Children’s Dentist Altavista
Helping Small Smiles Stay Healthy
Children’s smiles are at-risk of oral health problems because they’re still in the learning stages of picking up healthy habits, like properly brushing their teeth every morning and night. Our Hooks Family Dentistry team is friendly and always strives to leave a positive impression on little ones who visit us so they’re excited to come back. We offer a variety of kid-friendly dental treatments to help reduce their risk of common oral issues, like cavities, and keep their small smiles healthy. If it has been longer than six months since your child had their last dental appointment, call our dental office today for children's dentistry in Altavista!
Why Choose Hooks Family Dentistry for Children’s Dentistry?
- Fun, Friendly, & Experienced Dental Staff
- We Accept & Maximize Dental Insurance
- Family-Friendly Appointment Scheduling
Dental Checkups & Cleanings for Kids
Just like adults, young patients also need to attend at least two dental checkups and teeth cleanings a year with our staff. You can trust us to always personalize your child’s care to fit their current level of emotional maturity, starting with very gentle evaluations and then building up to more in-depth care as they need it. Our available services feature multiple options that are ideal for growing smiles, such as dental sealants that can protect back teeth and fluoride treatment which will strengthen enamel and help prevent cavities.
Dental Sealants
Like the name implies, dental sealants are designed to “seal” the chewing surfaces of back teeth and effectively keep out food particles and harmful bacteria that like to gather there while your child enjoys their favorite foods. Our dentists typically recommend this simple preventive service for children who may still be learning how to brush and floss properly, but they can also be good for adults who suffer from oversensitivity to tooth decay.
Silver Diamine Fluoride
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an FDA-approved treatment designed to arrest cavities and rebuild lost tooth enamel. If our dentists spot the early signs of decay on one of your child’s teeth, we can simply apply the silver diamine fluoride liquid to the tooth to stop the decay from spreading. The fluoride in the liquid will help rebuild lost tooth enamel as well, which is the outermost protective layer of the tooth, helping your child fight off reoccurring decay.
Pulp Treatment
When tooth infections arise in temporary teeth, our team at Hooks Family Dentistry can help. We offer pulp treatment to remove the infected portion of your child’s pulp, which is a collection of soft tissue and nerves within their tooth. This will erase their discomfort as well as preserve their natural dental structure, preventing issues like premature tooth loss and future orthodontic issues.
Tooth-Colored Fillings for Kids
Cavities are one of the most common oral health problems among children because they’re still learning how to properly brush and floss their teeth. If your little one experiences dental decay, we offer tooth-colored fillings to seamlessly treat them and prevent additional damage to their pearly whites. Using a composite resin, we’ll fill their affected tooth. Because this material is biocompatible, it’s able to fuse with the tooth enamel to create a tight seal that keeps harmful oral bacteria out.
Special Needs Dentistry for Children
Our team at Hooks Family Dentistry is happy to see young patients with physical and developmental disabilities, allowing you to rest-assured knowing your little one will be receiving the top-tier care they deserve. Simply call our office before your child’s appointment and let us know how we can help them feel right at home.
Sedation Dentistry for Kids
If your child experiences dental fear or anxiety that makes them want to avoid the dental office at all costs, our team offers safe nitrous oxide sedation that can help. We simply place a small nose mask onto your child that allows them to breathe in a colorless, odorless gas, allowing them to sit back and relax throughout their cleaning or treatment. This helps minimize feelings of fear or anxiety in the future as well, helping them feel less hesitant about visiting the dentist.
Non-Nutritive Oral Habits
Infants and toddlers often develop a coping habit of sucking on their thumb, a blanket, or pacifiers to help them feel calm and safe. While this is completely healthy, if they don’t naturally break it before most of their teeth have begun to grow in, it could affect their oral development and put them at a higher risk for needing orthodontic treatment down the road. Our team offers tips and advice on how to help your little one break these habits before they begin shaping the development of their oral cavity.