Preventive Dentistry   |   Sealants   |   Restorative Treatment   |   Special Needs Dentistry   |   Nitrous Oxide

Sedation Dentistry   |   Laser Dentistry   |   Digital X-Rays   |   Traditional Braces   |   Clear Braces 

Preventive Dentistry

Routine visits will start your child on a lifetime of good dental health. Even before the first dental visit, you should be cleansing your child’s teeth with a moist cloth after each feeding.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children to be initially seen by a dentist by one year of age or six months after the first tooth has erupted. Beginning dental visits early is the key to success, as these visits assist us in recognizing and addressing potential problems before they become serious.

Dr. Farrah and our Fairfax Corner Pediatric Dentistry staff will teach you how to protect your child's dental health by providing a personalized program of brushing and flossing. We examine your child to detect any potential problem areas, provide diet counseling and if necessary, fluoride recommendations. Becoming an active participant in the preventative oral health program we develop for you child will help ensure your child grows up as part of a cavity free generation.


Sealants

A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces (grooves) of the back teeth (premolars and molars), baby and adult teeth. This sealant acts as a barrier to food, plaque and acid, thus protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth on the chewing surfaces. Sealants are checked periodically to ensure that they remain intact and are free from ledges. Having your child avoid chewing ice or hard candies will prolong the life of the sealant. Sealants provide valuable decay protection for your child, and may be covered by your dental insurance.
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Restorative Treatment

Despite everything we have our children do - brushing, flossing and regular dental visits - restorative dentistry may be necessary. 

What exactly is restorative dentistry? Restorative dentistry is any dental procedure that fixes problems caused by decay and disease, such as routine fillings, crowns, cosmetic bonding to repair a broken tooth, and space maintainers.

Dr. Farrah and our Fairfax Corner Pediatric Dentistry staff will thoroughly discuss your child's treatment options with you, so that you will understand the benefits these procedures provide to the long term dental well being of your child.
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Special Needs Dentistry

Part of the specialty training a pediatric dentist receives includes the treatment of children with special needs. We understand that children with special needs require special care. Some children with special needs are very susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease or oral trauma. Others require medication or diet detrimental to dental health. Still other children have physical difficulty with effective dental habits at home. We will work with you to establish a preventive dental treatment program for your child. Dental disease is preventable, and if dental care is started early and followed conscientiously, every child can enjoy a healthy smile.
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Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is most often used for children who are mildly or moderately anxious or nervous. It eases their fears so that they can relax and receive treatment comfortably and safely. Nitrous oxide is administered by placing a small mask over your child's nose. Your child will be asked to breathe through his or her nose and not through the mouth. As the gas begins to work, the child becomes calm, although he or she is still awake and can talk with the dentist. When the gas is turned off, the effects of sedation wear off almost immediately. As the child gets older and becomes more comfortable with the dentist, nitrous oxide may not be needed. Nitrous oxide is safe, easily taken and always delivered mixed with oxygen. When the treatment has been completed, the nitrous oxide is turned off and oxygen is delivered for 5 to 10 minutes to help flush the child's body of the gas. The effects of nitrous oxide should disappear as oxygen is breathed. Sometimes, nitrous oxide can make a child feel nauseous. It's best that a child not eat too much beforehand. Also, if your child is congested or has trouble breathing through the nose, nitrous oxide may be less effective.
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Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry is a unique service we provide. Some children, for a variety of reasons, cannot tolerate routine dental restorative procedures while awake. Using general anesthesia, these patients can be treated in the office utilizing an out-patient anesthesia service.

What is Sedation Dentistry?  Traditional sedation dentistry is regular pediatric dental work (fillings, crowns, extractions, X-rays, etc.) performed while the child is asleep utilizing a general anesthetic. Our board certified anesthesiologists place the child under general anesthesia and monitor the patient throughout the procedure and recovery phases. This allows the pediatric dentist to perform the dentistry under more ideal circumstances and helps prevent the development of a lifelong fear of dental treatment.
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Laser Dentistry