OUR TECHNOLOGY
Dr. Thomas and his team utilize the latest technological advances in dental equipment and techniques to ensure your child's continued oral health.
DIGITAL DENTAL x-Rays
Dental x-rays are an important tool in pediatric dentistry. As the teeth and jaw mature, x-rays provide pediatric dentists an enhanced view of your child’s oral health development and the underlying problems that may lead to complications. Depending on the condition of the teeth, jaw, and soft tissues of your child’s mouth, Dr. Thomas may use x-rays to make a diagnosis and form a plan for treatment.
We use digital x-rays, which offer an instantaneous picture for Dr. Thomas and reduces radiation exposure for your child. Digital x-rays use an electronic sensor (instead of x-ray film) that captures and stores the digital image on a computer. This image can be enlarged, helping Dr. Thomas and his team detect problems easier. Digital x-rays reduce radiation 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental x-rays.
Intra-Oral Camera
Our intra-oral camera displays your child's teeth on a video screen and allows Dr. Thomas to better see inside your child's mouth during treatment planning and dental procedures. This tool also allows him to better walk parents through the treatment plan. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and discuss your child's treatment options with you.
Nitrous Oxide sedation
Some children are given nitrous oxide/oxygen, or what is commonly called “laughing gas” to relax them for the treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a blend of oxygen and nitrous oxide, and is administered through a small breathing mask placed over your child’s nose. The gas does not put your child to sleep, but merely helps him or her to relax. While inhaling nitrous oxide/oxygen, your child remains fully conscious and keeps all natural reflexes.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes this technique as safe and effective for treating children’s dental needs. The gas is mild, non-addictive, easily taken, and with normal breathing, quickly eliminated from the body.
Oral sedation
Another option for helping nervous children relax at the dentist’s office is the use of oral sedation. Sedation involves the use of one or two liquid sedatives, which are given to the child 30 minutes to an hour prior to starting treatment. It is very important that your child does not eat or drink within four hours of their sedation appointment to prevent risk of nausea or vomiting. Sedations tend to produce feelings of drowsiness and relaxation and are not meant to make your child unconscious.
Sedation allows Dr. Thomas to provide more effective treatment, along with preventing uncontrolled movements from an anxious child.
Your child must be in good health on the day of the sedation. Any fevers or illness requires us to reschedule their appointment for safety reasons. We base the dose on your child’s body weight, age, procedure planned, and length of treatment time needed. Your child receives the medicine in the office, and can watch a movie or play quietly while we wait for the medicine to take effect. Some children are drowsy and may fall into a light sleep, but they can be awakened easily. Usually the child will be awake and cooperative, and able to follow instructions appropriately. There are several important criteria for selecting children as candidates for oral conscious sedation and we will be happy to discuss these as they relate specifically to your child. We will monitor your child very carefully during their sedation appointment to ensure their safety and comfort.
When administered according to the sedation guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry by a pediatric dentist, sedation is a safe, effective option.