Pediatric Dentistry

Routine pediatric dentistry is one of the easiest ways to ensure that your child’s teeth, gums, and smile stay healthy. At Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces, with five offices in San Antonio and Helotes, Texas, the team of general and family dentists provides pediatric dentistry to children of all ages, from toddlers to teens. The dental team loves kids and strives to provide a welcoming and fun patient experience. Call the nearest Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces office to schedule pediatric dentistry for your child, or request an appointment online today. 

How is pediatric dentistry different from general dentistry?

Pediatric and general dentistry both treat common oral health problems, but they focus on different things:

Pediatric dentistry

Pediatric dentistry provides oral health care to children and teens. It addresses issues affecting baby teeth, permanent teeth, or both. 

Since kids are more likely to develop cavities and alignment problems, pediatric dentistry works to catch these issues early on before they cause lasting damage. It also educates children on proper oral hygiene to reduce the risk of future complications.

General dentistry

General dentistry provides oral health care to adults, including preventive cleanings, dental X-rays, and oral cancer screening. 

Because Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces provides both general and pediatric dentistry, parents and their children can receive care under the same roof. 

What are some examples of pediatric dentistry services?

The Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces team offers various pediatric dentistry services, including:

Teeth cleaning

Teeth cleaning removes plaque –– a film of saliva, bacteria, and food particles –– from your child’s teeth and beneath their gums. It’s important to schedule routine teeth cleaning, even if your child brushes and flosses daily. Plaque buildup between the teeth is hard to reach and increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. 

Dental X-rays

Dental X-rays provide key insights into your child’s oral health. They let your child’s dentist see all aspects of their mouth, including the tooth roots, jaw, alveolar (the bone that anchors the upper teeth), and dental pulp. 

Orthodontics

Orthodontics corrects alignment problems affecting the teeth and/or jaw. Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces provides several types of orthodontics, including metal braces, Invisalign®, and retainers.

Wisdom tooth removal

Wisdom teeth are the last of your child’s permanent teeth to come in. Unfortunately, that makes them more susceptible to problems like impaction and infection. Wisdom tooth removal reduces these risks, ensuring your child’s mouth stays healthy.

Dental sealants

Sealants protect your child’s tooth enamel from decay. The team might prescribe sealants to your child if they regularly experience cavities in the teeth at the back of their mouth. 

Fluoride treatment

Fluoride treatment strengthens your child’s tooth enamel, reducing the risk of cavities and damage. Some water sources have fluoride, but a targeted in-office treatment provides an extra line of defense.

Special needs dentistry

Special needs dentistry cares for children with physical and intellectual disabilities. It utilizes specific techniques to ensure kids with autism and other conditions receive the same high-quality care as others. 

Do kids get special amenities during pediatric dental visits?

The Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces team knows that many kids have dental anxiety, so they’ve created a warm and welcoming environment. Each office features various amenities, including:

• Arcade games
• Complimentary snacks
• A theater room
• Art tables
• Tablets
• Ceiling-mounted TVs with Netflix
• Treasure boxes
• Recovery room

And if your child requires sedation to have dental work completed, it is available.

Call the nearest Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces office to schedule pediatric dentistry for your child, or request an appointment online today.