Pediatric Dentistry at Ash & Roberts DDS
Pediatric Dentistry in Centralia, Washington
At Ash & Roberts DDS, we teach your children that taking care of your teeth can be fun and rewarding. We provide the calmest and most inviting pediatric dentist experience possible. We have a true passion for dentistry and service to our community. Because of their extensive training, Dr. Ash & Roberts can provide pediatric dentistry to infants and children with all behaviors and children with special needs.
What is Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry is a branch that focuses on caring for children from infancy through the teenage years and patients of all ages with special needs. This treatment can include the prevention and treatment of diseases of the mouth, teeth, and gums and early intervention during the growth of teeth to prevent extensive problems in the future.
Our pediatric dentist practice in Centralia, Washington, has a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Our friendly team works hard to create a welcoming and compassionate atmosphere where everyone, big and small, can feel at ease. We have years of experience in pediatric dentistry and working with children. The pediatric dental services we provide are:
- BPA Free Tooth-Colored Fillings
- Nitrous Oxide for Children
- Pit and Fissure Sealant
- Space Maintainer
Your child’s first visit to the pediatric dentist should be an enjoyable experience. Children are not born with a fear of the dentist, but they can adopt parents’ feelings towards dental appointments. We want both of you to feel comfortable, and at ease, from the moment you arrive at our dental practice. Click here to learn more.
What are BPA Free Tooth-Colored Fillings?
BPA-free fillings are the same as regular composite white fillings, with the same functions but do not include the controversial BPA. These fillings come in different shades to match your natural teeth’ color.
What is Nitrous Oxide for Children?
Nitrous oxide is a gas also known as happy gas or laughing gas. Giving nitrous oxide is a way to help reduce a child’s pain and anxiety during dental treatment. The nitrous oxide is delivered through a small nosepiece so that your child can be awake throughout the procedure.
What is Pit and Fissure Sealant?
Pit and fissure sealants are used in many dental practices to prevent cavities in young children. The sealants are applied to the teeth’ surfaces to create a boundary between the tooth and bacteria.
The tooth is cleaned, then a mild acid solution is used to help bond the tooth. After the sealant is applied, it is then cured with a light. These sealants provide an extra barrier of protection against cavities for your child.
What is a Space Maintainer?
Dental space maintainers are small devices that leave space open for permanent teeth to grow into after baby teeth are lost prematurely. If the gap is left empty, it can lead to major orthodontic problems down the road. Follow this link to read more.
When should my child first see a pediatric dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children should visit the dentist before their first birthday. Your child’s newly erupted teeth must receive proper dental care and benefit from good oral health habits right from the beginning.
As new parents, we often overlook our infant’s oral care. New permanent teeth will replace baby teeth later in childhood, so why should it matter? It matters a lot.
Tooth decay can happen as soon as a child’s first tooth grows. Cavities in baby teeth increase the risk of corrosion in permanent teeth. If the decay is severe, it can have long-lasting effects on a child’s overall health and be quite expensive to fix.
What happens at a child’s first dentist appointment?
During your child’s first visit, we review your child’s medical and dental history, answer your questions, and address any concerns you might have.
This first exam allows us to evaluate growth and development, the position of the teeth, and the health of the oral tissues, while also checking for tooth decay. If your child is old enough to tolerate it, a gentle polishing of the teeth to remove plaque and stains, as well as a fluoride treatment, is usually recommended.
What are my Next Steps?
The entire team at Ash & Roberts DDS is committed to providing an anxiety-free dental experience for you and your children. Please consider us as your new pediatric dentist family if you live in or around Centralia, Wabash, or Chehalis, Washington. We love serving our local community, and we would love to serve you too. Please call us if you’re interested in a pediatric dental visit at (360) 736-8380 or email us.