The goal at Crozet Pediatric Dentistry is for each patient to achieve optimal oral health through prevention. That means caring for children’s evolving dental needs beginning with the emergence of their first tooth.
Our services include comprehensive dental care for children, young adults and special needs patients of any age.
If your child experiences a dental emergency, please call:
(434) 205-4594
Extractions
Tooth removal is often recommended in badly decayed teeth, cases of severe crowding, or in instances when baby teeth have failed to fall out on their own. Dr. Clifford is trained specifically to deal with extractions in younger patients.
Dietary Counseling
We support the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s goal of promoting nutrient-rich, balanced diets that produce a low risk for tooth decay for infants, children, adolescents and people with special health care needs.
Fluoride Treatment
Using small amounts of fluoride on a routine basis can help prevent tooth decay and Crozet Pediatric Dentistry offers safe, professional strength fluoride application. Fluoride helps prevent mineral loss from tooth enamel and helps strengthen areas that are weakened and beginning to develop cavities. Fluoride also helps reduce acid attacks that break down the tooth.
Space Management
Sometimes it is necessary to create and maintain proper spacing to allow for proper permanent dentition. We employ a variety of appliances to maintain the correct position of the teeth as the child continues to grow.
Mouth Guards
Children who are involved in sports need a mouth guard that fits properly to provide adequate protection against trauma. Dr. Clifford fits young athletes for custom-fabricated mouth guards that provide optimum protection. If your child already has a mouth guard, we invite you to let us inspect it for proper fit. It is important to have mouth guards checked by a dentist periodically, because as your child grows, mouth guards may need to be replaced.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants typically are applied to children’s molars as a means of protecting against tooth decay. They have been shown to be effective in preventing about 80 percent of decay commonly found in molars. Sealants work by shielding the grooves and pits in children’s teeth from plaque, which can lead to tooth decay.
Digital X-rays
Crozet Pediatric Dentistry uses digital X-ray technology to provide instant images and reduce radiation exposure. Gone are the days of using messy chemicals to develop film. Images are taken and instantly displayed on a computer screen for patients and parents to see.
Tooth Colored Fillings
Technological advancements have produced a wide variety of aesthetic dental treatments. Fillings made of tooth-colored materials enable Dr. Clifford to repair decayed teeth in a manner that creates a natural appearance.
Primary and Permanent Crowns
When a tooth’s structure has been compromised due to injury or severe decay, a dental crown often is necessary. Crowns protect and support the remaining tooth structure after decay has been removed or after a pulpotomy has been performed. In instances where crowns are needed for baby teeth, those teeth still will eventually fall out as normal.
Pulpotomy
A pulpotomy also is sometimes referred to as nerve treatment. It is performed when untreated tooth decay has reached the pulp, which is the hollow, inner core of the tooth that houses the blood vessels, nerves, connective tissue, and reparative cells. During this procedure, the infected portion of the nerve is removed to prevent more inflammation and to stop the spread of the decay. A sedative material is placed in the area to prevent bacterial growth and to calm the remaining nerve tissue.
Nitrous Oxide
Generally referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide often is used on fearful children undergoing dental treatment. The gas makes the patient feel less anxious and also possesses anesthetic properties.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is sometimes referred to as “conscious sedation.” It is performed by administering a mild sedative that relaxes the patient, but leaves them in a state in which they can interact with the dentist. It is commonly used during extensive dental procedures, or to enable children to be compliant while undergoing dental treatment. Children under oral sedation remain awake throughout the procedure. Prior to administering oral sedation, Dr. Clifford will conduct a thorough examination, review the child’s medical history, and educate both patient and parent about the process. We also provide detailed preoperative and postoperative instructions.
General Anesthesia
In isolated cases, it is best to complete extensive dental treatment under general anesthesia. When this is required for our patients, we perform these dental procedures in a hospital setting or in an in-office setting with an anesthesiologist.