AGE ONE VISIT

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children should visit the dentist within 6 months of the first tooth erupting, no later than 12 months of age. Early preventative care gives children the best chance at being cavity free. Studies have shown that compared to children that started dental care at age 1, those that started later ended up with more expenses and required more treatment.

OUTINE PREVENTATIVE VISITS

All children should have preventative care appointments, including an exam, cleaning, fluoride treatment and if needed, x-rays. Doing this twice a year is recommended, although some children who are at a higher risk for cavities may need to come every three months to stay healthy. At these visits, our doctor can monitor any changes in your child’s oral health and diet and be able to make recommendations for any treatment needs. Our goal is to provide individualized guidance and support, to help your child have great oral health for a lifetime. We always encourage our parents to play an active role in their child’s oral health.

DIGITAL X-RAYS

Digital x-rays are invaluable diagnostic tools, they help our doctors ability to diagnose decay between the teeth, infection, cysts, tumors, bone disease, missing and unerupted teeth all of which are not visible during a clinical examination.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends x-rays every six months to help detect cavities that can’t be seen by the naked eye, but the frequency is often less depending on your child’s risk for cavities. The amount of radiation by using digital x-rays is very minimal. Moreover, our team uses the utmost caution in protecting and minimizing your child’s exposure to radiation by using lead aprons with Thyroid collars and the most up-to-date equipment.

FLUORIDE

When your child comes for their dental cleaning, a topical fluoride will be placed on their teeth following the exam. Fluoride helps strengthen any areas of weakened enamel and can remineralize places that are beginning the process of forming a cavity. Our fluoride treatment reduces your child’s cavity risk by over 30% when done twice a year. In some instances, dietary fluoride supplements may be recommended depending on a child’s home water source for those that are at a high risk for cavities.

SEALANTS

Sealants are used to help prevent decay by protecting the deep grooved and pitted surfaces of the teeth, especially the chewing surfaces of back molars where most toothbrushes cannot reach. Research shows that sealants help protect against cavities for many years with the help of good oral hygiene and avoiding biting into hard objects or foods like ice or hard candy that might chip the sealants.

RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY

Should your child need any restorative treatment, our doctors and clinical team will review the treatment plan with you and answer any questions you may have. We provide each service with the utmost consideration to the patient. You are welcome to accompany your child during treatment. This allows our doctors to show you how they are providing the best care for your child. It also provides an opportunity for them to explain how you can take an active role between visits to ensure the dental health of your child. One of the ways our doctors accomplishes natural smiles is by keeping as much natural tooth structure as possible. With their conservative approach, your child will only receive necessary treatment on the teeth needed. The end result is beautiful and natural!

Resin composite fillings (white fillings)
Sealants
Space maintainers and habit therapy appliances such as for thumb and finger sucking
Stainless steel and resin based crowns
Pulpotomies (nerve therapy)
Extractions

EXTRA CARE FOR ANXIOUS CHILDREN (SEDATION AND HOSPITAL DENTISTRY)

Our doctors realize that a child’s experience at our dental practice can shape how he or she feels about dentist and dentistry for a lifetime. At Sunset Children’s Dentistry we strive to create positive and happy dental visits for all patients. As much as we focus on our patients comfort, we realize that other methods are often needed for dental procedures. We offer in-office, oral conscious sedation, to help your child overcome dental fears and receive the care they need without anxiety.

We also offer Hospital dentistry. Often, it is necessary to provide a child’s dental treatment in the operating room setting either due to the extent of dental needs, the child’s fears, or sometimes due to a child’s special medical history. Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Jackson, has operating room privileges at Palmetto Surgery Center and Prisma Health Hospital (Richland Campus) in Columbia, SC.

EMERGENCIES

We are always available to address your child's dental emergency. Please contact the office after hours to receive the emergency contact information and how to reach Dr. Kathi Sample & Associates.