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Restorative Dentistry

At Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand that even with the best brushing and flossing habits, cavities and dental injuries can still happen. Our restorative dentistry services are designed to repair and protect your child’s smile, using the latest techniques and materials to ensure their teeth stay healthy and strong. Whether your child has a small cavity or needs a crown to protect a damaged tooth, our compassionate team is here to provide gentle, high-quality care tailored to kids.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)

For early-stage cavities or in situations where traditional fillings might not be the best option, we offer silver diamine fluoride (SDF). This liquid treatment helps stop cavities from growing and prevents decay from spreading to other teeth.

The process is quick and painless:

  • We place cotton or gauze near the affected tooth to keep it dry.
  • Moisture is gently removed from the tooth using a small suction tool.
  • SDF is carefully applied to the area with decay.
  • SDF is particularly helpful for young children, those with special healthcare needs, or children who may be anxious about dental treatment. It’s a conservative, non-invasive option that allows us to preserve your child’s natural tooth structure while helping to manage decay.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

When a cavity is too advanced for silver diamine fluoride alone, we may recommend a tooth-colored filling to restore the tooth’s strength and appearance. Fillings are a common, straightforward treatment for cavities, and at Just Kids, we make sure every step is as comfortable as possible.

What to expect:

  1. We start by gently numbing the area with local anesthesia to ensure your child feels no discomfort.
  2. A rubber dam may be placed to protect your child’s airway and keep the area dry.
  3. The decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed and cleaned.
  4. The tooth is then filled with a durable, tooth-colored composite material designed to blend in with your child’s natural smile.

Our goal is to restore both function and aesthetics, so your child can eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

Pediatric Crowns

When a cavity or injury affects a large portion of the tooth, a simple filling may not be enough to fully restore the tooth’s strength. In these cases, we may recommend a crown — a strong, protective cap that covers and protects the tooth.

We offer two types of pediatric crowns:

  • Stainless Steel Crowns Durable and cost-effective, these crowns are most often used on back teeth (molars) where strength is the top priority.
  • Zirconia (White) Crowns For front teeth, we offer tooth-colored zirconia crowns that are both strong and natural-looking, helping preserve your child’s smile.

Crowns play an important role in preserving primary (baby) teeth until they’re ready to fall out naturally, which helps maintain proper spacing for future permanent teeth.

Nerve Treatments (Pulpotomy)

In cases where decay or trauma has reached the inner nerve of the tooth, nerve treatment (also called a pulpotomy) may be necessary to relieve pain and save the tooth. This procedure is sometimes referred to as a “baby root canal,” but it’s much simpler and quicker than an adult root canal.

What to expect:

  • We clean out the infected portion of the nerve inside the tooth.
  • A special antibacterial medicine is placed to help calm and protect the remaining healthy nerve tissue.
  • The tooth is sealed with a protective filling, and in most cases, a crown is placed to protect the weakened tooth and prevent further damage.

Nerve treatment helps preserve baby teeth, which are important for chewing, speaking, and guiding the permanent teeth into the right position.

Gentle, Kid-Friendly Care

At Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we know that restorative care can feel intimidating for both kids and parents — but it doesn’t have to be! Our compassionate team takes time to explain every step, offering age-appropriate guidance and comfort along the way. Whether your child needs a small filling or a crown to save a tooth, we’re here to ensure their experience is gentle, stress-free, and positive — building confidence that lasts a lifetime.

Preventive Pediatric Dentistry

Preventative Dentistry

At Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe the best way to keep your child’s smile healthy is through prevention. By starting early and making regular dental visits a positive experience, we help children build strong oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. Our preventive dentistry services are designed to protect teeth, catch concerns early, and keep your child’s smile cavity-free — all while making visits fun, comfortable, and educational.

Routine Cleanings & Exams

Regular dental checkups are the cornerstone of preventive care, helping us catch small issues before they become big problems. During a routine cleaning and exam, we gently clean your child’s teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup, check for early signs of cavities, and evaluate your child’s gums and overall oral health.

Our doctors will also assess your child’s risk for developing cavities and review important factors like oral hygiene habits, diet, and dental development. In many cases, we may recommend dental radiographs (X-rays) or other diagnostic tools to get a clearer picture of your child’s dental health.

We also make sure parents are fully involved by offering guidance on at-home care, helping you understand the best ways to brush, floss, and make healthy choices for your child’s smile.

Why we encourage regular visits:

  • Early detection of cavities, gum issues, and developmental concerns
  • Removal of plaque and tartar buildup to prevent tooth decay
  • Monitoring your child’s dental growth and alignment
  • Education on healthy habits and personalized oral hygiene advice
  • Building trust and comfort with the dental team to reduce dental anxiety

​Fluoride

Fluoride is one of the most effective tools we have for preventing cavities and strengthening teeth. It’s a naturally occurring mineral that works by remineralizing enamel, making teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugary foods.

For infants and children from six months to 16 years old, fluoride is particularly important because it helps develop strong primary and permanent teeth. Research shows that topical fluoride — the kind found in toothpaste, mouth rinses, and professional fluoride treatments — provides an extra layer of protection against cavities.

At Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend fluoride varnish treatments during your child’s regular cleanings. This simple, painless application helps strengthen enamel and lower the risk of cavities between visits.

Sealants

Even with great brushing habits, some areas of your child’s teeth are more vulnerable to cavities — especially the deep grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars). These areas are tough to clean, making them a hotspot for cavity-causing bacteria.

That’s where dental sealants come in. Sealants are thin, protective coatings that cover the grooved surfaces of molars, sealing out food particles and bacteria that could lead to decay. They act like a shield for your child’s enamel, helping keep teeth healthy and cavity-free.

Applying sealants is quick, comfortable, and completely painless. Here’s how the process works:

  1. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned to remove any plaque or debris.
  2. The tooth is dried and isolated to keep it dry during the procedure.
  3. A special gel (etching material) is applied to prepare the tooth surface.
  4. After rinsing and drying again, the liquid sealant is painted directly onto the tooth.
  5. A curing light is used to harden the sealant, bonding it securely to the tooth surface.

Sealants are especially recommended for children as soon as their permanent molars erupt — usually around age six for first molars and age 12 for second molars. With proper care, sealants can last for several years and provide excellent protection during cavity-prone years.

Preventive Care with a Gentle, Kid-Friendly Touch

At Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, prevention is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to stop problems before they start by giving your child the tools, knowledge, and preventive treatments they need to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

By combining gentle care, advanced technology, and plenty of positive encouragement, we make every visit fun, educational, and effective — helping your child develop a lifetime of healthy habits and happy dental visits.

Special Needs Dentistry

Special Needs Dentistry

At Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe that every child deserves a healthy smile — and we are proud to provide compassionate, individualized dental care for children with special healthcare needs. All our dentists are Board-Certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and have experience working with children with physical, social, and emotional limitations.

We understand that children with special needs may experience dental visits differently, and we are committed to making every appointment as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Our office is designed to be kid-friendly and sensory-sensitive, with a calming environment, gentle communication, and flexible accommodations to meet your child’s unique needs.

We also take the time to get to know your family, discussing any concerns, sensory preferences, or past dental experiences so we can customize your child’s care plan. Whether your child benefits from a quiet room, extra time to get comfortable, or familiar comfort items, we are happy to accommodate.

Experienced Care for Unique Smiles

Children with special healthcare needs often face unique dental challenges — from sensory sensitivities to medical conditions that impact oral health. Our board-certified pediatric dentists have extensive experience caring for children with a wide range of needs, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety, and developmental or medical conditions.

We partner closely with parents and caregivers to create personalized preventive plans and offer gentle, compassionate care tailored to your child’s abilities, comfort level, and health needs.

Personalized Options for Comfort & Safety

Every child is different, and we work with families to find the best approach for stress-free dental visits. From “tell-show-do” techniques to shorter appointments or sensory-friendly accommodations, we adapt our care to match your child’s needs.

For children who need extra support, we also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), in-office sedation, or hospital-based care to ensure your child receives safe, high-quality treatment in a way that’s comfortable for them.

If you’d like to discuss your child’s specific needs before their visit or schedule a “get to know us” appointment, we’re here to help. Together, we can create a plan that ensures your child feels comfortable, supported, and confident every step of the way.

Behavior management in pediatric dentistry

Behavior Management

At Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand that dental visits can feel overwhelming for some children. That’s why we use a variety of behavior management techniques to help kids feel comfortable, safe, and confident during their appointments.

  • Tell, Show, Do — We explain each step, show your child the tools we’ll use, and then gently complete the procedure so there are no surprises.
  • Passive Immobilization — In certain cases, we may use a soft, protective wrap to help keep your child safe and still during treatment, ensuring both comfort and safety.
  • Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) — For children who feel anxious, nitrous oxide helps them relax while staying awake and aware.
  • Customized Approaches — Every child is unique, so we work closely with parents to find the best combination of techniques to match your child’s individual needs.

Our goal is to create positive dental experiences that build trust and confidence — while ensuring every child receives the care they need to maintain a healthy smile.

Early orthodontic intervention

General Anesthesia

At Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, your child’s comfort and safety are always our top priorities. For children who are especially anxious, very young, or have special healthcare needs that make traditional dental treatment challenging, we may recommend general anesthesia to complete their care safely and comfortably.

Often called “sleep dentistry,” general anesthesia allows your child to sleep peacefully through their dental procedure in a completely pain-free environment. This approach ensures they receive the care they need without stress or discomfort.

When is General Anesthesia Recommended?

General anesthesia is typically reserved for situations where in-office treatment with behavior management techniques or nitrous oxide isn’t possible or safe. It may be recommended for:

  • Children with significant dental anxiety or fear
  • Very young children who are unable to sit still for treatment
  • Children with special healthcare needs who need extra support for a safe and positive experience

Dental treatment under general anesthesia takes place in a hospital or surgical center, where your child is cared for by a highly trained anesthesia team. This is an outpatient procedure, meaning your child will usually be able to go home just a few hours after their treatment is complete.

The type of anesthesia used is the same safe and effective anesthesia commonly used for pediatric medical procedures like ear tube placement or tonsil removal. Our team works closely with parents to review all options, answer any questions, and make sure you feel confident in your child’s care plan.

Safety & Benefits

We understand that the decision to pursue general anesthesia can be a big one, and we are here to guide you every step of the way. While there are some risks associated with anesthesia, for certain children, the benefits far outweigh those risks, especially when it comes to ensuring their oral health and overall well-being. Our team will only recommend general anesthesia when it’s the best and safest option for your child.

At Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our goal is to make sure every child can get the dental care they need in the way that works best for them — whether that’s in our office or in a hospital setting with general anesthesia.

General Anesthesia Instructions

Before Your Appointment

  • Your child will need to be seen by his or her pediatrician within 30 days prior to the hospital visit. The pediatrician will complete a pre-surgical medical clearance (short physical) letting us know that your child is healthy and cleared for treatment.
  • We will meet with you at the office to review what to expect on the day of surgery for your child.
  • We review the tentative treatment plan and your child’s medical history including medications and allergies. At this time, please let us know if your child has become sick or if there has been a change in any medical conditions of your child. To minimize any potential risks, only healthy children are eligible for general anesthesia. Sick children are rescheduled after they have regained full health. Typically this is between 2-4 weeks after the illness has passed.
  • We need to know at this visit if your child has been experiencing pain, swelling, or a change in dental condition since we last saw your child, as this can drastically change the previously discussed treatment plan.
  • If your child was previously unable to take X-rays or sit for a complete exam, we may try one last time at this visit in order to help give you the best idea of the treatment he or she will need.
  • Foods and liquids must be restricted prior to surgery. The hospital will give you specific guidelines on eating and drinking the night before your child’s surgery.

After Your Appointment

​The doctor will review all treatment completed and review post-operative instructions with you. You will be given a written copy of these instructions before leaving with your child. A follow-up appointment may be needed.

Nitrous Oxide for Pediatric Dentistry

Tongue Tie / Lip Tie

At Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand how important it is for babies and children to be able to eat, speak, and smile comfortably. If your child has a tongue tie or lip tie, it can affect everything from nursing and feeding to speech development and oral health. Fortunately, these concerns can often be corrected quickly and comfortably with a gentle laser procedure using our Solea dental laser.

A tongue tie occurs when the small band of tissue under the tongue (the lingual frenulum) is too short or tight, restricting tongue movement. A lip tie happens when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums (the labial frenulum) is too thick or tight, limiting the lip’s range of motion.

In babies, these conditions can make nursing or bottle feeding difficult. In older children, they can contribute to speech difficulties, dental problems, or difficulty with oral hygiene.

Laser Frenectomies to resolve tongue ties and lip ties

Gentle, Precise Laser Frenectomy

We use the Solea dental laser to perform quick, virtually painless frenectomies — the procedure to release a tongue or lip tie. The Solea laser offers many benefits over traditional surgical methods, including:

  • Minimally invasive treatment with no scalpels or stitches
  • Little to no bleeding thanks to the laser’s precision
  • Faster healing times with less discomfort
  • A quiet, gentle procedure — ideal for babies and children
  • Often no need for anesthesia, making the experience easier for little ones

With the Solea laser, we can gently release restrictive tissue in just a few minutes, allowing for improved tongue or lip movement and better function.

Benefits Beyond the Procedure

Addressing tongue and lip ties early can lead to improved feeding, clearer speech, better oral hygiene, and even healthier dental development. Our compassionate team will walk you through the process, answer all your questions, and help you understand how the release can benefit your child’s long-term health and well-being.

If you have concerns about feeding challenges, speech delays, or signs of a tongue or lip tie, contact us to request an evaluation. At Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re here to provide gentle solutions that support healthy smiles and happy kids.

Dental Eruption

Dental Eruption

At Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re here to guide you through every stage of your child’s dental development — from that very first tooth to the arrival of their permanent smile. Every child’s smile follows its own unique timeline, and our team is always happy to answer questions and help you understand what to expect along the way.

Primary Teeth: Your Baby’s First Smile

The arrival of your baby’s first teeth is an exciting milestone! Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, typically begin to emerge between six and eight months of age. The lower front teeth (central incisors) are usually the first to appear, followed closely by the upper front teeth.

Most children have all 20 primary teeth by around age three, although the exact timing can vary from child to child — and that’s perfectly normal. These first teeth play an important role in your child’s ability to chew, speak, and smile, and they also help guide the permanent teeth into their proper positions later on.

Teething: What to Expect

As teeth push through the gums, many babies experience teething symptoms, including:

  • Irritability or fussiness
  • Drooling
  • Chewing on objects
  • Tender or swollen gums

Sometimes, low-grade fevers are associated with teething, but we always recommend checking with your child’s pediatrician or our team to rule out other causes, like ear infections.

Tips for Soothing Sore Gums

  • Offer a cool teething ring or a clean, damp washcloth chilled in the fridge.
  • Gently massage your child’s gums with a clean finger.
  • Avoid topical gels like OraGel, as they are not recommended for infants.

If your child is especially uncomfortable, talk to our team about using over-the-counter pain relief like Children’s Tylenol.

Permanent Teeth: Growing into a Lifetime Smile

Around age six, the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth begins. The first permanent teeth to arrive are often the first molars and the lower central incisors. This process continues throughout childhood and early adolescence, with most children having a full set of permanent teeth — 28 in total — by age 13 or 14.

For some teens, wisdom teeth (third molars) may also emerge, bringing the total to 32 teeth. Our team will monitor your child’s dental development closely during routine visits to ensure everything is progressing normally and that there’s enough space for all their teeth.

Patients of Our Pediatric Dentists

Every Smile Has Its Own Timeline

While there are general age ranges for tooth eruption, it’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace. Whether your child gets their teeth a little early or a little late, our experienced team at Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is here to answer your questions, offer personalized guidance, and help your child’s smile grow healthy and strong.

If you have questions about your child’s tooth development or want to schedule their next visit, we’re here to help every step of the way!