If a tooth is exposed to great amounts of plaque and bacteria, it will start to decay. At A Kidz Dentist, we want your child’s teeth to remain strong and healthy. If a cavity, or tooth decay, is detected during your child’s visit, Dr. White, Dr. Lance, or Dr. Dryden may recommend a dental filling. Not only will our pediatric dentists remove all damaged parts of the tooth, but they will also replace damaged parts with a sturdy, tooth-colored filling. We work hard to keep your child’s smile healthy and beautiful.

A dental crown, or cap, is a restoration that can be used for a number of purposes. One of the most common uses of a dental crown is to restore a tooth that is significantly damaged or decayed. The crown is custom made to fit over the entire tooth, starting at the gum line, in order to restore the tooth to its original shape and size. Dental crowns can be made of gold, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal; porcelain crowns are popular because they match the natural color and appearance of teeth. Our pediatric dentists will help you determine which type of dental crown is right for your child's smile.

Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth. While we strive to avoid the need to remove a tooth whenever possible, certain conditions may make tooth extraction the most effective option for returning your child's smile to good health and function. Following the tooth extraction, we are happy to provide your child with one of our excellent tooth replacement treatments, if needed, to restore their smile to optimal health, beauty, and function.

Our pediatric dentists use great care and skill when performing a tooth extraction to ensure that your child's dental experience is as comfortable and painless as

possible. We will also provide you and your child with detailed post-treatment care instructions so you can properly take care of their smile as it heals.

Several conditions may necessitate tooth extraction.

Among these are:

• Severe infection that has destroyed a significant portion of the tooth and supporting bone structure
• Serious decay that has damaged a tooth beyond repair, making a successful restoration impossible
• Crowding caused by too many teeth to properly fit in the mouth

The following are common symptoms of oral cancer:

• A persistent sore throat or feeling that something is caught at the back of the throat
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• A persistent or lasting sore on the face, neck, or mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal within two weeks
• Unexplained loss of feeling, pain, or numbness in the face, neck, or mouth
• Ear pain
• Lumps, bumps, or rough spots on the gums, lips, or other parts of the mouth
• Red, white, or speckled red and white patches in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing, speaking, or swallowing
• A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together

While our team will perform a screening for oral cancer to

check for these and other symptoms, we encourage you to

contact us if you notice any of these problems in your

child's smile or if your child experiences any other type of

dental pain. We are committed to helping your family stay

in good health.

The TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, or the joint that connects the lower jaw to the rest of the head. The term “TMJ” is often used to refer to TMJ disorder, also called TMD, which occurs when the jaw joint becomes stressed, injured, or misaligned. TMJ disorder may result due to several different factors, such as stress, bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), arthritis in the TMJ, or trauma and injury to the head, neck, or jaw.

Your child may suffer from TMD if they experience frequent jaw pain or facial pain. TMJ disorders may also cause:

• Grinding, clicking, or popping sounds in the jaw when you open and close your mouth
• Inability to open your mouth wide to speak, yawn, or chew
• A locked or stuck jaw
• Pain when chewing and biting
• Pain in the neck, shoulders, or ears
• Frequent headaches

Our pediatric dentists can help you determine the cause of your child's TMJ disorder and recommend the appropriate treatment. Treatment for the TMJ will depend on the cause and severity of your child's TMJ disorder. TMD treatment may include jaw and facial relaxation exercises, lifestyle changes, restorative dental treatments, a mouth guard or night guard, or jaw surgery. To learn more about TMJ

treatment and to schedule your child's consultation with our pediatric dentists, we encourage you to contact us today, (970) 879-7976.

The mouth is a mirror for your child’s overall health and wellbeing. Your oral health is closely linked to your overall health, and we want to help your child maintain good total wellbeing by helping them maintain a healthy smile.

Your oral health can affect your overall health, and our team at A Kidz Dentist cares about your child’s well-being. During their visits, your child will learn about how taking care of their mouth can help take care of their body. Dr. White, Dr. Lance and Dr. Dryden will also provide tips or suggestions to help your child stay happy and healthy. If you want your child to receive their overall health assessment in  Steamboat or Craig, Colorado please contact us today at (970) 879-7976 and schedule your appointment with our pediatric dentists!