Family & Pediatric Dentist in McLean, VA

Pediatric dentistry specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral health problems in young patients of all ages. As an American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (click here) member, Dr. Etessam has received special training to care for children’s dental health. She monitors the growth of children’s teeth and educates parents about dental care products designed specifically for young children. Dr. Etessam also has the necessary skills for treating mentally or physically disabled children.

SmileMcLean Dentistry provides the following pediatric dental services:

Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless steel crowns are used to preserve decayed baby teeth to prevent them from being lost prematurely. After removing the decayed tissue, a stainless steel crown can be placed over the affected tooth to protect it.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Composite resins are tooth-colored fillings that closely resemble natural tooth enamel in appearance and texture. Composites offer significant advantages over amalgam fillings, which are silver-colored. Composite fillings are more aesthetic and can be placed to correct small cracks or cavities in the teeth.

X-Rays

Diagnostic X-rays are taken to aid Dr. Etessam, your pediatric dentist, in identifying hidden dental problems that cannot be detected during a visual examination. These include areas of decay that may not be apparent to the naked eye and problem areas beneath the gums. Dental x-rays can also allow Dr. Etessam to monitor the development of permanent teeth below the gum line.

Dental Cleaning

Prophylaxis, or a preventative dental cleaning, is routinely performed by Dr. Etessam to remove built-up plaque and tartar on the teeth’s surface. Routine brushing can only remove dental plaque and cannot remove plaque that has hardened into tartar. A specialized dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the teeth surface, including areas often missed by brushing alone. This helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease caused by bacteria in plaque.

Fluoride

Fluorides help strengthen a child’s teeth to protect them from cavities. Fluoride also helps repair teeth that have been damaged by decay. Fluoride treatments are usually applied after teeth cleaning.

Cavities

Cavities are holes in a tooth caused by tooth decay or cavities. In this disease, bacteria mix with food particles left on the teeth to create acids that eat away at tooth enamel. Cavities can be restored with tooth-colored fillings. However, larger cavities may require a stainless steel crown.

Early (Interceptive) Orthodontic Care

Early orthodontic care can be performed on children who show signs of an improperly aligned bite. Treatment helps prevent crooked smiles, speech problems, difficulty chewing and swallowing, and other dental problems. It also minimizes the amount of orthodontic treatment needed in the future.

Extractions (Tooth Removal)

Tooth extraction may be required when a tooth has been badly damaged or decayed or if there is overcrowding in the mouth. Dr. Etessam’s priority is always to try and save as many teeth as possible with restorative treatment. However, tooth extraction can be the best treatment when this is not possible.

Root Canal Therapy (Baby Root Canal)

A root canal is a treatment that removes the nerve from a decayed or damaged tooth and fills the interior with protective material. Root canals are done on primary teeth as well as permanent teeth. Unlike root canals for permanent teeth, root canals performed on primary teeth may only require the removal of decayed tissue, some of the dental pulp, OR all the pulp tissue. The treatment will depend on the extent of the decay inside the tooth.

Treatment of children and adolescents with disabilities

Dr. Etessam has received special training to treat pediatric patients with disabilities, including those with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome, or other childhood disorders. She ensures each child is comfortable in the most friendly environment. Doing so helps patients and their families have the best dental experience possible.

Sealants

Sealants are anti-cavity resin coatings applied to textured surfaces on the biting edge of molars to prevent cavities from forming in those grooved areas. The sealant is painted onto the teeth in a dental office, where it hardens into an almost clear plastic coating that sticks to the enamel of your child’s teeth for years.

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is an inhaled form of sedation used during a dental procedure to help your child relax. It works well for children with special needs, those who are afraid of the pediatric dentist, and those who cannot remain still for an extended time. The effects of nitrous oxide only last while inhaling, which means your child will bounce back to their usual selves as soon as their appointment is over.

Visit Your Pediatric Dentist in McLean, Virginia

If you are looking for a friendly and professional pediatric dentist in McLean, Virginia, contact our dental office, SmileMcLean Dentistry, today. Dr. Neda Etessam has years of experience working to deliver excellent results that will leave your child with a healthy smile for years to come.