Infant Dental Care in Puget Sound
Expert Children's Dental Care
Children’s dental health forms the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles, confident social interactions, and overall well-being. At Puget Sound Pediatric Dentistry, our team of board-certified pediatric dentists has dedicated over 20 years to providing exceptional dental care specifically designed for infants, children, and adolescents across Washington State.
Infant Dental Care
When Should Your Child See A Dentist
Tooth decay remains the #1 chronic disease affecting American children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Without proper children’s dental care, kids may experience oral decay and disease that can cause a lifetime of pain and complications. The encouraging news is that our pediatric dental office offers comprehensive preventive care, enabling your child to avoid cavities and maintain optimal oral health throughout their developmental years.
First Tooth Comes In
After Their First Birthday
Every 6 Months After First Visit
Infant Dental Care Services
Comprehensive Dental Care Services
Prevention forms the cornerstone of our pediatric dental philosophy. Our
comprehensive preventive care program is designed to identify potential issues early
and implement strategies to maintain optimal oral health throughout your child’s
development.
Preventive Dental Care
Restorative Dental Care
Emergency Dental Care
Puget Sound, Washington Dentists
Why Choose Pediatric Dentistry Specialists
Pediatric dentists complete at least two additional years of residency training in dentistry for infants, children, teens, and children with special needs beyond dental school. This specialized education makes them uniquely qualified to address the complex developmental, behavioral, and clinical needs of growing children
Specialized Training and Expertise
Children are not simply small adults when it comes to dental care. They require specialized approaches that account for:
Developmental Considerations
- Eruption patterns of primary and permanent teeth
- Jaw growth and facial development
- Age-appropriate treatment planning
- Preventive care timing optimization
Behavioral Management
- Child psychology and communication techniques
- Anxiety reduction strategies
- Positive reinforcement methods
- Crisis intervention skills
Clinical Expertise
- Pediatric-specific treatment protocols
- Modified anesthesia techniques
- Specialized equipment designed for children
- Emergency management for pediatric patients
Comprehensive Preventive Care Services
Routine Dental Examinations
Regular dental examinations are essential for maintaining your child’s oral health and preventing serious dental problems. During each visit, our pediatric dentists perform a thorough evaluation that includes:
Clinical Examination Components:
- Visual inspection of teeth, gums, and oral tissues
- Assessment of tooth eruption patterns
- Evaluation of bite alignment and jaw development
- Screening for oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting)
- Oral cancer screening (age-appropriate)
Diagnostic Imaging:
Our state-of-the-art digital X-ray technology provides detailed images while minimizing radiation exposure. We may recommend X-rays to:
- Detect cavities between teeth
- Monitor tooth development
- Assess bone health
- Identify impacted teeth
- Plan orthodontic treatment
Professional Teeth Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar that cannot be eliminated through regular brushing and flossing alone. Our dental hygienists use specialized pediatric techniques to ensure comfort while achieving optimal results.
Cleaning Process:
- Plaque and Tartar Removal: Using ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments specifically designed for children
- Polishing: Gentle polishing with fluoride-containing paste to remove surface stains
- Flossing: Thorough flossing to clean between teeth and along the gum line
- Fluoride Application: Professional-strength fluoride treatment for cavity prevention
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments are one of the most effective methods for preventing tooth decay in children. Our professional fluoride applications provide concentrated protection that strengthens tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria.
Benefits of Professional Fluoride:
- Remineralizes early stages of tooth decay
- Reduces cavity formation by up to 40%
- Strengthens development of permanent teeth
- Provides long-lasting protection
Application Methods:
- Fluoride varnish (preferred for young children)
- Fluoride foam treatments
- Fluoride gel applications
- Custom fluoride trays for older children
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants provide an additional layer of protection for your child’s back teeth (molars), which are most susceptible to cavities due to their deep grooves and fissures.
Sealant Benefits:
- 80% reduction in cavities on treated teeth
- Long-lasting protection (5-10 years with proper care)
- Pain-free application process
- Cost-effective prevention strategy
Ideal Candidates for Sealants:
- Children ages 6-14 (when permanent molars erupt)
- Teeth with deep grooves and fissures
- Children at higher risk for cavities
- Patients with difficulty maintaining oral hygiene
Restorative Dental Treatments
Dental Fillings for Children
Cavities require prompt treatment to prevent progression and more extensive dental problems. Our pediatric dental team uses the latest materials and techniques to provide comfortable, durable restorations.
Filling Materials:
- Composite (tooth-colored) fillings: Aesthetically pleasing and mercury-free
- Glass ionomer fillings: Fluoride-releasing for additional protection
- Stainless steel crowns: Durable option for extensive decay
Treatment Process:
- Comfortable Anesthesia: Topical and local anesthesia for pain-free treatment
- Decay Removal: Gentle removal of decayed tooth structure
- Tooth Preparation: Careful preparation of the tooth surface
- Filling Placement: Precise placement and shaping of filling material-
- Final Adjustments: Bite adjustment and polishing
Space Maintainers
When primary teeth are lost prematurely, space maintainers preserve the proper spacing for permanent teeth to erupt correctly.
Types of Space Maintainers:
- Band and loop: For single tooth loss
- Distal shoe: For primary molars lost before permanent tooth eruption
- Lingual arch: For multiple tooth loss
- Removable appliances: For older, cooperative children
Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are performed only when necessary to preserve your child’s oral health and development.
Indications for Extraction:
- Severe decay beyond repair
- Trauma with irreparable damage
- Orthodontic space requirements
- Impacted teeth
- Infection unresponsive to treatment
Post-Extraction Care:
Our team provides comprehensive post-operative instructions and follows up to ensure proper healing and comfort.
Let's Get Started
Start Your Child's
Journey Today!
The foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles begins in childhood. By establishing good dental habits early and maintaining regular preventive care, you’re giving your child the gift of excellent oral health. Our team is ready to partner with you on this important journey. Schedule your child’s first visit today and see why families throughout Washington trust Puget Sound Pediatric Dentistry with their children’s dental care.