Common Procedures

For children experiencing oral health issues, we have treatments available for them.

Ectopia

Are you seeking effective treatment for ectopic canines in pediatric dentistry? Smile Country Dental, with two conveniently located offices in Napa and Santa Rosa, offers comprehensive dental care for children, including managing ectopic canines.

Ectopic canines typically occur in the Buccal Vestibule, requiring appropriate intervention to guide them into their correct positions. One common approach involves using braces combined with a surgical technique using a gold chain or straight wire. This procedure involves uncovering the tissue that covers the impacted tooth, attaching a chain or wire to the tooth crown, and placing the tissue back over the tooth, allowing the chain or wire to protrude from the gum.

A gold chain is often used to retrieve the ectopic canines for illustrative purposes. The chain is connected to the tooth crown, and a flexible archwire is linked to the chain, creating an active force. Monthly adjustments are made by moving up to the following link on the chain, gradually encouraging the impacted canine to erupt. A regular bracket can be attached once the impacted canine has sufficiently erupted. A more flexible wire is added directly to the bracketed canine, helping guide it into its proper position within the dental arch. This process typically takes 8-12 months to complete.

At Smile Country Dental, our experienced dentists are well-versed in treating ectopic canines in children. We offer personalized treatment plans tailored to each child's unique needs. We aim to guide the impacted canines into their correct positions, ensuring optimal dental alignment and function.

If your child requires treatment for ectopic canines, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation at Smile Country Dental.

Pulpotomy

Pulpotomy is a common procedure in pediatric dentistry. Smile Country Dental has two offices in Napa and Santa Rosa and provides dental care for children, including pulpotomy procedures.

In cases where baby teeth have extensive caries (cavities) and experience some degree of pain, it may be necessary to remove the "coronal" (top) portion of the tooth's nerve before placing a filling or a crown, preferably. The primary objective of this procedure is to preserve the baby tooth, as baby teeth play a crucial role in maintaining adequate space for permanent teeth to erupt. Pulpotomies have demonstrated success rates ranging from 60% to 90%, making them reliable and effective for saving badly decayed baby teeth.

Trust Smile Country Dental for exceptional pediatric dental care. Please schedule a consultation at our Napa or Santa Rosa office to discuss the best action for preserving your child's tooth.

Silver Caps for Children

Understanding the use of stainless steel crowns (SSCS) in pediatric dentistry. Recently, there has been a growing discussion surrounding using Stainless Steel Crowns (SSCs) in certain states. This has prompted many parents to seek more comprehensive information from their dental care providers regarding the use of SSCs and explore alternative options. It is important to note that SSCs have been a trusted dental treatment for over 50 years, catering to both primary and permanent dentition.

In the case of primary teeth, SSCs are typically recommended for teeth with extensive caries (involving two or more surfaces) or teeth that require pulp treatment, such as pulpotomy or pulpectomy. They are also utilized for teeth that need to remain in the mouth for an extended period when other materials may not provide adequate durability.

Like natural primary teeth, SSCs can become loose and eventually fall out. They function just like regular teeth and require the same level of care. However, it's worth mentioning that alternatives to Stainless Steel Crowns do exist, particularly for front teeth. These alternatives can include:

  1. Prefabricated SSCs with a white facing bonded to the front.
  2. White caps are created using a filling material (commonly known as strip crowns).
  3. Modify a standard SSC by creating a window in the front and filling it with a white filling material.

At Smile Country Dental, we prioritize comprehensive and transparent communication with parents. We are committed to addressing concerns and providing the highest quality pediatric dental care. Schedule a consultation to discuss the best treatment approach for your child, considering the use of SSCs and alternative options available.

Strip Crowns

Are you looking for an alternative to traditional crowns for treating primary incisors (top baby teeth) with significant caries? Smile Country Dental offers strip crowns as an aesthetic and practical solution. Let's explore the advantages of this procedure for restoring the beauty and functionality of your child's primary teeth.

Strip crowns, called 'white crowns,' utilize the same material as 'white fillings' to fix decayed primary incisors. With careful case selection and proper application, these 'fillings' can provide lasting results for at least two to three years, preserving the integrity of your child's teeth.

When strip crowns may not be suitable, Smile Country Dental offers stainless steel crowns with 'white' facings. These crowns provide an aesthetic alternative, ensuring a natural-looking appearance while effectively restoring the functionality of primary teeth.

Our experienced dentists at Smile Country Dental prioritize your child's dental health and aesthetic needs. During your consultation, our dental team will discuss all available options for aesthetic restorations on primary teeth, addressing any concerns you may have. We are committed to providing comprehensive care and helping your child maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.

Schedule an appointment today to explore the various treatment options and find the best solution for your child's primary teeth.

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Thank you so much. I avoid the dentist at all cost. Everyone made me feel welcomed and very comfortable. I will definitely be returning. Very friendly and experienced staff. Everyone there are very caring and gentle with fast appointment scheduling. I have been to many bad dentists before. I'm so glad I found this place! They also have a discount program if you have no dental insurance! I've already referred 3 people who will be making appointments, I believe one is there as we speak! It was actually FUN going to the dentist! I had no anxiety, no pain, and no problems! Best experience with DDS ever! I had a broken tooth requiring a crown. The process took two appointments - the first appointment I was fitted with a temp crown, the second appt the temp crown was replaced with a permanent. Both appts were great, the dentist and tech were super. My orthodontist is special. She conducts herself with charm and friendliness that are such reassuring traits helping me relax and be fully comfortable in her care. I trust her professional knowledge and skills without reservation. I am so very pleased that she is my orthodontist.