Shady Grove Pediatric Dentistry: Dr Bana Ball

Components of an infant oral health visit: 1) Assessment for tongue and/or lip-tie, which may interfere with nursing, bottle-feeding, and transitioning to solids, as well as impair proper jaw development and nasal breathing. 2) Review of proper oral hygiene measures to reduce chance of tooth decay, which is still the #1 chronic childhood disease in the U.S. 3) Review of diet as it relates to caries (tooth decay) risk 4) Management of natal or neonatal teeth

Examples of interceptive orthodontics include: Space Maintenance after Premature Loss of a Primary (Baby) Tooth, Crossbite Correction, Habit Cessation (both of which are important in proper airway development and nasal breathing)

Bumps, falls, and tumbles come with the early childhood years. We will examine your child's injured mouth and teeth and advise you of the proper follow-up care needed. Certain injuries require x-rays to fully evaluate the extent of damage. If any invasive procedure is required, we offer laughing gas to help promote calmness for your child's comfort. In severe cases, when appropriate, we will refer you to an oral surgery or endodontic colleague. No matter what happened or why your child is in pain, we will help you get your little one back to health.

Whether due to trauma, advanced decay, or for orthodontic purposes, we know how to remove teeth gently and compassionately. We offer laughing gas (nitrous oxide), in addition to verbal and visual distractions to keep your child comfortable throughout. Dr. Ball knows not only how to make the experience not scary, but to even have your child leave feeling great about the procedure.

SDF is a liquid medication that can be professionally applied in certain instances of tooth decay to arrest the progression of the cavity. There are different clinical scenarios in which its use is appropriate, especially as a temporary measure to stabilize an area of decay. It is not a "cure all" and the pros and cons of its use have to be weighed carefully in each child's individual case. We are happy to discuss if SDF may be helpful for your child.

SSCs are considered the "gold standard" when it comes to restoring primary (baby) teeth, especially molars, that are affected by extensive decay, which means cavities that are very large, deep, or affecting multiple surfaces of a tooth. SSCs have a long track record of efficacy and are a terrific treatment tool. These crowns are different from adult crowns in several ways. First, they are completed in 1 visit because the best-fitting one is selected from an assortment of sizes that are stocked in pediatric dental offices. Second, they are somewhat flexible so they cannot chip or break like porcelain. Third, kids think they are cool. They are silver because they are made of stainless steel, which is different than silver fillings, which are made from other metal alloys. SSCs do NOT contain any mercury and are a safe and predictable treatment modality for baby teeth. SSCs protect teeth and keep them pain-free until the time of natural exfoliation, which for most kids is between ages 10-12.