Author: Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Discover Effective Solutions for Pediatric Teeth Alignment Issues

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Teeth  

Every parent wants their child to have a healthy, confident smile. But achieving that perfect alignment can sometimes be a challenge. Pediatric teeth alignment issues are common, and understanding how to address them is crucial for your child’s oral health. At Wilson Dental, your pediatric dentist in Greenville, NC, we are here to educate and treat teeth health.

Understanding Malocclusion

Malocclusion is a common misalignment issue where the teeth or jaw do not fit together properly. It can lead to difficulties in chewing, speech problems, and even self-esteem issues for children.

Identifying malocclusion early is essential. Regular dental check-ups can help catch this issue before it worsens. Treatment options include braces, retainers, and sometimes surgery, depending on the severity.

Overcrowded Teeth

Overcrowded teeth occur when there isn’t enough space in the mouth for all the teeth to fit normally. This can lead to overlapping teeth and difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene.

Early intervention is key. Pediatric dentists may recommend space maintainers or braces to correct overcrowding. Ensuring that your child maintains good oral hygiene habits can also help manage this issue.

Underbites and Overbites

An underbite is when the lower teeth extend past the upper teeth, while an overbite is when the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth. Both conditions can cause discomfort and functional issues.

Treatment often involves braces or clear aligners. In severe cases, oral surgery might be necessary. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference in correcting these issues.

Crossbites

A crossbite occurs when one or more of the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. This misalignment can cause tooth wear, gum disease, and jaw problems.

Correcting a crossbite typically involves braces or expanders. Pediatric dentists may also recommend specific exercises to help align the jaw properly.

Open Bites

An open bite is when the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed, often caused by thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. This can affect speech and chewing.

Behavioral therapy to stop thumb sucking, combined with orthodontic treatments like braces, can help correct an open bite. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening.

The Role of Genetics

Genetics play a significant role in teeth alignment issues. If you or your partner had orthodontic problems, there’s a higher chance your child might too.

While you can’t change genetics, being aware allows for early monitoring and intervention. Regular dental visits can help keep an eye on potential issues.

Importance of Early Orthodontic Assessment

Early orthodontic assessments can identify potential alignment issues before they become problematic. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven.

Early assessments can lead to less invasive treatments and better outcomes. It’s a proactive step in ensuring your child’s oral health.

Conclusion

Pediatric teeth alignment issues are common, but with the right knowledge and timely intervention, they can be effectively managed. Whether it’s overcrowded teeth, underbites, or crossbites, understanding these issues and their treatments can help your child achieve a healthy, confident smile.

For tailored advice and treatment options, for teeth correction, consider consulting with Wilson pediatric dentistry. Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment today.

How to Prevent Cavities in Children: A Guide for Parents

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry
Cavity Prevention 

Cavities are a common dental issue that can affect children of all ages. However, with the right knowledge and preventive measures, you can help your child maintain a healthy, cavity-free smile. Wilson Dental will help you identify early signs of cavities and provide actionable cavity treatment information to protect your child’s oral health.

Signs of Early Cavities in Children

1. White Spots on Teeth

Chalky, white spots on the surface of teeth, especially near the gum line, indicate demineralization, the first stage of cavity formation. Additionally, complaints of discomfort or pain when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods suggest tooth sensitivity, which can signal that the enamel is wearing away and leaving the dentin exposed.

2. Visible Pits or Holes and Dark Spots or Stains

When checking your teeth, look for small pits or holes on the surface, as these are clear indicators that a cavity has formed and needs professional attention. Additionally, keep an eye out for dark spots or stains, which can be brown, black, or gray; these stains may indicate decay and should be examined by a dentist.

Preventive Measures to Protect Your Child’s Teeth

Preventing cavities involves a combination of good oral hygiene practices and regular dental care. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Establish a Routine and Monitor Diet

Ensure your child brushes their teeth twice a day and flosses daily using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush suitable for their age. Limit sugary snacks and drinks by encouraging healthy alternatives such as fruits, vegetables, and water.

2. Regular Dental Check-Ups and Education

Schedule check-ups with a pediatric dentist every six months, as early visits can help detect issues before they become severe. Teach your child the importance of oral hygiene by making brushing fun with songs, timers, or reward charts.

What If You Find Cavities?

If you discover that your child has developed cavities, it’s crucial to take immediate action to prevent further decay and ensure proper treatment. Schedule an appointment with your kid’s dentist in Greenville, NC as soon as you suspect cavities; they can provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend appropriate treatment options based on the severity of the cavities.

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Dental Fillings

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry
Dental Fillings

As parents, you want to ensure your children’s teeth stay healthy and strong. However, sometimes cavities happen. Our pediatric dentist will use dental fillings — one of the most common dental procedures — to help preserve your child’s smile when these problems occur in Greenville, NC.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are regularly used to repair and rebuild parts of a tooth compromised by cavities and decay. Cracks or fractures caused by accidents, or everyday wear and tear also often need fillings, even if the damage is in baby teeth. The process involves removing the damaged part of the tooth, cleaning the area, and filling it with a suitable material to keep the tooth stable and healthy.

The Dental Filling Procedure for Kids

  1. Diagnosis: The first step involves a diagnosis. This might be done through a visual exam, X-rays, or other diagnostic tools. We will carefully check your child’s teeth to see the extent of the issue.
  2. Numbing: To keep your child comfortable, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the affected tooth, minimizing pain and discomfort.
  3. Removal of Decay: The dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth with specialized instruments to prevent further damage.
  4. Cleaning and Preparation: After removing the damage, the cavity is cleaned to get rid of any bacteria and debris. The area is then prepped for the filling to ensure it bonds well with the material.
  5. Filling Placement: Depending on the chosen material — like composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain — the filling is applied in layers. Each layer is hardened or cured using a special light.
  6. Shaping and Polishing: Once the filling is in place, it is shaped to fit the natural contours of your child’s tooth. Finally, it is polished to ensure a smooth finish that blends seamlessly with other teeth.

Taking Care of Your Child’s Fillings

Here are a few tips to help care for your child’s dental fillings and their overall oral health:

  • Ensure they brush twice a day and floss daily.
  • Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
  • Teach them to avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pencils that can damage fillings.
  • Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks that contribute to decay.
  • Consider preventative dental sealants as an extra step to protect your child’s hard-to-brush back teeth.

Fillings are a key part of keeping your child’s teeth healthy and functional. If you suspect your child needs a cavity filling in Greenville, or have any concerns about their oral health, don’t search your phone for “dentist near me” — just reach out to us at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. Your child’s smile is our top priority!

Understanding Disking and Its Role in Dental Health

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry
Understanding Disking and Its Role in Dental Health

As you watch your children’s teeth develop, you may be concerned about alignment and spacing and wonder whether braces are in their future. No one wants to spend money on braces unnecessarily, and the good news is that you don’t have to. There is a teeth correction treatment called disking you can schedule with a pediatric dentist in Greenville to invest in your child’s teeth alignment, well before braces are even a possibility.

What Disking Does

This teeth correction treatment addresses early issues like crowding and misalignment. This preventative treatment helps prevent incoming teeth from adjusting and accommodating to the lack of space and becoming misaligned or crooked. 

It also helps prevent an increased risk of tooth decay, which is more common when the teeth are tightly packed together. This treatment can make a significant difference in a child’s tooth alignment and may even help prevent the need for braces in the future.

How It Works

When you visit our pediatric dentist in Greenville to learn more about this treatment process, our dental staff will evaluate your child’s teeth and confirm their eligibility. The dentist typically evaluates X-rays to determine if the patient is a good candidate for this treatment process. 

During the treatment, the dentist shaves very thin layers of enamel off the tooth or the surrounding teeth around the incoming tooth. This process creates more space for the new tooth, helps promote straight incoming teeth, and wards off tooth decay.

The Treatment Benefits

Aside from preventing tooth decay and promoting alignment, this treatment process has other benefits. When you visit Wilson Dental, your child will be treated by one of our trained dentists and caring staff. Since the treatment process only requires a small amount of enamel to be shaved off the tooth, it’s completely painless and won’t make the child uncomfortable. 

Disking potentially helps avoid future orthodontic work and may eliminate the need for braces, which are often uncomfortable and must be worn for a significant amount of time. This treatment will also save you money by potentially helping you avoid costly orthodontic work in the future, and it may even be covered by your dental insurance.

We can give you more information at an initial consultation if you’re interested in learning more about this unique, pain-free treatment that will help you invest in your child’s future smile. Contact Wilson Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule your appointment.

Finding an Emergency Pediatric Dentist: What Parents Should Know About Dental Emergencies

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry
Teeth Correction Options for a Beautiful Smile 

Accidents happen, but as a parent, you know accidents are far more common when you have children. Falls, sports injuries, and facial trauma often require an extensive search for a pediatric dentist near you to handle the situation as soon as possible. The right emergency dentist in Greenville will be available when you need them, know how to handle the emergency and your child, and provide dental care you feel confident about. 

Dental emergencies are very common among children of all ages, so it’s understandable when your child’s pain, emotional response, and trauma affect your ability to react. These emergencies are frightening, but when you know who to call and where to go, you can resolve the issue quickly to mitigate the situation.

It’s always helpful to find a pediatric dentist who also offers emergency care so you won’t have to waste time texting friends for recommendations or searching online to find someone who can help. Instead, you can proceed without any added stress or time wasted trying to find the best dental care for your child.

The Benefits of Making Your Pediatric Dentist Your Emergency Pediatric Dentist

When your primary pediatric dentist is also your emergency pediatric dentist, dental care will feel seamless. When an accident happens, you can go to the office you’re already familiar with and be treated by a dentist and staff who already know you and your child. 

A Quick Treatment Process

When your child’s primary pediatric dentist is also your emergency dentist, you won’t have to worry about extra services or filling out new paperwork because they will already have X-rays and medical information on file. This allows you to proceed with the necessary treatment as soon as possible and feel confident the situation has been effectively handled by a dentist you know and trust. 

At Wilson Pediatrics, we develop relationships with each of our patients so they know exactly how to proceed when an emergency happens. When you need emergency care, your child can at least have the comfort of being treated by our team instead of a group of strangers they have never met before.

If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in Greenville, you can end your search with us. We offer a variety of pediatric dentistry treatments and services to help your child experience optimal dental health. Contact Wilson Pediatric Dentistry in Wilson, NC today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.

Teeth Correction Options for the Most Beautiful Smile

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry
Teeth Correction Options for a Beautiful Smile 

Parents want their children to have beautiful teeth, and while braces are a common solution for teeth correction, they’re not the only solution. When you visit a pediatric dentist in Greenville who will provide multiple solutions to promote aligned teeth and ensure optimal oral health, it will be easier to choose the best next steps for your child, whether that’s a cavity treatment with a cavity filling in Greenville or other solutions to ensure straight, aligned, and healthy teeth.

Exploring the Options

Disking

Disking is a solution for children who lack the necessary space for incoming permanent teeth. Without enough space, there’s an increased risk of future misalignment or cavities. During the disking process, the pediatric dentist gently shaves off thin layers of the surrounding teeth to make room for incoming teeth, promoting straight teeth and a beautiful smile.

Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are a solution for children who lose their baby teeth earlier than usual, causing the surrounding teeth to shift, which results in the misalignment of the new permanent incoming teeth. Space maintainers hold the space and create ample room for the new permanent tooth to come exactly where it needs to be.

Early Orthodontic Treatment

If you’ve been to a pediatric dentist who has recommended that your child wait until they’ve lost all their baby teeth to begin orthodontic treatment, there is another option. Braces aren’t just for teenagers; children as young as six years old make candidates for early orthodontic care to ensure proper alignment and permanent tooth development.

Cavity Treatment

Cavities affect 42% of children between ages two and 11 and often form even after the best oral hygiene. If your child has a cavity, it’s important that you have a dentist who can identify it and stop the decaying process early with a cavity filling in Greenville to ensure optimal oral health and maintain the aesthetics of the tooth.

Routine Dental Care

Routine teeth cleaning and regular examinations are critical to promoting and maintaining a child’s oral health. At a routine appointment, a pediatric dentist in Greenville will evaluate your child’s teeth, identify cavities to treat them early, take steps to reduce the risk of future cavities, and provide a customized treatment protocol to address any concerns so your child develops and maintains a beautiful smile and optimal oral health and hygiene.

Investing in your child’s teeth early on will yield long-term rewards. If you’re looking for a dentist who specializes in pediatric care, we can help. Contact us today at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about our services and schedule your child’s first appointment.

Do Routine Teeth Cleans Matter? Yes — Here’s Why

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry 

Teeth brushing time: Every parent’s worst nightmare or part of the nightly routine. The problem? No parent ever knows what side that flipped coin will land on in a given night. Spice that up with the stress of an upcoming dentist visit in their minds, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for trouble in most pediatric cases.

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way. Our expert pediatric dentists Greenville, NC recommend early and continuous education around the importance of routine teeth cleaning and brushing, eliminating the anxiety that can be associated with either part of your regular practice. 

Read on to learn about the best benefits your child can gain from a routine clean. Then, use them to alleviate any pre-dentist fears as they arise. We’re rooting for you! 

Disease Avoidance In The Future 

Oral health conditions, like gingivitis and cavities, can lead to extreme pain, bleeding, swelling and other unpleasant symptoms. Your children can avoid these illnesses with routine deep-cleaning, giving your dentist a bird’s eye view into any oral issues before they take root. 

Fresh Breath 

No one likes having bad breath. After seeing the dentist in Greenville, NC., your children will have the confidence that comes from a great-looking, clean smile and fresh breath. All of the halitosis-causing plaque and germ buildup will be washed away from hard-to-reach places during the deep clean, thanks to the specialty, higher-pressure tools that your pediatric dentist Greenville, NC has access to. 

Long-Term Health Benefits 

Did you know? Many experts have found that routine cleanings can lower one’s risk of dementia, stroke, and heart disease. While your children may be too young to realize this benefit, you can rest assured knowing that you elevate their overall level of health with each visit. You can also encourage them with the thought that it’s not just their mouth they’re affecting when they go in for a clean. It’s every system of their body. 

Ready To Book Your Appointment? 

On the hunt for a pediatric dentist near me? The experts at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry are here to help. Our specialists help thousands of kids per year keep their teeth clean, healthy, and absolutely gleaming—giving them deep cleanings and the care they deserve in a convenient, accessible, and pain-free way. 

Connect with us today for more information. We look forward to serving you. 

Preventing Cavities in Greenville, NC: A Parent’s Guide to Oral Health Habits

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry 

It’s never too early to teach your child good oral health habits. From scheduling regular appointments with an experienced pediatric dentist in Greenville, NC, to creating care routines at home, here are some best practices to prevent your child from developing cavities. 

Cavity Prevention Tips 

Cavities, also referred to as tooth decay, are holes that occur as the tooth is damaged by plaque and bacteria. According to Pediatric Dentists in Greenville, NC, Children are at high risk for cavities, as they often struggle to brush their teeth correctly and consume sugary or acidic foods. Keep reading to learn practical tips to prevent your child from developing cavities. 

Take Your Child For Periodic Teeth Cleanings

The American Dental Association recommends taking your child for a dental visit by their first birthday. As soon as your baby has teeth, the risk of a cavity developing occurs. Your dentist will help you set a schedule for teeth cleaning in Greenville, NC, that will help prevent cavities and catch any early-stage tooth decay before it becomes severe. 

Practice Good Oral Health Habits at Home

Directing your child through a consistent oral hygiene practice when they are young will help prevent cavities and form healthy habits. These positive behaviors may stay with them through adulthood and offer significant health benefits as they age. 

Establish a routine of brushing at least twice daily with a dentist-approved toothpaste and regularly flossing. When children are young, you’ll need to help them learn to brush correctly and watch to make sure they are brushing all their teeth, as molars can be easily skipped. 

Skip Sugary Treats

While any food can contribute to cavity formation if your child doesn’t brush their teeth, certain foods are more damaging to tooth enamel than others. Avoid or limit sugary foods such as desserts, soda, juices, and candy. Gummy candies, taffy, and fruit leather are especially destructive, as they become wedged between teeth and are difficult to clean off properly. 

Schedule Appointments in Greenville, NC

Sometimes, despite parents’ best efforts, children still develop cavities. If that happens, the wisest thing to do is schedule your child for a dental filling in Greenville, NC as soon as possible. 

Tooth decay can spread, and cavities in baby teeth can cause issues that impact your child’s adult teeth. Taking your child for a cavity filling in Greenville, NC, is the best way to prevent a cavity from causing long-term damage.

Make Dentist Visits Enjoyable in Greenville, NC

When you make dental care a regular part of your child’s life, dentist visits won’t cause anxiety or stress. Taking your child to a kids’ dentist in Greenville, NC, also makes the occasion more pleasant, as the dental team will be experienced in caring for children’s specific needs.

It’s never too soon to start thinking about your child’s dental health. Schedule an appointment at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry today, and take the first step toward helping your child have a healthy smile.

The ABCs of Dental Fillings: Understanding the Process

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry
Dental Fillings  

Tiny teeth deserve big smiles, and dental fillings can play a crucial role in keeping those smiles healthy and bright. Whether you’re a seasoned parent or new to the game, understanding the process of getting dental fillings in Greenville can help you as you make informed decisions for your child’s well-being. 

Cavities and Getting a Cavity Filling in Greenville, NC

Early Cavity Detection

The process begins with finding a good dentist in Greenville, NC: someone who specializes in helping children feel comfortable and cared for and who can do a thorough dental checkup. 

At Wilson Pediatric Dentistry, your trusted pediatric dentist in Greenville, NC, we use advanced technology like digital X-rays to uncover cavities even in their earliest stages. Early detection minimizes tooth damage and ensures smoother, less invasive filling procedures.

Clearing the Way

If a cavity is identified, Dr. Elmore will gently remove the decayed tooth material using special instruments. Anesthesia is available to ensure your child’s comfort throughout the process.

Dental Fillings

At Wilson Pediatric Dentistry, we offer a variety of dental fillings in Greenville, NC, tailored to your child’s needs and preferences. The most common filling we use is tooth-colored composite fillings, which blend seamlessly with natural teeth, making them ideal for front teeth especially. 

There are other materials available, and in rare cases, we might put in a dental crown. Each material has its unique advantages, and our experienced pediatric dentist will guide you toward the best choice for your child’s specific situation.

Cavity Prevention

While fillings effectively restore teeth, prevention is always the gold standard. Regular dental cleanings and fluoride treatments at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry can significantly reduce the risk of cavities in the first place. We also provide age-appropriate oral hygiene education, empowering your child to take charge of their smile.

Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

At Wilson Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that a visit to the dentist can be nerve-wracking for both parents and children. That’s why we create a warm, welcoming environment where every child feels comfortable and cared for.

Kid-Friendly Atmosphere

Bright colors, playful decorations, and a touch of magic transform dental appointments into fun adventures.

Gentle, Experienced Dentist

Dr. Elmore is specially trained to work with children, ensuring a calm and stress-free experience for your child. The goal is that they never have an unpleasant experience and thus never learn to “fear” a dental visit.

Advanced Technology

Digital X-rays, comfortable equipment, and the latest in modern techniques minimize discomfort and maximize efficiency.

Schedule your child’s next dental checkup today and let Wilson Pediatric Dentistry be your partner in creating a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Handling Dental Emergencies: A Guide For Parents

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry  

Dental emergencies can be a source of anxiety for children and parents alike, so knowing how to handle these situations will not only give you confidence but also convey confidence to your distressed child. The expertise of a pediatric dentist in Greenville is crucial during these times, and Wilson Dental is there to support you and provide comprehensive care for your little ones.

Recognizing the Signs of a Dental Emergency

Toothaches

Toothaches can range from mild discomfort to throbbing pain and may signal issues such as cavities, infections, or gum disease. If your child complains of persistent pain, it’s crucial to contact us immediately. Rinsing with warm water and using a cold compress can provide temporary relief.

Broken, Chipped, or Knocked-Out Teeth

A broken or chipped tooth can become a serious problem if left untreated, possibly leading to infection or further damage. A knocked-out tooth requires immediate attention—time is critical for successful re-implantation. If this happens, find the tooth, hold it by the crown, and gently rinse it without scrubbing. Keep it in a milk container or your child’s saliva until you can reach an emergency pediatric dentist.

Bleeding Gums or Loose Teeth

Bleeding after a fall or an accident, especially when accompanied by loose teeth, needs immediate evaluation. While some bleeding might occur with new teeth or from a minor injury, excessive and continuous bleeding warrants an urgent visit to your emergency dentist in Greenville.

How Fast Should I Seek Help From Wilson Pediatrics?

When You Need to Act Quickly

If your child experiences severe pain, has a fever or swelling in the mouth or face, or has sustained an injury to the mouth or teeth, it’s crucial to seek emergency dental care. At Wilson Dental, we can provide prompt and effective treatment to alleviate pain and address the issue.

When You Can Monitor and Wait

Some dental issues, while uncomfortable, can wait for a scheduled appointment. Mild tooth sensitivity, small chips without pain, or a lost filling typically don’t constitute an emergency. However, we encourage you to call us so we can advise you on the next steps and schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.

Be Prepared for the Future

Be prepared for dental emergencies by keeping a small dental first aid kit that includes our contact information, saline solution, gauze, a small container with a lid, and over-the-counter pain relief.

Your Partners in Pediatric Dental Care

Your child’s oral health is our top priority at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry. We are more than just your emergency pediatric dentist; we aim to be a partner in maintaining your child’s dental health. If you’re unsure whether your child is experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact Wilson Pediatric Dentistry right away.

Common Dental Issues in Children and How a Pediatric Dentist Can Help

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry


 
Teaching children healthy dental hygiene at a young age is important to promote oral health and prevent the most common dental issues. Yet, even with regular brushing and a healthy lifestyle, children can face dental issues that require a pediatric dentist or an emergency dentist in Greenville for proper care. If your child needs a cavity filling in Greenville, NC, disking, or another dental treatment, you’ll need someone you can trust to care for their teeth.

Dental issues are more common in adults than children, but that doesn’t mean they’re nonexistent. Some of the most common dental issues that affect children include cavities, otherwise known as tooth decay, crowding, misalignment, or losing a tooth too early.

At Wilson Pediatric Dentistry, we offer treatments that can address and correct these issues. Our emergency dentist is also available to provide emergency care to pediatric patients with a dental emergency.

Treating Cavities

Cavities are a form of tooth decay common among children, including those who live a healthy lifestyle and consume a limited amount of sugar. Forty-two percent of children get cavities between two and 11 years of age. If your child has a cavity, they must receive a cavity filling in Greenville, NC, to stop and prevent further decay and restore a uniform appearance to the truth.

One way to prevent cavities is by applying sealants to the back teeth, the most common chewing surfaces. When applied to the back molars, this thin plastic layer creates a protective barrier on the tooth that can help prevent decay in those areas that are harder to clean with a toothbrush.

Treating Overcrowding With Disking

Overcrowding is a common issue among children as they lose baby teeth, and permanent teeth replace those baby teeth. Sometimes, there isn’t enough room for the incoming permanent teeth, which can increase the risk of cavities or cause alignment issues, also increasing the potential need for future orthodontic care.

This treatment involves shaving off very thin layers of the surrounding teeth to make extra room for incoming permanent teeth to prevent misalignment and reduce the need for braces or other orthodontic treatments.

Treating Premature Tooth Loss

Children must lose baby teeth to make room for permanent teeth, but sometimes, they lose them sooner than they should. As a result, the surrounding teeth can become misaligned as they come in, requiring future orthodontic care. There’s a simple way to treat this issue: with space maintainers. Space maintainers are designed to maintain the necessary space for the incoming new tooth to promote alignment.

Treating Crooked Teeth

Misalignment is one of the most common dental issues that affect children and teenagers alike. There’s an easy way to address misalignment, and it begins with proper early orthodontic care from a dentist in Greenville, NC. Children can achieve and maintain straighter teeth by taking steps to promote alignment early on. Early orthodontic treatment plans can be designed for children as young as six years old.

Regular pediatric dental care is key to maintaining healthy teeth and promoting a beautiful smile. Whether your child suffers from a minor or more severe pediatric dental issue or needs an emergency dentist in Greenville, we can design a treatment plan that promotes optimal oral health. Contact us today at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about our treatments and to schedule an appointment.

Benefits of Dental Disking

Posted on by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry

Oral Health
When a child’s permanent teeth come through, it can lead to crowding in the mouth and misalignment. No one wants such an exciting and momentous occasion to be ruined by these concerns, but luckily, there is a sophisticated way to correct them and leave teeth looking straight. It’s called disking: a method of finely shaving existing teeth so that there’s space for new ones. It’s now available at Wilson Pediatric Dentistry.

 

Benefits of Dental Disking

How Does This Treatment Work?

During this procedure, one of our trained dentists will carefully shave down the existing teeth of the patient to make more space for the incoming tooth. This will involve shaving either one or both of the teeth next to the new tooth. 

 

Because only the enamel is being touched, it’s a painless procedure and is very suitable for children. Our dentist can determine if this treatment is worthwhile using a Dental X-ray during a regular dental exam.

 

Why Should I Consider This Treatment for My Child?

By treating overcrowding and misalignment early, you may avoid orthodontic work down the road. Solutions such as braces become necessary when teeth are not straight, or too close together. Not only can braces be an uncomfortable and drawn-out process for your child, but they can be incredibly expensive. 

 

This treatment is often covered by insurance, which again makes it a great option for wallet-conscious parents. Check with your insurance provider to see if pediatric dentistry procedures are covered.

 

Is This Treatment Right for My Child?

Our experienced kids’ dentist in Greenville, NC, will be able to determine if this treatment is the best course of action or if there is an alternate technique that might be better suited to your child. For example, if they have lost a baby tooth prematurely, space maintainers may be recommended. These devices ensure existing teeth remain far enough apart so that there’s space for new teeth. If effective, space maintainers may negate the need for the shaving of teeth down the road.

Simple, cost-effective, and almost pain-free, disking can be an extremely potent way to correct a child’s teeth, leaving them with a healthy, hearty smile. Schedule an appointment with our local pediatric dentist in Greenville, NC. We are an ideal destination for treating all kinds of oral health concerns, as well as offering services like X-rays, emergency procedures, and even early orthodontic treatments. Your child should be visiting a dentist from as early as one-year-old, so come by Wilson Pediatric Dentistry today.