Restorative Dentistry For Kids

Space maintainers become necessary when premature baby tooth loss occurs — often due to dental trauma from falls or collisions during energetic play. These appliances preserve the empty socket where a tooth once rooted, preventing surrounding teeth from collapsing inward. This maintains proper spacing for permanent teeth to correctly emerge later.

However, naturally loosening baby teeth rarely require intervention since adult teeth prepare to descend as they do. Our team determines space maintainer necessity on a case-by-case basis — a quick oral exam and x-rays indicate if adequate eruption space exists or if intervention is needed. Remember, keeping "reserved seating" for incoming teeth ensures proper dental alignment and bite. Don't hesitate to ask us about assessing options if an untimely dental injury ever results in a prematurely lost baby tooth!

In infants, feeding difficulties like poor latching, low weight gain or colic often indicate restricted tongue mobility. Fussiness and excessive air swallowing or burping despite changing nipples signals frustration.

As kids grow, they may struggle chewing certain textures. Speech delays like omitting "t", "d", "n", "l" or "s" sounds could denote improper tongue positioning as well.

Evaluating anatomical restrictions proves difficult for parents. Please don't hesitate to consult Kids Tooth Team if you have any concerns. We calmly diagnose structural challenges and determine whether releasing ties can improve function. During a quick, compassionate exam, Dr. Alex addresses your worries, assessing severity and alignment needs. We customize treatments and exercises to gently restore comfort and development. Together, we'll ensure your little one thrives.

Outside of orthodontic preparation or wisdom teeth removal later in life, extractions only apply when no other option salvages a severely compromised tooth. Kids Tooth Team always prioritizes gentle preventive and restorative treatments first. However, sometimes previous efforts fail to resolve advanced infection or decay, requiring removal to prevent further problems.

We sensitively discuss considerations and only suggest extraction once confident a tooth cannot be conserved. Whenever we must resort to this outcome, we maintain comforting care before, during and after treatment. We also review replacement options — from space maintainers for absent baby teeth to dental implants, bridges or partials replacing lost permanent teeth.

Don't worry — we walk families through next steps if removals prove necessary for their child's health. With compassion, we make the process as smooth as possible while planning rehabilitation. Trust us to stand by your side from initial concern through long-term correction.