In addition to spotting cavities early, X-rays are used to examine erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, evaluate injury, or plan orthodontic treatment. In general, children need X-rays more often than adults because their mouths grow and change rapidly. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

There are two types of tooth stains - intrinsic (internal stain) and extrinsic (external stain). Intrinsic stains occur from within the tooth, and cannot be removed by brushing and flossing; bleaching may also not be effective. Some causes of intrinsic staining occur from tooth injury, certain medications

Root canals are rarely needed in children. However, there are instances when a root canal becomes necessary in an older child. Before root canal therapy came into practice, if your child had a tooth with a diseased nerve, she'd probably lose that tooth. Underneath each tooth's outer enamel is an area

Guidance eruption is a method used to create enough room for crowded lower permanent incisors. Crowding can often be seen with the eruption of the permanent teeth of the lower jaw at 6 to 7 years old. The permanent incisors will usually compensate for this crowding by erupting behind the primary teeth.

Many children associate the high-pitched whirring of a dental drill with pain. Just the sound alone can make even adults wince. Air abrasion is an especially good option for children who may be afraid of the needle, and the noise and vibration of a regular dental drill. Air abrasion procedures are

There are three basic kinds of fillings used to restore teeth after decay is removed: amalgams, composites and stainless steel crowns. Amalgams Most dental amalgams are silver in color and are made from a mixture of mercury and an alloy of silver, tin, and copper. Mercury makes up about 45-50 percent

Cosmetic dentistry is an important part of overall dentistry. In some cases, people elect to have cosmetic dentistry performed on their children in order to improve their smile and overall appearance. In others, cosmetic dentistry is chosen in order to reverse or repair a defect that, while not harmful

In most cases, a tooth may need to be pulled when other less radical procedures, such as amalgams or restoration, make it impossible or imprudent to save your child's original tooth. Advanced anesthetic techniques today greatly minimize discomfort associated with a tooth extraction. First, the area