Services Offered By Our Pediatric Dentist 

Our office provides specialized dentistry for children and adolescents in a warm, caring, and child-centered environment. 

As pediatric dentists, our 2-3 years of additional training after dental school have prepared us for the unique dental needs of each child we serve. We focus on preventive care to help each child grow up with a healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Meet our doctors here!

Our pediatric dental office serves infants, children, teens, and children with special health care needs. Keep reading to learn more about the services offered by our pediatric dentist in Edinburg, TX. 

Preventative Dental Care

Preventative dental care for your child simply means taking measures that will prevent your child from tooth decay, cavities, and any and all dental problems that can occur. Our highly-trained pediatric dentist will perform a professional cleaning with high-end tools that allow them to remove any buildup that can’t be reached at home. They will do a thorough exam to ensure there are no signs of any oral problems in your child’s mouth. Regular visits to our office for cleanings and checkups will save you and your child time, discomfort, and money down the line. 

If you have more questions, give us a call or visit our Dentistry for Children FAQ page here.

When Should My Child Visit the Dentist for the First Time?

It is recommended that children visit the dentist at the eruption of their first tooth or by six months of age. Whether or not it is your child’s first visit to the dentist ever or their first visit to our pediatric dentist in Edinburg, TX, we are excited to welcome you to our smile family. Our team is compassionate and experienced and believes that trips to the dentist should be fun and comfortable. We do our best to make your child’s first visit to the dentist a good one.

Want to learn more about what you can expect and how to prepare for your child’s first visit? Visit our page on first-time visits here!

Fluoride Treatment

Our pediatric dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment if your child is prone to cavities. Fluoride is a natural mineral and can be found in many water supplies and foods. Your child will receive some fluoride from brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and their diet; however, a professional fluoride treatment can also strengthen their tooth enamel as well as help prevent tooth decay.

Bacteria, acids, and sugars in your child’s mouth attach their tooth enamel, demineralizing it, which may make your child susceptible to cavities. Fluoride remineralizes tooth enamel and strengthens it against decay-causing factors in the mouth. 

Pediatric Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are beneficial in that they are an excellent preventative treatment for your child’s teeth. They provide long-term protection from cavity-causing bacteria, food debris, and plaque.

Sealants are made of clear or tooth-colored resin material, and this material is painted on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. It forms a smooth coating over the tooth and helps shield the tooth from decay-causing bacteria, food debris, and plaque to keep teeth strong and healthy. Dental sealants also make it easier for your child to keep their teeth clean with daily flossing and brushing.

Dental sealants are recommended when your child’s permanent molars come in, which would be between the ages of 6 and 12. Depending on your child’s risk of developing cavities, dental sealants may need to be applied to their teeth a few times, depending on your child’s risk of developing cavities and their general oral health development. 

Sealants last for several years after being applied and provide long-term protection as your child grows. Sealants can be applied in a few minutes during your child’s normal dental visit.

Sedation Dentistry for Children

A mild sedative (calming drug) is sometimes used during dental treatment to help children with dental anxiety and special needs. Sedation dentistry is also utilized when multiple treatments are performed or if your child has a very strong “gag” reflex.

The types of sedation used in dentistry are as follows:

• Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide)
• Oral Sedation
• IV Sedation

Nitrous Oxide: Often called “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a mild sedative. It is very safe and will keep your child relaxed during dental procedures. Our pediatric dentist will administer the sedation using a “space mask,” which contains oxygen and medication. The child will be instructed to breathe through their nose and sense a faint sweet smell. In about five minutes, the sedation will be in effect. The mask will stay in place until the procedure is complete. Your child may feel “happy” during the procedure. After the treatment is completed, the nitrous dioxide will be turned off. Your child will then breathe pure oxygen for approximately five minutes to remove any remaining gas. Before the procedure, you should restrict your child from eating anything other than a very light snack.

Oral Sedatives: Oral sedation is another option if your child is anxious. This medicine can make your child feel a bit drowsy but will keep them calm and relaxed during the procedure. The medicine typically starts working within 20 minutes. Once you arrive, your dentist will give the medication to your child. Your child should not eat or drink after midnight on the night prior to the appointment if he or she is going to go under sedation.

IV Sedation: Intravenous (IV) sedation involves a needle being inserted into your child’s vein, usually in the arm/hand. IV sedation is ideal for longer procedures in order to keep your child relaxed. The medicine will be administered from a drip bag straight into the bloodstream.

What Should I Do if My Child Has a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency requires immediate attention from your dentist. At our office, we understand that you can’t always plan when your child needs our care, and if your child experiences a dental emergency, we ask you to contact us as soon as possible so we can get you in to see our experienced pediatric dentist in Edinburg, TX.

Here are a few examples of dental emergencies:

• Lost dental restoration
• Severe toothaches or tooth pain
• Damage to the soft tissues in the mouth, including lips, cheeks, tongue, and gums (if there is excessive bleeding or any other symptoms that are not dental-related, call 911 or take your child to the nearest emergency room)
• Cracked or fractured tooth
• Fully knocked-out tooth
• A broken or chipped tooth

Start Your Child’s Smile Journey Today!

If you want to learn more about our pediatric dentistry services for your child, give us a call or schedule a consultation today! Our friendly staff will happily assist you. We look forward to meeting you and starting your smile journey together!

Gigglesville Pediatric Dentistry proudly serves the Edinburg, TX community and the surrounding cities of McAllen, Mission, and Pharr, TX.