Pediatric Dentistry
Vanguard Dental Group is your child’s specialist for oral health.
Our pediatric dentistry practice is open to infants, children, teens and special needs patients. We are committed to providing a quality preventative dental environment for our patients that respects their emotional and dental needs. We aim to educate families about the importance of proper dental care and to provide our patients with positive dental experiences.
We recognize that children have special dental needs; and strive to create caring, trusting relationships in a compassionate, child-friendly atmosphere. We recommend the first dental examination by 12 months of age. By regularly visiting a pediatric dentist from infancy to age 18, children learn good dental care habits, avoid potentially serious problems, and enter adulthood with a healthy, attractive smile.
We serve patients in the Southern NH area, including Derry, Londonderry, Manchester, Windham, and Salem.
- Sedation & Anesthesia Options
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous Oxide may be required to relax very apprehensive patients and patients with gag reflexes.
- Conscious Sedation
Young children who are very anxious may require in-office sedation. See our Patient Resources section for more information on Conscious Sedation.
- General Anesthesia
Children with extensive dental needs and special medical conditions may require treatment in the hospital, under general anesthesia. Parents will be given more detailed information.
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
- OraVerse
Our doctors treat with OraVerse in order to make our patients' treatment experience more comfortable.
OraVerse (phentolamine mesylate) Injection is a local dental anesthesia reversal agent that accelerates the return to normal sensation and function for patients who want to avoid the unwanted and unnecessary lingering soft tissue anesthesia after routine dental procedures.This will eliminate a patient experiencing numbness for an extended period of time after they leave our office. OraVerse is safe, and the active ingredient in OraVerse is a vasodilator that has been used in other medical indications since 1952. It is administered while the patient is still numb from the local anesthetic, therefore is painless upon injection. Feel free to ask our doctors any questions you may have regarding OraVerse.
For more information on OraVerse, visit www.oraverse.com today! - Examination
An examination involves more than looking at teeth. The health history reviews the general health of your child and indicates whether there is any need for special dental care. The examination charts health and disease and is used to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan for your child.
- Cleaning & Fluoride
Teeth are cleaned to remove plaque (bacteria) and calculus (hard plaque) that can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Topical fluoride is applied to the teeth to make them stronger and more resistant to tooth decay. A thorough cleaning and fluoride treatment every six months has been shown to be an extremely effective way to prevent dental disease.
- Oral Hygiene Instructions
Prevention is the most important part of our practice. We will provide you and your child with dental hygiene instructions that will help maintain good oral health at home.
- Bitewing Radiographs
Bitewings are used to determine the health of the teeth and bone. Cavities and unusual tooth shape and size are apparent on the bitewings.
- Panoramic Radiographs
A Panoramic Radiograph provides an overall view of your child's mouth and jaws. It reveals missing permanent teeth, extra teeth, abnormal growths, and other problems. A panoramic is normally taken every 3 - 5 years in 3 stages of dental development.
- Sealants
The chewing surfaces of children's teeth are the most susceptible to cavities and least benefited by fluorides. Sealants (plastic coatings) are applied to the tops of teeth and are highly effective in preventing tooth decay.
- Tooth Colored Fillings
Tooth Colored Fillings (Composites) are used to restore front teeth or where cosmetic appearance is important. Tooth colored fillings are used to repair fractured teeth and/or areas of decay. The shade of restorative material is matched as closely as possible to the color of the natural teeth. Tooth colored fillings may also be used for back teeth. Composites require excellent hygiene following restorations on teeth.
- Stainless Steel Crowns
Stainless Steel Crowns are used to restore back teeth that are too badly decayed to hold silver fillings.
- Pulp Treatment
Pulp Treatment is necessary when decay has spread to the nerve of the tooth. The procedure consists of treating the nerve of the tooth to avoid extracting the tooth.
- Extractions
Extractions are done only as a last resort. If a primary molar is removed prematurely, a space maintainer will be placed. Teeth may also be extracted for orthodontic reasons.
- Space Maintainers
Space Maintainers are used when a primary tooth has been prematurely lost to hold space for the permanent tooth. If space is not maintained, teeth on either side of the extraction site can drift into the space and prevent the permanent tooth from erupting.
- Interceptive Orthodontics
Correction of minor orthodontic problems such as a crossbite can be done with simple appliances.
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