Dr. Villasenor and the team at Rise and Shine Pediatric Dentistry focus on prevention and work as a team with parents and children to keep smiles healthy. Even with the best brushing and flossing attempts, cavities happen!
How we catch and treat cavities
We are here to make the process of restoring them easy, comfortable and efficient. Dr. Villasenor uses digital radiographs to catch cavities early so that we have more conservative management options available.
For children who have cavities on baby teeth, our priority is making sure that teeth don’t hurt and don’t cause any problems that could damage adult teeth. Our goal when treating cavities on permanent teeth is to minimize the amount of restorations that a child or young adult needs. If they have cavities that necessitate restorations, then we place them in a timely manner. This way they are as small and conservative as possible.
For small cavities in the outer layer of teeth, Dr. Villasenor often recommends placing silver diamine fluoride to stop them from progressing. Combined with daily flossing at home, this one-minute application does not involve numbness or preparation of the tooth. However, this does stain cavities dark so is a better option between back molars than for front teeth.
Treatment for larger cavities
Larger cavities that extend to the inner part of the tooth usually need to be restored if the tooth will be retained for a while. Depending on your child’s comfort level for preventive and diagnostic procedures such as cleanings and radiographs, and on the number and size of cavities noted, treatment can be provided in different ways that accommodate your child’s comfort level to keep them safe and happy.
Smaller cavities can often be restored with white fillings, but larger cavities but cover more surfaces of the tooth or extend to the nerve require a full coverage crown. This can be white zirconia or stainless steel. Teeth can be treated with nitrous oxide to help your child relax and decrease the gag reflex. The amount of teeth that can be restored at one visit depends on your child’s comfort level and their weight, as this determines the amount of local anesthetic that can be safely used. Dr. Villasenor often uses the Soan device to administer local anesthetic just around the tooth being treated, so that lips and cheeks aren’t numb.
How we manage pain
For children whose treatment needs exceed their comfort level, Rise and Shine Pediatric Dentistry partners with Rocky Mountain Dental Anesthesia to provide care in a safe, comfortable, and efficient manner. Dr. Villasenor provides comprehensive dental restorations while Dr. Kris Mendoza provides general anesthesia. This approach ensures that your child’s smile is restored to be completely healthy in a way that is safe and efficient. For children who have a more complex medical history but need dental treatment with sedation, Dr. Villasenor has privileges and can provide treatment at Children’s Hospital Colorado in the procedure center.
If you think your child may have cavities, call our office at 303-758-0223 and Dr. Villasenor and the Rise and Shine Pediatric Dentistry team will work with you to determine the best approach to restoring your child’s oral health!
