Services

Routine and Preventative Dental Care

First Visit

Children should see a dentist when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Our goal during the first visit is to make sure all of the teeth are healthy and to provide information to parents regarding oral hygiene and a healthy diet. We then recommend routine exams every 6 months. Prevention is the key!

Dental Cleanings and Exams

Oral exams are an important part of your child’s health. During a check-up, we will review your child’s dental and medical history, assess oral growth/development, nutrition, and oral habits. Our Board Certified Pediatric Dentists will perform an oral exam, and depending on the child’s age and cooperation, a dental cleaning will be done by one of our loving and educated Registered Dental Assistants. When necessary, we may also take x-rays. Based on your child’s oral exam, cleaning, and possible x-rays an individual oral health plan will be discussed.

Digital X-Rays

Digital x-rays are an important part of your child’s preventative and diagnostic care routine. X-rays help us see how adult teeth are forming, detect problems, diagnose disease, evaluate injuries, and plan various treatments. Digital x-rays use up to 90% less radiation than conventional x-rays. We take additional precautions to protect your child by using lead aprons and thyroid collars to shield their body.

Fluoride 

We provide fluoride varnish treatments to our patients as part of their routine cleanings. Fluoride has been shown to prevent cavities by increasing the resistance of tooth enamel to decay. This is particularly important for those of us living in Sonoma and surrounding counties because our water systems are not treated with additional fluoride. Statistically, regular fluoride treatments decrease the risk for getting cavities by 30%. We respect that the decision to use fluoride is a personal one and we will work with each family to create an oral health plan that meets your family’s needs.

Sealants

Dental sealants are bonded over the pits and grooves of molars or incisors to aid in the prevention of cavities on those surfaces. Sealants can last for several years or more and provide a layer of protection for newly erupted permanent teeth. The option for dental sealants can be discussed during your child’s routine check-up. 

Silver Diamine Fluoride

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an antibiotic liquid. In some cases, SDF is a treatment we offer as an alternative to a composite filling. We use SDF on cavities to help arrest tooth decay or to treat tooth sensitivity. SDF does not always eliminate the need for dental fillings or crowns, but can be useful and effective when deemed appropriate.

Restorative Treatments

In the event your child requires treatment beyond routine or preventative care, we offer a number of restorative options depending on your child’s specific needs. These options commonly include composite fillings, stainless steel crowns, and dental bonding.

We offer “laughing gas” as an option to help relax our patients during longer appointments and general anesthesia is available for very specific circumstances. The need for more invasive types of treatment are prescribed on a case by case basis after an extensive exam by our board certified dentists.

Infant Oral Health

Taking good care of the baby's first teeth is an important step in the health of permanent teeth. Here are some tips to help keep your infant’s teeth healthy.

Don’t let your child fall asleep with a bottle that contains milk or formula.

Before teeth come in, clean gums after feedings using a damp washcloth.

Once teeth erupt, brush with a soft toothbrush every day. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a tiny smear of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) be used to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt. Once children are 3 to 6 years old, then the amount should be increased to a pea-size dollop.

Developing good dental care habits from the very start is one of the best things you can teach your children and we’re here to help you do just that. A lifetime of good health starts in infancy. That’s why we believe in prevention and early intervention. It is important to form good habits and positive experiences at an early age.

Teen Oral Health

Most of the time cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing and flossing. In addition to visiting the dentist every 6 months for a routine exam, limiting sugar intake, brushing two times a day for two minutes and flossing before bed can help. We realize there is often less control over what our teens eat and drink, but making sure there is consistency with hygiene at home is essential.