Pediatric Dentistry
We are proud to specialize in pediatric dentistry. Our entire staff is very good with children. We know and understand how children think so that we can start them off right. We want them to associate the dentist’s office as a good place, instead of being scared. We take our time with each patient so that they have an enjoyable visit.
Our dentists (and entire staff) understand the importance of good oral health even as young children. They have specialized training with primary teeth. They are here to help protect and restore children’s teeth so that they can speak and eat easily, as well as having a wonderful smile. They understand the growth and development of children’s teeth so that they can start their oral health off correctly.
We also understand how important it is to take care of your children’s teeth. We will work with parents to ensure that their children are taking good care of their teeth at home. We also monitor for any problems so we can catch them early. We will work with your child’s regular doctor if needed for any problems.
Dental Exam and cleaning
Here at Great Smiles Buford Center, we are proud to offer dental cleanings for our patients.
Professional cleanings will remove the buildup of plaque and tartar. Then, your teeth are polished nicely. If you need it, fluoride will be applied to your teeth. We will also preserve any teeth that you have had restored.
Professional cleanings also give our dentists a chance to really look at your teeth. We will do a thorough examination to make sure that you don’t have any other problems that need to be addressed. We are hoping to catch any little problems before they become bigger ones!
If you need a dental cleaning or if you have any questions, feel free to contact us today at (470) 722-5591.
Fluoride
We believe that fluoride works well to strengthen children’s teeth. It also has been shown to help prevent decay in people of all ages.
For this reason, the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Medical Association believe that topical fluoride is necessary for good oral health.
Because of this, you may be wondering if you need fluoride treatments. Many times, water is enhanced with fluoride, so additional fluoride treatments are not necessary. However, if your water is not treated, you may need fluoride treatments. You may also need a fluoride treatment if you are showing symptoms like receding gums. You may also want to get treated if you wear braces or are taking medications that cause dry mouth.
Fluoride treatments can be completed at your routine dental appointment. They are painless and quick, taking only a few minutes. When getting treated, your dentist will apply gel, foam, or varnish on your teeth. Treatment works best if it is done one to four times a year.
You may wonder what else you need to do in addition to getting regular fluoride treatments. The American Dental Association recommends drinking fluoridated water and using a toothpaste with fluoride.
If you have any questions about fluoride and your dental health, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (470) 722-5591.
Sealants
Here at Great Smiles Buford Center, we are pleased to offer sealants for our patients.
When we apply a dental sealant, we paint a plastic coating on top of your teeth. This makes your teeth smooth getting rid of the rough edges, depressions, and grooves that are commonly found on teeth. It is essentially a protective coating against tooth decay and cavities.
The most common place to paint sealants is on back teeth since they are often irregular. They can also be very hard to reach, even if you brush your teeth regularly. We use it more on children though we do perform sealants on adults too!
Don’t hesitate to contact us today at (470) 722-5591 if you have any questions about sealants.
Fillings
Dental fillings are used to fill cavities and repair cracked or broken teeth. Fillings can be done with gold, porcelain, or silver amalgam, but is most commonly done with materials called composite resin fillings that are designed to match the color of your teeth.
Additional steps are required for tooth-colored fillings because it requires multiple layers and a special light to dry and harden the area around the filling.
To fill a tooth, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area around the tooth. A laser or air abrasion instrument will be used to remove the decayed area and your dentist will prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris. In some cases, your dentist may apply a liner for your tooth called a glass ionomer to help protect the tooth and nerve before the tooth is filled. After your filling is complete, most dentists will polish the tooth to make it feel smooth and natural.
The procedure can vary in time and cost depending on the extent of the damage to the tooth. If you have any questions about fillings, please call our office today.