Who is the Doctor?
Our doctor is Dr. R. Bruce Howell, DDS, MS, FAAPD. Dr. Howell is an honors graduate of BYU and the University of Washington School of Dentistry. He has been practicing since 1985.
DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. It is the highest degree that can be earned by a doctor in the field of dentistry.
MS stands for “Master of Science.” Some dentists earn this degree in addition to their DDS degree. It’s awarded subsequent to a special residency program. A residency program is a training program done just after graduation from medical school where the doctor holds a full-time job in a healthcare setting in order to gain experience in his specialty. A doctor’s residency lasts from three to seven years.
FAAPD stands for “Fellow of AAPD”. The AAPD is the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. The term “fellow” in a professional association refers to doctors who have distinguished themselves through contributions to the dental profession.
Dr. Howell was also recognized in 2021 as one of America’s Best Dentists. Through a combination of expert treatment, exceptional care, and attention to the specific needs of each patient, Dr. Howell has combined artistic and technical expertise to produce excellent results in thousands of patients.
Can You Tell Me About the Orem Pediatric Dentistry Office?
Orem Pediatric Dentistry is located at 442 W. 800 N.— between State St. and the Veteran’s Memorial Highway—in Orem.
Office Hours are Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. except first Friday of each month 8:00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. We are open the third Saturday of each month. We are the only pediatric dentist in Orem that’s open every 3rd Saturday of each month and until 7 PM on weekdays. We are closed on Sunday.
We have created what we believe is the ideal environment for you child to receive the best care in a positive and fun way. Every patient is educated on the importance of oral hygiene. Our team is specially trained to work with children to make sure they receive the best dental care possible. We strive to be the standard of dental care for them, because they deserve it. Our primary focus is for the prevention of dental disease as well as giving every child a “Hollywood smile” that they and their parents can be proud of.
What Are the Orem Pediatric Dentistry Services?
General Dentistry
General dentistry focuses on the overall maintenance of oral health, including the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common dental issues. General dentistry services include routine check-ups, exams, and cleanings – to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues; gum disease treatment – to help in managing gingivitis and periodontitis; and fillings and restorations – to treat cavities and repair damaged teeth. A recent breakthrough in treatment of small cavities allows your child to avoid expensive and painful drilling. If we can diagnose the cavity soon enough, we can heal the cavity with a special compound that eliminates the need for further treatment.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery is a branch of dentistry that focuses on surgical procedures involving the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. It includes treatments such as tooth extractions (including wisdom teeth removal), dental implants, and treating oral diseases or infections. Some procedures can be done in a dental office under local anesthesia, while more complex surgeries may require general anesthesia in a hospital or surgical center.
Our team here at Orem Pediatric Dentistry is committed to doing whatever possible to prevent the need for dental extractions.
WaterLase® No–Shot Dentistry
Waterlase® is a dental laser system that combines laser energy with a stream of water to perform a variety of dental procedures with minimal discomfort. It is commonly used for cutting soft and hard tissue in the mouth, including gums, enamel, and dentin, without the need for drills or scalpels.
Lip Tie Treatment
A lip tie is a condition where the piece of tissue (the labial frenulum) connecting the upper lip to the gums is too thick, short, or tight. This can restrict the movement of the upper lip, potentially causing difficulties with breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, speech, or oral hygiene.
If the lip tie is mild and not causing issues, no treatment may be necessary. Many children outgrow minor lip ties without intervention. In mild cases, stretching the tissue can help improve mobility.
In some cases, a frenotomy (laser release) may be indicated. This is a simple procedure where we use a laser to release the tight tissue. It is quick, and healing is usually fast. Aftercare includes gentle stretches to prevent reattachment.
In more severe cases, especially in older children, a frenuloplasty (surgical revision) may be required. A frenuloplasty is a more advanced procedure done under local or general anesthesia, involving stitches.
Mouth Guards
A mouth guard is a protective device worn over the teeth to prevent injuries to the teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw. It is commonly used in sports, dental treatments, and for conditions like teeth grinding (bruxism). A mouth guard can help prevent dental injuries and reduce the risk of chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth, as well as jaw injuries. A mouth guard also protects the soft tissues of the lips, cheeks, and tongue from cuts and bruises.
Dr. Howell recommends that your child wear a mouth guard if she or he participates in any contact sport.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
We look forward to helping your child with his or her oral health requirements in safe, positive, and fun way. Please let us know how we ban be of service!
Call (801) 802-7220 or email us at [email protected]
