Our Dental Services

At our pediatric dental practice, we offer a wide range of services tailored specifically for children’s oral health needs. Our goal is to provide exceptional care in a comfortable, child-friendly environment.

Preventive Dental Care

Preventive dental care is essential for healthy teeth and gums. We emphasize regular visits for children to prevent tooth decay and educate both kids and parents on oral health. During hygiene appointments, our hygienists remove any tartar and plaque, clean and polish teeth, and provide age-appropriate brushing and flossing guidance.

Dental x-rays are recommended as necessary for proper diagnosis.

Fluoride

Fluoride strengthens teeth and helps prevent decay. It occurs naturally in water and some foods and is applied in our office after cleaning. We use a gluten-free fluoride gel or, for high-risk children, a fluoride varnish for longer-lasting protection. While studies confirm the safety and effectiveness of topical fluoride, it’s essential to also brush regularly, floss periodically, eat balanced meals, limit sugary snacks, and have regular dental visits.

Dental Sealant

Dental Sealants are mainly used to protect the chewing surfaces of the permanent back teeth (molars). Sealants are used as a preventive measure against tooth decay. They fill in the nooks, crannies and crevices on the chewing surface where cavities can begin. They lower the risk of tooth decay on the chewing surfaces of molars.

White Fillings

The vast majority of fillings we place in our office are white. White fillings, unlike silver fillings, are bonded (glued) onto your teeth. They are best for small cavity restorations and ideal for stained or irregular front teeth. There are still a limited number of situations where a silver filling may be a better alternative. If this is the case with your child, we will discuss our recommendations in detail with you prior to any treatment.

Digital X-Rays

Dental x-rays provide crucial information not visible to the eye, helping diagnose decay, cysts, bone loss, and other issues. A panographic x-ray reveals the development and position of teeth and supporting tissues. With safety guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and ADA, x-rays are safe, and our digital x-rays use less radiation than traditional ones. X-rays aren’t taken at every visit; they are recommended only when necessary based on individual needs, history, and risk factors.

Crowns

When we feel that larger cavities in baby teeth cannot support a filling, we use a stainless steel or white crown to cover and protect the tooth until it naturally falls out. This method is highly effective in pediatric dentistry, as baby teeth are more prone to decay and fillings can easily fracture.

Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are custom-made, metal appliances cemented (glued) to the teeth. Properly used space maintainers will keep teeth from “shifting” and can help reduce the risk for orthodontic correction later.

Tooth Extractions

We routinely extract baby teeth in our office. Extractions are usually needed for infected/abscessed teeth, over-retained baby teeth or for orthodontics. Extraction of primary (baby) teeth do not usually present the risks and challenges that are associated with permanent (adult) teeth. We certainly understand that needing a “tooth pulled” can be an anxious time for both the child AND the parent. Be assured that if this is a procedure necessary for your child, we will review it in detail with you.

Dental Emergencies

If your child has a dental emergency during our office hours, please call our office. We provide limited after hours and weekend coverage true dental emergencies. For after hours emergencies, call, 574-850-4168.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is a mild sedative we often use to help children relax during dental visits. It induces a calming effect, sometimes making kids feel giddy or “floaty.” This safe, well-tolerated gas raises pain tolerance, reduces the gag reflex, and helps children feel comfortable. It’s mixed with oxygen and inhaled through the nose, with flavors like root beer or watermelon to make it pleasant. Nitrous oxide doesn’t put children to sleep and has no lingering effects, as it clears from the body quickly. It’s not a replacement for local anesthesia but helps minimize discomfort.

Frenectomy

A frenectomy is a common soft-tissue procedure that is performed on infants and children. It refers to the removal of the tight connective tissue (or frenum) from under the lip or under the tongue. Using a soft tissue laser, Dr. Cara Kilgore provides frenectomy services primarily for infants in order to improve nursing and breastfeeding and occasionally on children to aid in speech development and in coordination with orthodontic treatment. A soft-tissue laser minimizes discomfort and improves healing. Simple stretching exercises are required to minimize scar tissue and ensure the best healing possible.

General Anesthesia

The vast majority of children in our practice can be managed very well by Dr. Fishbaugh, Dr. McCrea, Dr. Kilgore, and Dr. Spiritoso. They are all very experienced in managing children’s behavior. However, some children present unique treatment challenges that required a different approach. Children with acute anxiety, extensive treatment needs, pre-cooperative behavior, or special health care needs are often candidates for treatment under general anesthesia. We provide this service as an out-patient procedure at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka.