San Antonio Pediatric Dental Services

       Initial Oral Examination

Your first visit at our office is very important in establishing your dental health baseline.  Dr. Karimi will perform a complete oral examination which includes an analysis of your occlusion and a thorough examination of your teeth, their supporting structures and of the oral anatomy. 

       Radiography

Using the most advanced dental technology possible is just as important as staying up-to-date on the latest treatment techniques. Because our practice is dedicated to providing your family with the safest and most convenient treatment options available, we utilize advanced digital X-ray technology in our office. Digital X-rays provide several advanced imaging options designed to save time, provide clearer dental photos, and expose our patients to 90% less radiation than with traditional X-ray technology.

       The Preventive Program

Teeth, both primary and permanent teeth, survive best in an oral environment that is free from harmful pathogens. Our dental hygiene program is designed to help prevent decay, preserve teeth that have been restored and keep your child's teeth as clean and healthy as possible.. At the initial visit with our hygienist, oral hygiene instructions are reviewed and are reinforced at subsequent recall visits. Dr. Karimi recommends that each child be seen at least twice a year for a dental prophylaxis.

       Fluoride Treatments

We strongly recommend that every child who receives a cleaning in our office also receives a fluoride treatment. These treatments contain a high level of fluoride in which a gel or fluoride foam is placed in a tray which sits in your child's mouth for 1-4 minutes. These treatments increase the hardness of the tooth's enamel and makes your child more resistant to tooth decay.

       Restorations

Traditional dental restoratives for primary and permanent teeth include amalgam and composite. Each of these materials are still utilized and each has its own indications for use. We are also proud to provide restorations using the newest generation resin and ceramic materials which duplicate both the appearance and function of natural tooth structure.

       Stainless Steel Crowns

Primary teeth with extensive decay, very large restorations, and fractures that cannot be filled with regular restorations may require stainless steel crowns. These crowns cover the remaining existing tooth structure and provide a durable restoration. These crowns allow the primary molars to be retained until it is time for them to exfoliate and the permanent tooth to erupt. Usually, the crowns are silver, but crowns with tooth-colored facings are available.

       Pulpotomies

A pulpotomy is necessary if decay enters the nerve or pulp chamber of a primary tooth. A pulpotomy is in essence a root canal treatment for a primary tooth. Dr. Karimi will remove the infected tissues in the crown portion of the tooth. The nerves, blood supply, and tissues in the root(s) are not removed. A medicated filling will then be placed into the space where the nerve was removed. In many cases, teeth that receive a pulpotomy should be restored with a stainless steel crown.

       Space Maintainers

One of the main purposes of primary teeth is to act as a space maintainer for the permanent teeth which will erupt as the child enters adolescence. Occasionally, a primary tooth is absent, lost early or needs to be extracted. In these cases, it is important to maintain the space for the permanent tooth to erupt. In order to preserve the space, Dr. Karimi will fabricate a space maintainer for your child. There are two types of space maintainers. One is a "fixed" space maintainer which gets cemented into the patient's mouth and will stay there until the permanent tooth erupts. The second type is a "removable" space maintainer, which resembles a retainer, can be removed from the mouth and should be worn until the permanent tooth erupts.

       Mouthguards

If your child participates in any recreational sport where there may be contact, we recommend having your child wear a form-fitted mouthguard which may be fabricated at our office. Mouthguards help prevent injury to the teeth and may protect against head and neck injuries by cushioning blows that might otherwise cause concussions or lead to jaw fractures.