Tooth Development
Children's Dentist in San Jose Dr. Takeuchi

From the age 6 to 12 a child will be losing baby teeth and getting their permanent adult teeth. There are times when permanent teeth are "stuck" in the bone and gum. However, it is possible to lift back the gum and remove a small amount of bone, allowing these teeth to erupt into the mouth. By the time a child reaches age 21 years all 32 permanent teeth will usually have erupted.

First Visit
Children's Dentist in San Jose Dr. Takeuchi

We explain to the child what is going to happen and generally provide a fun interesting experience for the child. We carefully examine the development of their mouth including crowding, appearance of calcium deposits, abnormality in the number of teeth, baby bottle tooth decay, gum disease, TMJ, and signs of prolonged problems such as thumb-sucking and teething. We take x-rays when needed. We clean and polish teeth and apply fluoride when needed. We explain how a healthy diet relates to healthy teeth and we demonstrate the correct way to brush the teeth.

Baby Bottle
Children's Dentist in San Jose, Dr. Takeuchi

Baby bottle tooth decay or syndrome is a form of tooth decay that can destroy the teeth of an infant. This decay may even enter the underlying bone structure, which can hamper development of the permanent teeth. The teeth most likely to be damaged are the upper teeth. Baby bottle decay is caused by frequent and long exposure of a child’s teeth to liquids containing sugar such as milk, formula, fruit juices, pop and other sweetened liquids. These liquids fuel the bacteria in a child's mouth, which produces acids that attack enamel.

Sealants
Children's Dentist in San Jose, Dr. Takeuchi

Tooth Sealants are a proven way to help prevent cavities. Although sealants do not take the place of proper oral hygiene, they do prevent bacteria from getting into the deeper crevices in a tooth's biting surface and therefore keeping the tooth cavity-free.

Palate Expander
Children's Dentist in San Jose, Dr. Takeuchi

A palatal expander is an appliance placed in the roof of the mouth to widen the upper dental arch, which allows the arch to be painlessly separated and spread. A treatment used for younger patients. Many times a palatal expander can be used to create a proper alignment of the arches so permanent teeth have room to erupt in a natural position. Often, the use of an arch expander early may eliminate the need for braces later.

Tooth Spacer
Pediatric Dentist in San Jose, Dr. Takeuchi

A spacer maintainer is a removable or fixed appliance designed to maintain an existing space. They are usually fitted to children when they have lost baby teeth early. The gap left from losing this tooth needs to be held open for the permanent tooth to erupt in its correct postion.

Pulpotomy
Pediatric Dentist in San Jose, Dr. Takeuchi

Pulpotomy is a dental procedure in which dental pulp is removed from the pulp chamber. This is usually done on children's teeth by a pediatric dentist.

Stainless Steel Crown
Pediatric Dentist in San Jose, Dr. Takeuchi

Stainless Steel Crowns, also known as "Silver Crowns or Caps" are a very common procedure used to restore baby teeth (and sometimes permanent teeth) that have large caries or those that had a pulpotomy.

Although most teeth can be filled with a white or silver filling material, stainless steel crowns are by far the most predictable and durable option to fix baby teeth with large caries, large defects, or damaged enamel. This is particularly true in very young children that have caries at a young age, since it is preferred that this fix lasts as long as possible.