General Dentistry
Dental Cleanings & Exams
Routine dental exams and cleanings are an essential part of maintaining a healthy smile, especially for children.
Developing smiles are particularly prone to decay, so it is particularly important for kids to have regular visits to the dentist. We are pleased to offer gentle cleaning services and thorough dental exams at
Orem Pediatric Dentistry.
- GENERAL DENTISTRY TREATMENT OPTIONS
If it turns out your child has cavities or needs other dental treatment, we offer several different options. Our first priority is always what’s best for the child, including their emotional and mental health during and after the appointment.
Our WaterLase technology allows us to treat 85% of children pain-free without anesthetic. However, some patients still need numbing, and sometimes, we recommend general anesthesia if a patient is too young to withstand painful but necessary treatment.
Speak with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child’s treatment options.
Dental fillings are an important part of many dental services, such as cavity treatment. At Orem Pediatric Dentistry, we are pleased to feature tooth-colored composite fillings. Dr. R. Bruce Howell uses composite fillings made from glass, because they can restore and strengthen a tooth while also blending in beautifully with the rest of patients’ smiles.
Dental fillings can come in a variety of materials, including various metals and even gold. While metal fillings, including mercury-containing amalgam, are commonly-placed and generally effective, they can leave patients feeling self-conscious about their appearance. They can also expand over time, leading to the need for replacement. Finally, many parents are concerned about mercury poisoning and the effects of having heavy metals in the mouth for extended periods of time. That’s why Dr. Howell uses composite dental fillings instead of amalgam. Not only are composites non-toxic, but they’re a stronger, better-looking option for your child.
The process for placing fillings is quick and comfortable, only requiring a single visit to our office. First, any decayed or damaged area of the tooth is carefully removed. Our pediatric dentist often uses our state-of-the-art WaterLase® dental laser, eliminating the need for drills and shots.
Once the decay has been removed, Dr. Howell fills the area with tooth-colored composite material. It is carefully sculpted and shaped to match the original structure perfectly, then cured with a special light.
When a tooth requires a more extensive restoration than is reasonable to achieve with a dental filling, Dr. R. Bruce Howell will often recommend a dental crown. Dental crowns (also referred to as “caps”) are designed to fit over the top of damaged teeth, restoring both their function and appearance. They strengthen a patient’s smile while blending discreetly with the surrounding teeth.
Patients may need dental crowns for a variety of reasons, including to protect a tooth after root canal therapy or to repair a tooth damaged from accident or injury. Dental crowns are made from gold, metal, or ceramic materials, based on the patient’s situation and preferences. Durable stainless steel crowns are often recommended for primary teeth, while tooth-colored zirconia or ceramic crowns are typically placed in permanent or visible teeth.
Receiving a dental crown typically takes two visits to Orem Pediatric Dentistry. During the first visit, Dr. Howell will prepare your child’s tooth by shaping it and removing any decay. He may use our WaterLase® dental laser, for a more comfortable and precise procedure. Your child will then receive a temporary crown while the final restoration is created. On the second visit, our team will place the final crown, ensuring that it fits and functions properly.
Cultivate Love of the Dentist
Open Saturdays & Weekday Evenings 5 PM- 7 PM!
Bring your child to see us to ensure the best possible experience at the dentist, on top of the best oral care in Utah Valley.