Services
Diagnosis and Prevention
Preventing dental caries (cavities) is a partnership between the patient, parents, and our professional staff. During each visit, your child's home care will be examined and discussed. Special rinses and home fluoride, sealants, and brushing/flossing techniques will help keep your child cavity-free.
We use state-of-the art digital xrays which give us a chance to detect problems early...and with very minimal radiation exposure. Our new Planmeca extraoral imaging machine uses an articulating robotic arm to take most xrays WITHOUT placing film or sensors in the mouth. This is brand new technology! Some of the major benfits of the Promax S3:
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No sensors or film are placed in your child's mouth- NO GAGGING!!!
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Lower radiation than intraoral films
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More of the teeth and oral anatomy is seen in only one film.
In addtion, exams and treatment is performed with special magnification glasses and cameras. This allows Dr. Sierra to see more detail and allows you and your child to see any problems up close on a computer!
Laser Dental Procedures
Dental lasers are very safe and have been approved for use by the FDA for children. We now have two of the most advanced Lasers available in our office!
Imagine pain free dentistry for your children without the sound of the drill, without shots, and without stress. This innovative new laser creates a pleasant dental experience for the young patient. This is the future of pediatric dentistry. We are now able to provide stress free appointments for both the child and the parent.
If your child is a candidate for laser dentistry, some of the major benefits of using a laser instead of a drill are:
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Heat and vibration are the causes of most of the pain associated with the dental drill. Since the laser reduces heat and vibration, many dental procedures may be performed without local anesthesia (NO NEEDLES!).
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The laser’s pinpoint accuracy is precise enough to leave behind as much healthy tooth structure possible.
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The laser effectively performs numerous soft tissue (gums) procedures with little or no bleeding. The laser gives us a new high tech tool for many procedures that previously required stitches. Children and babies that are “tongue- tied” or "lip-tied" can be treated at a regular appointment without local anesthesia.
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The laser avoids many common problems of the high speed drill. These include cracks in the teeth from the vibration and rapid turning of the drill bits which can weaken teeth and causes future dental problems.
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The laser sterilizes as it cuts, leaving less chance for bacterial contamination. This is especially helpful in pulpotomies (children’s root canals) where bacteria are the number one cause of failure.
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A dental laser prepares teeth in a way that maximizes the bonding of tooth-colored fillings, allowing them to last longer, with far less post-operative sensitivity than traditional methods.
“The most common complaint that we get about the laser is from the parents who wish we could treat them as well as their children! “
Anesthesia-
Comfortable, Low-Stress Treatment
Young children...and even some adults :) are naturally a little apprehensive about dental treatment. At our office, we use a "tell, show, do" philosophy. First, we "tell" by explaining the next step in words your child understands. Then we "show" them what we will be doing. It may be using an instrument on their finger. THEN, we "do" the procedure. This is the best way to earn your child's trust.
Some procedures may still be too stressful for your child. We have many options. We can use nitrous oxide analgesia (happy gas) for children with minimal anxiety. The more anxious patient may benefit from conscious sedation in the office. Medication is given in the office which relaxes the child but they are not "asleep." Longer procedures, treatment for very young children, and kids with medical issues may be best treated under general anesthesia (asleep). A pediatric anesthesiologist will provide the anesthesia while our dental team performs the treatment safely.
If your child requires anesthesia, all of the options will be fully discussed with you before the appointment is scheduled. Your child's safety and comfort is our primary concern.
Great Looking Smiles
Looking for an alternative
to metal braces?
ClearCorrect is the clear and simple choice. No wires. No brackets. Just clear, convenient comfort—every reason to smile.
With ClearCorrect, Dr. Sierra can straighten your teeth using a series of clear, custom, removable aligners. Each aligner moves your teeth just a little bit at a time until you eventually get straight teeth.
How does it work?
Dr. Sierra will evaluate your teeth and talk about any problems or goals you have for your smile. Once you and Dr. Sierra establish ClearCorrect is the right treatment option for your child, we will take impressions, photos, and x-rays of your teeth that ClearCorrect uses in manufacturing your custom aligners. Then Dr. Sierra writes a prescription for your custom aligners and sends it to ClearCorrect.
What can it do?
ClearCorrect can treat a wide variety of issues that keep people from achieving their ideal smiles. Straighter teeth don’t just look better; they work better too. Poorly-aligned teeth can interfere with bite function, wear out quicker, and are more prone to cavities. Ask us how ClearCorrect can help you.
