Kids Dentistry

At Sullivant Dentistry, we’re committed to creating positive, comfortable dental experiences for children from the very first visit. Our goal is to help kids build healthy habits while feeling safe and confident at the dentist.

How Can You Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit?

Here are a few simple ways to help your child feel at ease before their appointment:

• Start with a routine teeth cleaning so they can get familiar with the office and meet the dentist or hygienist
• Read books about visiting the dentist together
• Talk through what will happen during the visit in a calm, reassuring way
• Share positive experiences about your own dental visits

When Does Your Child Need a Filling?

In some cases, a filling may be needed for a baby or adult tooth. If so, we use a gentle local anesthetic to keep your child comfortable while removing the cavity.

At Sullivant Dentistry, we use tooth-colored (composite) fillings for children. These blend naturally with the tooth and provide a safe, durable solution.

What Are Stainless Steel Crowns and When Are They Used?

For larger cavities, stainless steel crowns are often the best option for protecting your child’s tooth. These crowns are highly durable and typically last until the baby tooth naturally falls out.

The process is simple—similar to finding the right size shoe. Once fitted, the crown is placed securely over the tooth. Your child may need a short adjustment period, but they quickly get used to it.

What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) and How Does It Work?

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a quick and non-invasive treatment used to slow or stop tooth decay. It’s applied directly to the affected area and works by releasing silver and fluoride ions over time.

SDF is best used for:

• Early-stage cavities
• Preventing decay from worsening
• Situations where the cavity is not causing pain or infection

It’s often part of a broader preventive care plan.

Why Might a Child Need an Extraction or Space Maintainer?

Sometimes, a baby tooth may need to be removed due to decay, infection, or because it’s blocking the proper eruption of a permanent tooth.

If a tooth is removed too early and the permanent tooth isn’t ready to come in, we may recommend a space maintainer. This helps keep the proper spacing so the adult tooth can grow in the correct position.