall experience. A full medical history will be required, including any current prescriptions, over the counter medications, vitamins, or supplements. One of the most important things we ask is if our patients have any respiratory infection, ear infection, cough, or cold to let us know before the appointment. If our patient is not able to adequately breathe in the nitrous oxide gas then it will not be effective for their appointment. If you have any specific questions please just ask us.

During nitrous oxide sedation:

We have found that our young patients have a much easier time relaxing if parents remain calm and encouraging. For children who have them, comfort items like a favorite toy or lovey can help bring a sense of familiarity to the procedure, but holding the child’s hand and speaking to them in a gentle tone has a similar effect. We encourage parents to leave other children at home or in the waiting area if at all possible in order to focus their full attention on the child receiving sedation. In fact, most of our parents are comfortable staying in the reception area while the procedure is being performed. This allows the patient to focus on the instructions given by the dentist treating them.

After sedation:

As mentioned above, there are no lasting effects when nitrous oxide is used. Children may return to school or daycare after their appointment. Depending on the procedure, the patient may be limited to soft food for a few hours, and parents or caregivers should contact the dentist immediately if there is any vomiting, severe pain, severe bleeding, or fever. Once the child’s mouth has healed, the normal dental hygiene routine may resume.

Life is full of surprises including dental emergencies. Don’t panic—we’re here to help.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CHILD FALLS AND KNOCKS OUT A PERMANENT TOOTH?

Remain calm. Locate the tooth and pick it up by the chewing surface, being careful not to touch the root. If the tooth is not dirty or broken, try to reinsert it into the empty socket in your child’s mouth. If you can reinsert it, have your child hold the tooth in place by and come directly to us.

If you cannot reinsert the tooth (or if it is dirty or broken), put the tooth in a glass of milk. Bring it and your child to us immediately.

CHIPPED OR BROKEN TOOTH

Even if the damaged tooth is not a permanent one, head to our office right away. Once a tooth has become chipped or broken, bacteria can enter the tooth’s pulp or nerve and cause an infection. We need to evaluate the damage and seal the enamel to keep bacteria out and ward off infection.

Put the piece of broken tooth in a glass of milk and bring it with you. In some cases, we can re-attach the broken piece in our office.

Apply direct pressure on the bleeding area using a clean cloth. Reduce swelling with a cold compress (a popsicle works well). Give your child an appropriate dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

CUT/BITTEN TONGUE, LIP OR CHEEK

A cut or bitten tongue, lip or cheek is no fun. It can lead to bleeding, swelling and discomfort. To relieve these symptoms, apply direct pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. If there is swelling, apply a cold compress (a popsicle works well.) Finally, give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen for any discomfort.

TOOTHACHE

Toothaches happen. Have your child rinse with warm salt water to soothe the ache and clean the area. If you notice any swelling, apply a cold compress directly to the affected area. Give your child tylenol or ibuprofen for any pain or discomfort. Even if the pain subsides, schedule a visit us as soon as possible to rule out any problems.

Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen inhalation, also known as “laughing gas,” is a mild, colorless, sweet smelling form of sedative used by many dentists to help facilitate the patient’s dental treatment needs.  It is safe and tolerated well by most children.  Nitrous Oxide/oxygen inhalation can reduce anxiety and hyperactive gag reflex, and raise the pain-reaction threshold. It may produce sensations of euphoria, drowsiness, warmth and tingling of the hands and feet resulting in an increase of tolerance for longer appointments.

Dental professionals consider it the safest sedative in dentistry. Both children and adults tolerate it well. It has a rapid onset, is reversible, can be adjusted in various concentrations, and is non-allergenic.

Nitrous Oxide in a dental office is never used as a general anesthetic and is not intended to put the patient “to sleep.”  Depending on the procedure, local anesthetic may still be necessary.  Uncommon side effects may include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, headache and/or slight sleepiness or disorientation.

For nitrous oxide to be effective, the patient should be feeling well and able to breathe easily through the nose.  The patient should also refrain from eating a large meal prior to breathing nitrous oxide.  If the patient has a cold, fever, ear infection or stuffy nose please contact us to possibly reschedule the appointment.

Recovery from nitrous oxide is fast because it is quickly eliminated from the body.  The patient will breathe oxygen for five minutes following the procedure so that there are no restrictions for aftercare.

If you have any concerns or questions with the use of nitrous oxide, please free to ask our pediatric dentists or trained staff.

Composites or Fillings are a dental restoration that is made of a non-toxic substance. This durable material is primarily made or quartz, ceramic, or silica and are often referred to as tooth-colored fillings. They provide good durability and resistance to fractures in small to mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. Composites can be used on either front or back teeth. They are a good choice for patients who prefer that their fillings look more natural.

Composite fillings require the tooth be kept clean and dry while the cavity is being filled. Tooth-colored fillings are now used more often than silver or gold fillings. Some tooth-colored fillings contain materials that release fluoride, protecting them from further risk to caries. In a society focused on a white, bright smile, patients tend to want fillings that blend with the natural color of their teeth.

Ultimately, the best dental filling is no dental filling. Prevention is the best medicine. You can dramatically decrease your risk of cavities and other dental diseases simply by:

Education is a priority. We want to make sure your child learns the importance of practicing daily oral hygiene. Our trained staff will show your child how to brush and floss properly and discuss proper nutrition.

Our professional dental hygienists or assistants will perform your child’s cleanings. They use various instruments and devices to loosen and remove deposits such as stains, tartar and plaque from teeth. We also make regularly scheduled cleanings a time of discovery as our team demonstrates tell, show, and do with your child. We recommend special preventative treatments, such as fluoride and sealants that will benefit your child’s oral health.

During the exam, our pediatric dentist will check your child’s teeth, jaw and oral tissues. As well as look for any abnormalities that may generate problems as your child grows. That includes examining primary or baby teeth and any adult teeth that may be surfacing. Our pediatric dentists and trained staff will explain all of the findings and let you know if your child needs follow-up treatment.

We will take X-rays only when necessary to help locate cavities or other abnormalities. If your child has any decay, our pediatric dentists will recommend the appropriate treatment options.

At the end of the appointment, your child will be able to pick a prize to take home. Just a little way of letting he or she know how proud we are to have them as part of the family.

A dental extraction is the removal of teeth from the socket in the alveolar bone. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, but most commonly dentists remove teeth which can no longer be saved due to deep tooth decay, trauma or orthodontic needs. 

After an extraction, it is most important to make sure bleeding has stopped. The dentist will make sure the bleeding has mostly stopped before you are dismissed from your appointment. The most effective recommendation is positive pressure. This can be accomplished by having the child bite tightly on a piece of cotton gauze for 10-15 minutes if bleeding continues after you are dismissed from your appointment. If your child is too young to do this, hold the gauze tightly against the extraction site with your finger for the same length of time. Even after long pressure, the extraction site may bleed slightly for several hours and may even stop and start again. Further pressure will usually solve the problem.

Normally, only slight discomfort will be experienced after an extraction unless the child bites the tongue or cheek while numb. If pain is present, we recommend Tylenol or Motrin/Ibuprofen in the appropriate dose for the size of your child.. If the pain is severe, please call the office for further guidance.

Avoid straws and any sucking action on the first day. Crunchy foods (peanuts, pretzels, potato chips, etc.) should be avoided for the first day or two. Warm salt water rinses, 3 to 4 times a day, are encouraged to help healing on the first day after the extraction.

“Your child needs a root canal”—words no parent wants to hear. Breathe easy. We’re trained to perform root canals on young patients. We’ll hold your child’s hand every step of the way. (We’ll hold your hand, too if you need us too!)

We perform a nerve treatments to repair and save an deeply infected or damaged tooth. The procedure involves removing part or all of the nerve of the tooth. We then sterilize and clean the inside of the tooth before sealing it. Left untreated, the tooth will become terribly infected and could cause abscesses and pain. 

Pulpotomies are nerve treatments on baby teeth, sometimes called “baby root canals”. They are not root canals like adult teeth receive and take an hour or two to complete – baby root canals are very fast and simply remove the infected nerve tissue and then place material to protect the tooth until it falls out / exfoliates.

A dental crown is a restoration that covers or “caps” a tooth, restoring it to its normal size and shape while strengthening and protecting it from further cracking, breakage or cavities. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is damaged by decay to the point that a filling is no longer a treatment option. Sometimes when a dentist removes significant tooth decay or performs a nerve treatment, he or she will recommend capping the child’s affected tooth with a crown.

Stainless steel crowns are silver caps that cover the back teeth and preserve more of the tooth structure than other types of crowns. They withstand biting and chewing forces well and rarely chip or break. Stainless steel crowns are often used on young patients who are in active occlusion and require a crown that can adapt to an adjusting and growing mouth.

White crowns are used to strengthen decayed front teeth. They are commonly referred to as strip crowns, made of a composite resin. White crowns that are used on back teeth are made of a porcelain fused to metal material. These crowns are more commonly used on adult teeth. They are more rigid and work better when a mouth has stopped growing. White crowns are close in color to the natural teeth, so they are more cosmetically pleasing.

Dental crowns for children are generally completed in one visit, and will usually last until they are replaced by adult teeth. Dental crowns on baby teeth are relatively fast and easy to place.

What do LeBron James and Derek Jeter have in common? They’re both pro athletes. They also both wear mouthguards. So should your young player!

Mouthguards usually cover the upper teeth and protect your child’s primary and adult teeth from damage due to impact. We recommend them for high contact sports like football, basketball, baseball, hockey and soccer during games, practice and scrimmages. Be like LeBron—wear a mouthguard.

Dental X-rays Use
Dental X-rays detect much more than cavities. They may be taken to survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone disease, find cysts or tumors in the jaw, evaluate the results of an injury, or plan orthodontic treatment. X-rays allow dentists to diagnose and treat conditions that cannot be detected during a clinical examination.

In general, children need X-rays more often than adults. Their mouths grow and change rapidly. Their teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay than adults. For high caries risk patients, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends X-rays every six months to one year. Children with a low risk of tooth decay may require X-rays less frequently.

How safe are Dental X-rays?
Pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of child patients to radiation. With contemporary safeguards, like lead aprons, high speed film, digital X-rays, and thyroid collars, the amount of radiation received in a dental X-ray is extremely low. In fact, X-rays represent a far smaller risk than undetected and untreated dental problems.

Will X-rays be taken routinely?
X-rays are recommended only when necessary to evaluate and monitor your child’s oral health. The frequency of X-rays is prescribed by your pediatric dentist and based on your child’s individual needs. We follow the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s guidelines based on your child’s caries risk assessment when taking cavity detecting X-rays at your child’s hygiene appointment.

If your child is extremely frightened of the dentist and dental procedures, or has many cavities you may avoid bringing him or her to the office for treatment. It’s understandable, especially considering that the very sound of a dental drill can traumatize some children.

Dental treatment is extremely important for children’s oral and overall health. That’s why we use general anesthesia, or putting the patient to sleep, as an option for certain children so that necessary treatment can be performed. It is especially helpful for children who need a lot of dental work at one time.

Your child may need longer procedures, perhaps on multiple teeth. General anesthesia can allow your child to undergo a complete treatment with much less stress, including:

General anesthesia is a comfortable and safe way to treat your child. An important advantage for using general anesthesia during dental work is that treatments can be performed more quickly and your child won’t be struggling to endure the procedures. In addition, anesthesia medications can have an amnesia effect that means your child won’t remember much about anything related to the procedure.

We bring board certified anesthesiologists to our office or take your child to the hospital for their general anesthesia appointment. For parents that may be uncomfortable with the idea of their child having general anesthesia so please make sure all of your questions are answered and you understand why this is recommended for your child and what the alternative treatment options are should you elect to not proceed with anesthesia. We offer the option to have an anesthesiologist present at our office to administer and monitor the procedure and keep your child safe while we work in their mouth. We do, however, advise our parents to make sure that their insurance plans will cover the costs of general anesthesia or that they understand the costs associated before proceeding.

Is general anesthesia the right option for your child? If your toddler or younger child is experiencing dental issues but exhibits an extreme fear of the dentist, you may want to consider general anesthesia. In fact, some older children fear the dentist as a result of earlier treatment, also making them candidates. General anesthesia can allow your child to undergo important dental care treatments and avoid most of the stress and fear. And by avoiding trauma at an early age, your child may eventually outgrow their fear of the dentist so that future visits won’t be as difficult.