Morning Star Dentistry is dedicated to providing whole-life dental care for our growing patient family. Good oral health starts in childhood, and our team has the skills and expertise to address oral health concerns for all ages. When we see our younger patients, we focus on ensuring their gums, faces, and teeth develop appropriately. Together with their families, we build a foundation of oral health care grounded in consistent home hygiene practices. Discover how Dr. Justin Liggett and our team of experts in Sonora, CA, help you achieve lifelong oral health.
Did you know…
that early childhood caries is the most common chronic disease in American children? It is far more prevalent than other common childhood illnesses, such as asthma. Furthermore, tooth decay and gum disease that begins early in life are likely to progress over time, potentially leading to a lifetime of oral complications.
The Importance of Pediatric Dentistry
Without developing good oral hygiene habits early in our lives, we’re at risk of lifelong consequences for the health of our smile. Developing these habits is the easiest to accomplish during our childhood. Further, developing them during these years can prevent concerns from developing. Gum disease and cavities may be serious concerns to adults, but they can have lifelong consequences even during our developmental years. While temporary, our primary (baby) teeth are essential to ensuring our adult smile comes in straight and healthy.
The team at Morning Star Dentistry is your partner in helping children develop effective oral health practices. This starts with bi-annual cleanings and addressing orthodontic concerns such as misalignment. The services we offer to aid their oral health are found below:
- Preventative Care: The standard care you receive during your bi-annual visits is typically aimed at preventing concerns from developing. This goal is achieved through fluoride treatments, bi-annual professional cleanings, and education on areas of concern and how to address them. These visits should begin at six months of age.
- Restorative Dentistry: Restoring the health of your children’s teeth when preventative steps fail or an injury occurs requires restorative dentistry. Children must retain primary teeth, despite their temporary nature, until they naturally fall out, when possible. As a result, pediatric restorative dentistry is common.
- Early Orthodontic Care: Due to the importance of primary teeth in developing our adult oral health, orthodontic care may be necessary. We can help create a straight, healthy adult smile by ensuring your child’s primary teeth are properly aligned. Further, orthodontic care at this stage can prevent the need for costly adult treatments.
- Sedation Dentistry: Children who struggle with dental anxiety can benefit from nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. This gas helps soothe the patient, leaving them feeling relaxed and more comfortable during their procedure.
Patient education is one of the core values of Morning Star Dentistry, regardless of the patient’s age. During their visits, our team will be available to address any questions they have. This ensures they understand the importance of oral health and grow into educated and involved patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages of children do pediatric dentists treat?
A pediatric dentist will treat patients from birth through adolescence. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that young patients begin visiting a pediatric dentist no later than the first birthday when most children already have a first tooth. Children will continue to visit the dentist periodically throughout childhood to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
What type of training does a pediatric dentist have?
A pediatric dentist has the same credentials as a family dentist, only with two additional years of training specifically in the oral treatment of babies, children, teens, and kids with special needs. They are trained to understand not only the dental needs of a child but also the psychological and emotional needs as well.
How can I make a pediatric dental appointment?
Our staff is happy to assist you through the process of making the first appointment for your child. Simply call our office to speak with one of our helpful staff members and schedule your child’s visit. We aim to make your child’s experience as comfortable as possible.
Visit Morning Star Dentistry in Sonora, CA, For Pediatric Dental Care
Contact us when you’re looking for a dental provider dedicated to treating your family at every stage of life. We’ll schedule a consultation, introduce you and your family to our team, and answer any questions you may have. Then we’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that will help produce lasting results for your children and your family.
