Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Teeth are made up of tiny building blocks called molecules, which constantly break down and rebuild throughout the day—especially based on diet. Fluoride acts like a “glue” that helps hold these molecules together, making teeth stronger and more resistant to decay. Topical fluoride treatments are a safe and effective way to protect children’s teeth and reduce the risk of cavities.
A tooth’s chewing surface is filled with grooves, similar to small mountain valleys. Food and bacteria can become trapped in these grooves, even with regular brushing. Dental sealants help by flowing into and sealing these hard-to-reach areas, creating a smoother surface that’s easier to clean and less likely to develop cavities
Dental radiographs (X-rays) are a crucial part of our diagnostic process. Without them, certain dental conditions may go undetected. X-rays provide insight beyond just cavities—they help evaluate tooth development, bone health, underlying infections, trauma, and more. At Center City and City Line Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we use the latest digital X-ray technology to ensure highly accurate imaging with minimal radiation exposure.
If your child plays sports, a custom-fitted mouthguard is one of the best ways to protect their teeth, lips, and jaw. Unlike store-bought options, our custom mouthguards are designed to fit your child’s mouth precisely—making them more comfortable, easier to speak with, and better for breathing. They effectively prevent chipped or broken teeth, jaw injuries, and other sports-related trauma.
Tooth extractions may be necessary for various reasons, most commonly due to infection or for orthodontic purposes. If an extraction is recommended, our doctors will thoroughly review your child’s needs and discuss all treatment options with you.
Baby teeth serve an important role as natural space holders for permanent teeth. When a baby tooth is lost early, the adjacent teeth can drift into that space, potentially causing alignment issues later. To prevent this, we may recommend a space maintainer to hold the area open, allowing the permanent tooth to erupt in its correct position.
When a cavity extends close to the nerve of a baby tooth, a baby root canal (also called pulpotomy) may be necessary. This procedure removes the affected portion of the nerve, disinfects the area, and places a medicated filling to preserve the tooth. A crown is typically placed afterward to protect the tooth and maintain its function.
If your child has a cavity, we use a resin-based, tooth-colored filling to restore the tooth’s structure and function. These fillings blend naturally with the surrounding tooth and help return the tooth to a healthy and comfortable state.
If a cavity is too large to be treated with a filling, a crown may be recommended. Crowns provide full coverage and protection for the tooth, maintaining both its structure and function. Crowning a baby tooth also helps preserve space for the eventual eruption of the permanent tooth.
Hall crowns are a minimally invasive option for treating cavities in baby molars. This technique requires no drilling or numbing. A small stainless steel crown is placed over the tooth to seal the cavity and prevent further decay. Hall crowns help keep baby teeth healthy and pain-free until they naturally fall out and are replaced by adult teeth.