Cavities and Fillings
Dental fillings are used to treat different dental problems like cavities and broken teeth. Teeth are usually filled with a material called composite resin, which is designed to look like natural teeth.
Composite resin takes a little longer, though most people still prefer it because it creates natural-looking teeth. It takes more than one layer, and a special light is used to harden the area around the filling.
Emergency Dental Care
If your child is experiencing a dental emergency and the office is not open, please contact the office phone number and there is an emergency phone number to reach the dentist!
If it is a severe dental emergency and cannot wait until the office is open, please go to the nearest emergency center.
Fluoride
We believe that fluoride works well to strengthen children’s teeth. It also has been shown to help prevent tooth decay in people of all ages.
For this reason, the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Medical Association believe that topical fluoride is necessary for good oral health.
Because of this, you may be wondering if your child needs fluoride treatments. Often water is enhanced with fluoride, so additional fluoride treatments are not necessary.
IV Sedation
At Brody Pediatric Dentistry, we offer IV sedation to help children who experience high anxiety, have special needs, or require extensive dental work. This safe, effective option allows your child to sleep through their procedure while our licensed anesthesiologist (Mellow Kids), pediatric dentist Dr. Bula, and our dental team closely monitor them from start to finish.
IV sedation is ideal for young patients who may have difficulty staying still or completing treatment while awake. In our Aventura location only, we’re committed to providing stress-free, high-quality dental care in a safe, caring environment.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is a safe and gentle way to help children feel calm and relaxed during their dental visit. It is often recommended for children who feel nervous, have trouble sitting still, or need a longer procedure. When nitrous oxide is used, your child breathes it in through a small nose mask, and it works quickly to ease anxiety while allowing them to stay awake and comfortable. Many children feel light, calm, or even a little giggly while using it. Nitrous oxide has been used in pediatric dentistry for many years and we monitor your child closely the entire time. The effects wear off within minutes after the mask is removed, so your child can return to normal activities right away.
Oral Health Exams
We truly believe that regular dental examinations are important in order for your child to have good dental health and a smile of which he or she can be proud. We start by doing a professional cleaning, removing all of the bad tartar and other buildup on your child’s teeth.
We then do an examination, looking to catch and fix any problems before they become bigger ones. We examine each tooth, looking for any signs of decay, damage, or any other problems, such as signs of infection. We want to correct any problems your child may have before they get any worse.
Preventative Dentistry
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday to prevent dental problems and early childhood caries (ECC).
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing and restoring your child’s teeth to keep their smile healthy and strong. If a tooth is affected by cavities, damage, or wear, we use gentle treatments to bring it back to normal function and appearance. Common restorative treatments include tooth-colored fillings, crowns, and other simple procedures designed specifically for children. We collaborate with orthodontists and other dentists to correct dental issues that lead to a positive dental health experience. Our goal is to fix problems early to prevent further damage, and help your child eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Sealants
Dental sealants are a quick and easy way to protect your child’s teeth from cavities. They are thin coatings of resin placed on the grooves and chewing surfaces of the permanent molars, where food and bacteria often get stuck. These areas can be hard for kids to clean well, therefore, sealants act as a barrier to help keep teeth healthy.
Sealants are usually recommended when permanent molars erupt around ages 6 to 7 and again around 11 to 13. The process is fast, painless, and does not require any drilling or numbing. The tooth is cleaned, the sealant is applied, and then it is hardened with a special light.
With good care, sealants can last for several years. During regular checkups, the dentist will make sure they are still in good shape. Sealants are safe and work best when combined with daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits to keep your child’s smile strong and cavity-free.
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a safe, quick, and non-invasive treatment used to help stop tooth decay and prevent cavities from getting worse. It is applied as a liquid directly to the affected tooth, without the need for drilling or numbing, making it a great option for young children or those who feel nervous about dental treatment.
SDF works by killing bacteria and strengthening the tooth, helping to slow or stop the spread of decay. One important thing to know is that it can turn the treated area dark in color, which is a sign that the decay has been stopped. This treatment has been used for many years and is considered safe and effective. It is often recommended for children with early cavities, those who have difficulty sitting through longer procedures, or when a temporary solution is needed to protect the tooth.