Common Procedures

Pediatric dental procedures are specialized treatments designed to address the unique oral health needs of children. These procedures include routine exams and cleanings, cavity prevention through fluoride treatments and sealants, restorative care like fillings and bonding, orthodontic treatments, and extractions when necessary. Pediatric dentists also provide protective measures like mouthguards for sports and nightguards to prevent teeth grinding. Each procedure is tailored to promote healthy dental development, prevent future issues, and ensure that children have a positive experience at the dentist, fostering lifelong oral hygiene habits.

Pediatric Procedures at Seaside Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in La Jolla and Scripps Ranch

At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, located in La Jolla and San Diego, CA, we understand that every child’s oral health journey is unique. Led by Dr. Anthony J. Scoma, a skilled pediatric dentist with years of experience, we offer a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the specific needs of our young patients. From preventive care to restorative treatments, we ensure that each child receives personalized, high-quality dental care in a welcoming environment. Below are the most common pediatric dental procedures we provide at Seaside Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.

Regular Exams and Cleanings

Routine dental exams are essential for monitoring your child’s oral health. These exams enable Dr. Scoma and his team to identify any issues early on, such as cavities, misalignments, or gum disease. Early detection helps prevent minor issues from becoming major problems, ensuring that your child’s teeth and gums stay healthy as they grow. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups. 

What to Expect During a Cleaning

Dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining oral health, as they remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing may miss. During a cleaning, our team will gently clean your child’s teeth, paying special attention to hard-to-reach areas. We also polish the teeth and may apply fluoride treatments to help strengthen the enamel and protect against cavities.

Benefits

• Early detection of dental problems
• Prevention of cavities and gum disease
• Development of good oral hygiene habits

Regular exams and cleanings are the foundation of pediatric dental care, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Dental Bonding

Bonding is a common cosmetic and restorative dental procedure used to repair chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth. In this procedure, a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the tooth’s surface and hardened with a special light, which bonds the material to the tooth.

When Is Bonding Necessary?

Bonding is often recommended for children who have suffered minor dental trauma or who have cosmetic imperfections in their teeth. It is a minimally invasive procedure and can typically be completed in one visit.

Benefits

• Restores the appearance of damaged teeth
• Protects teeth from further damage
• Quick and painless procedure

Bonding is a great option for restoring a child’s smile after minor dental issues, ensuring their teeth remain strong and healthy.

Extractions

While dentists strive to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, extractions are sometimes necessary to protect your child’s oral health. Common reasons for extractions include severe tooth decay, overcrowding, or impacted teeth (such as wisdom teeth). Extractions may also be needed if a baby tooth is not falling out on its own, potentially causing alignment issues for adult teeth.

The Extraction Process

During an extraction, Dr. Scoma will first numb the area to ensure your child is comfortable. If the tooth is visible, a simple extraction will be performed. For more complex cases, such as impacted teeth, surgical extraction may be necessary. 

Benefits

• Prevents the spread of infection
• Addresses overcrowding and alignment issues
• Creates space for healthy adult teeth to grow

Extractions are an important part of pediatric dental care when necessary, helping to protect your child’s long-term oral health.

Fillings

Fillings are used to repair cavities and restore the function of a tooth. If your child has a cavity, Dr. Scoma will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the area with a tooth-colored composite material. This restores the tooth’s shape and function while preventing further decay. Contact us to learn more.

The Procedure

During the procedure, the decayed area of the tooth is removed, and the remaining tooth structure is cleaned to ensure all bacteria and debris are eliminated. The filling material is then applied, shaped, and hardened with a special light. The entire process is quick and painless, and your child will be able to eat and drink normally soon after. 

Benefits

• Restores the tooth’s function and appearance
• Prevents further decay
• Durable and long-lasting solution

Fillings are a common and effective way to address cavities, helping to protect your child’s teeth from further damage.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we offer fluoride treatments as part of our preventive care services. These treatments are especially important for children, as their developing teeth are more susceptible to cavities.

The Procedure

Fluoride treatments are quick and painless. A fluoride gel or varnish is applied to the teeth, where it is absorbed by the enamel. This strengthens the teeth and helps prevent cavities from forming.

Benefits

• Strengthens tooth enamel
• Reduces the risk of cavities
• Quick and easy application

Fluoride treatments are a simple yet effective way to protect your child’s teeth from decay, especially when combined with regular brushing and flossing.

Mouthguards

Mouthguards are essential for children who participate in sports or activities where there is a risk of injury to the mouth. These custom-fitted devices help protect the teeth, gums, and jaw from trauma, preventing injuries such as broken teeth, lacerations, and jaw fractures.

Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we offer custom-fitted mouthguards that provide superior protection compared to over-the-counter options. These mouthguards are specifically designed to fit your child’s mouth, ensuring both comfort and effectiveness.

Benefits

• Protects teeth and jaw from injury
• Custom fit for maximum comfort 
• Essential for young athletes

Mouthguards are an important preventive tool for children involved in sports, helping to keep their smiles safe from injury.

Nightguards

Nightguards are protective devices worn while sleeping to prevent teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Many children grind their teeth at night, which can lead to enamel wear, jaw pain, and even headaches. A custom-fitted nightguard can help protect your child’s teeth from the damaging effects of grinding.

Custom Nightguards

Our custom nightguards are designed to fit comfortably in your child’s mouth, allowing them to sleep soundly while protecting their teeth. Nightguards are made from durable, flexible materials that cushion the teeth and reduce the risk of wear and tear.

Benefits

• Protects teeth from grinding
• Prevents jaw pain and headaches
• Custom-fit for comfort

Nightguards are an effective solution for children who grind their teeth at night, ensuring their teeth remain healthy and strong.

Sealants

Dental sealants are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities are most likely to develop. The sealant acts as a barrier, preventing food and bacteria from getting trapped in the grooves of the teeth and causing decay.

The Procedure

Applying dental sealants is quick and painless. The teeth are first cleaned and dried, and then the sealant material is painted onto the chewing surfaces. Once hardened, the sealant forms a protective layer that can last for several years. 

Benefits

• Protects teeth from cavities
• Quick and painless application
• Long-lasting protection

Sealants are an excellent preventive measure for children, helping to keep their teeth cavity-free as they grow.

Conclusion

At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we are committed to providing high-quality care for children’s unique dental needs. Whether your child requires a routine exam, a filling, or preventive treatments like sealants or fluoride, our experienced team led by our pediatric dentist in La Jolla and Scripps Ranch is here to ensure they receive the best possible care in a comfortable and friendly environment.

Dr. Anthony J. Scoma and his team believe that building good oral hygiene habits early in life is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Through regular checkups, preventive measures, and personalized treatment plans, we are dedicated to helping your child achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. If you have any questions about these procedures or would like to schedule an appointment, we invite you to contact our La Jolla or San Diego office today!

At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we are committed to providing gentle, expert dental care. With two convenient locations at 875 Prospect St #202, La Jolla, CA 92037, and 10549 Scripps Poway Pkwy Suite E, San Diego, CA 92131, we make it easy to schedule an appointment that fits your family's busy lifestyle. Call us today at (858) 551-9700 for our La Jolla office or (858) 271-4200 for our San Diego location to book your next visit!