Dental Services

• Sedation Dentistry
• Special needs

These are the dental services we provide for your child:

Examination: An exam is performed to diagnose health, disease, and abnormalities. This information is used to provide a treatment plan for your child.

Cleaning and Fluoride: Teeth are cleaned to remove biofilm (bacteria) and calculus (hard plaque/tarter) that can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Topical fluoride (teeth vitamins) is applied to the teeth to make them stronger and help resist tooth decay. A cleaning and fluoride treatment every six months has been shown to be very effective in prevention of dental disease. We recommend your child visit the dentist every six months.

Oral Hygiene Instructions: Our philosophy is based on prevention. We use large dental models to show proper brushing techniques, and flossing to maintain good oral health. We will provide you and your child with dental hygiene instructions that will help maintain good oral health at home.

X-rays: These are taken to determine bone and teeth health, cavities, missing or extra teeth, and possible abnormal growth. Bitewings, periapicals, and panoramic radiographs are types of x-rays and are taken depending on age, clinical exam, past history and caries rate.

Sealants: A great way to prevent cavities. This is a plastic coating placed on molars to prevent decay. They can last for a long time but may have to be replaced due to grinding or chipping.

Composite or Tooth Colored Fillings: This material is used to restore teeth that are decayed or fractured depending on location and size. Composite can be used to match the shade of your teeth.

Stainless Steel Crowns: When teeth have large cavities for which fillings cannot be used or are very close to the nerve, crowns are placed restore the tooth.

Pulp Treatment or Pulpotomy: If the decay has spread to the nerve, this procedure is performed to avoid extracting the tooth. The nerve is treated and a sedative material is placed.

Extractions: Baby teeth erupt at different times in mouth. When the cavity has infected the tooth beyond the point of restoration/crown or is abscessed- extractions are required to protect the adult tooth which is developing under the infected tooth. Extractions are also performed for orthodontic reasons. Often with extractions, space maintainers are placed.

Space Maintainers/ Orthodontics: are placed to hold space for permanent tooth when the baby tooth is lost prematurely or extracted. The spacer prevents teeth from drifting into that empty space. Mild Cross-bite can be corrected using orthodontic appliances.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): is used to relax patients that have a gag reflex or are apprehensive.

Sedation dentistry: Children with extensive dental needs, medical condition, or apprehension may require IV Anesthesia or sedation dentistry. It provides safe, comfortable dental treatment for patients with anxiety, or special needs. As a pediatric dentist, Dr. Goyal has extensive training in sedation dentistry. Sometimes called relaxation dentistry, sedation dentistry is a method of managing pain and anxiety during professional dental care through the use of medication. Dr. Goyal will discuss sedation options and patient monitoring for the protection of your child.
You can benefit from sedation dentistry if you experience one or more of the following:

• High fear of dental care
• Complex dental problems
• Traumatic dental experiences
• Fear of needles and shots
• Trouble getting numb

Treatment with Nitrous Oxide / Oxygen (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas”, is administered nasally with oxygen to the child. This is to help your child relax during the dental procedure and they are conscious and reactive. Sometimes Nitrous oxide/Oxygen is not effective for some children, especially those who have severe anxiety, nasal congestion, extensive treatment needs, or refusal to wearing a nasal mask. If a certain type of sedation fails, we can offer other methods that might work for your child such as IV Sedation.
During the use of the laughing gas, your child can be watching a movie or listening to music during this procedure. We recommend minimal food as to limit any sedative effects such as dizziness. Oxygen is used to reduce this effect. It is still important to watch your child after completion of treatment. Remember your child may have had local anesthesia for the dental procedures so watch for accidental biting of check, tongue, or lip.

Treatment with Intravenous (IV) Sedation

This is another method pediatric dentist use to treat anxious children or those who have extensive treatment needs. With the help of an anesthesiologist, your child will sleep throughout the procedure. Oxygen levels, breathing, and heart rate will be properly monitored. It is normal for your child to be sleepy, drowsy, or excited after the IV sedation. They may come in and out of sleep as the medications begin to subside. The mouth may feel numb and your child may be irritated due to this. It is recommend giving water after the sedation and restricting activity for twenty-four hours. Close observation is necessary as the medications may linger on for several hours and nausea can occur after twenty-four hours. If this occurs, please contact our office and the anesthesiologist if there is difficulty in breathing. Please do not hesitate to call the emergency room or 911.

Special needs: Our office treats children with special needs. Dr. Goyal and his staff are trained to take care of children who are mentally and physically disabled. We understand the challenges in taking care of the dental needs of your child and can set up appointments to fit your schedule. The office is designed to be physically accessible to your child. Dr. Goyal will tailor an individual treatment plan and emphasize preventative strategies for your child.