Pediatric Dentistry
At Sikora Family Dentistry, we offer pediatric dental services that help kids understand the importance of good oral hygiene habits and regular dental care. Our compassionate staff is dedicated to providing gentle pediatric dentistry in a positive, welcoming environment where children of all ages feel comfortable.
Preventive Dental Care
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are cornerstones of keeping your child’s teeth and mouth healthy. Other preventive and diagnostic services we offer include dental sealants, fluoride treatments, routine x-rays, and oral hygiene instruction. Children should start seeing a dentist as soon as they've gotten their first few teeth. Getting an early start on preventive dental care can protect your child’s oral health and enable us to detect issues before they become more serious problems.
Oral Hygiene Instruction
The earlier your child learns how to properly care for their teeth, the better. Children are especially prone to cavities if their diet is high in sugary foods or drinks, so it’s essential to limit sweets and encourage them to brush and floss properly after every meal. Our dentists and hygienists provide hygiene instruction that is easy for children and parents to understand. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have and are committed to helping your child develop good oral hygiene habits that last a lifetime.
Restorative Pediatric Dentistry
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), 42% of children ages 2 to 11 have had dental caries, also known as tooth decay, in their primary (baby) teeth. Tooth decay can affect your child’s overall health, so it’s crucial to get cavities taken care of as soon as they are detected. We offer mercury-free, tooth-colored composite fillings and crowns that help restore a tooth’s strength, function, and appearance. Depending on the circumstances, fillings, crowns, bonding, and other procedures also can help save teeth that have been broken or damaged due to an injury. Our caring dentists and assistants work to keep children comfortable and calm during all dental procedures.
Orthodontic Intervention
As your child grows, our dentists evaluate the spacing and positioning of teeth to determine whether early intervention with orthodontic spacers and braces is necessary. Appliances such as space maintainers preserve the space needed for permanent teeth to erupt when a baby tooth falls out too early. For cases that need more complex intervention, we can refer you to one of our trusted colleagues who specializes in orthodontics.
Tips For Preparing Your Child For Their First Dentist Appointment
Before the appointment, calmly explain what your child can expect at his or her first dental visit. Read picture books about going to the dentist and encourage your child to “play dentist” with you at home. Set a calm, cheerful tone that will keep the experience positive.
Your Child’s First Appointment
During their first visit, the dentist will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. Depending on your child’s age, we also may clean the teeth and take X-rays to assess the health and development of permanent teeth.
The hygienist will speak with you and your child about their current oral hygiene routine, proper brushing and flossing, and the connection between diet and oral health. We also will address any questions or concerns you may have about habits such as thumb sucking or teeth grinding.
Although parents are welcome in the examination rooms, we encourage you to let your child spend a few minutes one-on-one with the dentist and hygienist to get comfortable and build trust. Our team strives to create a fun, engaging environment that makes visiting the dentist a stress-free experience for kids and parents.
Contact Us To Learn More About Pediatric Dentistry in North Olmsted, OH
At Sikora Family Dentistry, we care about our patients and go out of our way to make sure your little ones feel safe and secure in the dentist’s chair. Contact us online or call our office at 440-779-8730 to schedule your child’s dentist appointment today. We’re proud to serve families in North Olmsted, OH, and surrounding areas.