RD Stainless Steel Crowns in Enterprise, AL

Stainless steel crowns are like normal crowns that fit over an entire tooth. They are commonly used in pediatric dentistry as a way of preserving baby teeth that have become significantly decayed or damaged. Although the baby teeth will eventually be lost to make room for permanent teeth, it is important that they are not lost prematurely.  Premature loss of baby teeth can cause complications that can affect the permanent teeth.  Stainless steel crowns provide great protection for baby teeth until they are naturally lost.

Dental anesthetics will also be used to keep your child numb and pain-free while their crown is placed.

Once your child is relaxed and comfortable, Dr. Love will begin by removing any decayed or damaged tissue from the tooth. If a root canal is needed, this will also be performed to remove decay from the inside of the pulp chamber. After all the decayed tissue is removed, your child will be fit for the crown.  Dr. Love will determine the correct size and make any modifications that allow the crown to fit. The crown will then be cemented in place over the tooth. Stainless steel crowns can be placed during a single appointment and it should last until the tooth is naturally lost.

RD Extractions in Enterprise, AL

Wisdom teeth are the last set of permanent molars to emerge. These teeth are also the most likely to require extraction, due to any of several complications. However, other teeth may also require extraction if they cannot be saved by root canal therapy or other treatment. Some of the most common reasons to have teeth extracted include:

o  Impacted tooth – tooth is trapped beneath bone or gums and not emerging properly
o  Crowding or small mouth – emerging teeth may cause other teeth to shift or crack due to lack of space
o  Decay or infection – when a tooth is affected by extreme decay or infection that cannot be corrected with filling or root canal treatment, it may require extraction

Dr. Love may recommend the extraction of one or more of your teeth if any of these issues apply to you. During your consultation, we may also recommend sedation dentistry to make your experience more comfortable.

Post-Extraction Care

After your extraction, you will need to be driven home by a friend or family member. You will require rest but lie with your head propped on a pillow to prevent prolonged bleeding.

We will apply gauze when your extraction is complete. When it becomes soaked, change it for a fresh piece. Use pain medication and ice packs as directed for pain and swelling. If bleeding continues beyond 24 hours, contact our office immediately.

For the first few days following extraction, limit your diet to soft foods. Avoid smoking or using a straw, as the pressures created by these actions can slow clotting and loosen sutures.

For more information or an extraction consultation, contact our office.

Pediatric Dental Sealants in Enterprise, AL

Children and young teenagers are popular candidates for dental sealants.

Typically, children should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth come in. This way, the dental sealants can protect their teeth through the cavity-prone years (ages 6 through 14).

In some cases, dental sealants may also be appropriate for primary (baby) teeth. For example, if your child has baby teeth with deep depressions and grooves, sealants can protect these areas. Because baby teeth play such an important role in holding space for adult (permanent) teeth, it’s important to keep these teeth healthy so they’re not lost too early.

RD Wisdom Teeth Removal in Enterprise, AL

Wisdom teeth are the last set of permanent molars to emerge. These teeth are also the most likely to require extraction, due to any of several complications. However, other teeth may also require extraction if they cannot be saved by root canal therapy or other treatment. Some of the most common reasons to have teeth extracted include:

o  Impacted tooth – tooth is trapped beneath bone or gums and not emerging properly
o  Crowding or small mouth – emerging teeth may cause other teeth to shift or crack due to lack of space
o  Decay or infection – when a tooth is affected by extreme decay or infection that cannot be corrected with filling or root canal treatment, it may require extraction

Dr. Love may recommend the extraction of one or more of your teeth if any of these issues apply to you. During your consultation, we may also recommend sedation dentistry to make your experience more comfortable.

Post-Extraction Care

After your extraction, you will need to be driven home by a friend or family member. You will require rest but lie with your head propped on a pillow to prevent prolonged bleeding.

We will apply gauze when your extraction is complete. When it becomes soaked, change it for a fresh piece. Use pain medication and ice packs as directed for pain and swelling. If bleeding continues beyond 24 hours, contact our office immediately.

For the first few days following extraction, limit your diet to soft foods. Avoid smoking or using a straw, as the pressures created by these actions can slow clotting and loosen sutures.

For more information or an extraction consultation, contact our office.

RD Nitrous Oxide Behavior Management

Most children are calm, comfortable, and confident in a pediatric dental office. Our office is designed for young people, and Dr. Love has additional dental care for children, and adolescents.  Sometimes, however, a child may feel anxious before or during treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a safe, effective sedative agent used to calm a child’s fear of the dental visit and enhance effective communication. Additionally, it works well for children whose gag reflex interferes with dental treatment.

Nitrous oxide/oxygen is perhaps the safest sedative in dentistry. It is well tolerated. It has a rapid onset, is reversible, can be adjusted in various concentrations and is non-allergenic. Your child remains fully conscious—keeps all natural reflexes—when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen. He/she will be capable of responding to questions or requests.  If this will help you child with the anxiety of seeing the dentist, he/she will end up with a much better overall experience.

RD Space Maintainers in Enterprise, AL

Space maintainers help “hold space” for permanent teeth. Your child may need one if he or she loses a baby tooth prematurely, before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. If a primary tooth is lost too early, adult teeth can erupt into the empty space instead of where they should be. When more adult teeth are ready to come into the mouth, there may not be enough room for them because of the lost space. To prevent this from happening, Dr. Love may recommend a space maintainer to hold open the space left by the missing tooth.

RD Emergency Treatments in Enterprise, AL

If you have a dental emergency, you have a problem with your teeth, gums, or jaw that requires immediate attention from an experienced dental professional. Dr. Love knows how to assess the needs of a patient who may be in pain or discomfort. At Restoration Dental, we understand the importance of addressing our patients’ urgent needs with care and compassion.

RD Sport Guards in Enterprise, AL

A custom sports guard protects upper teeth from impact injuries. For example, a football mouth guard protects your teeth and gums if you get tackled by a guy built like a refrigerator. Likewise, a basketball mouth guard protects your smile if another player extends their arms to collect a rebound and accidentally hits you in the mouth.

Sport guards can also be used for non-contact sports (like ice skating) where there’s still the risk of injury. Your dentist will help you find the best sport guard for your smile and the activities you love.

Dr. Love wants the best possible oral health for every patient.  If you child is involved in a contact sport, we will talk to you about how a Sport Guard could help.

RD Composite Resin Fillings in Enterprise, AL

Tooth decay is one of the most common oral health conditions. There are ways to prevent it, but in cases where decay is unavoidable, a dental filling is a great, natural-looking, and safe solution.  Our composite resin fillings at Restoration Dental are made of a tooth-colored, composite resin. This resin is strong, durable, and aesthetic. We gently remove decayed tissue and place your filling to help prevent further damage.

The procedure for placing a composite resin filling is a routine treatment that we do nearly every day at Restoration Dental. Here is the breakdown of the procedure:

o  Dr. Love will isolate the tooth from saliva to keep it dry
o  Any tooth decay is gently removed
o  An etchant and a bonding agent are applied, followed by the composite resin
o  A special light is used to harden each layer of composite resin material
o  After the tooth is filled, the composite resin is shaped to resemble a real tooth
o  Finally, the restoration is smoothed and polished to accommodate your unique bite