Services

We strive to achieve optimal oral health through prevention first. With prevention in mind, we care for the dental needs of infants starting with the eruption of their first tooth. We provide a complimentary infant “well baby” dental examination for new patients before the age of two. Our commitment to prevention continues at each visit for patients of all ages through a individualized anticipatory guidance discussion in dietary counseling, oral hygiene instructions, fluoride usage, dental development, injury prevention, and oral habits. In addition, at each dental visit we evaluate the developing occlusion or “bite” of the teeth to determine if and when appropriate orthodontic intervention is necessary. When appropriate we also render preventative sealants to cover the deep grooves of the teeth from cavity-causing bacteria and plaque.

When intervention is necessary to restore carious teeth we provide silver amalgam fillings and white “tooth-colored” fillings. When indicated by the extent of the cavity we restore the form and function of the primary or permanent tooth with a full coverage crown. We also perform extractions of primary and some permanent teeth when indicated. Dr. Mary and her team are committed to constant improvement through continued education in the application of the latest techniques to give your child the best care available.

Our goal is to always give your family the most positive experience possible. Being a pediatric specialty practice, we are trained to be aware of the individual dental and emotional needs of the growing child. We always give age-appropriate personalized attention to each child in a nurturing manner so that the most safe and effective treatment can be rendered. Most children are cooperative and able to tolerate routine dental care. Sometimes however, the sounds, tastes and fear of pain can elicit negative reactions.

In addition, if multiple restorations are required and/or several visits are expected it can induce stress and anxiety in the child. Differing levels of sedation can be a useful adjunct to administer the best quality of care. Based on an evaluation of the individual’s needs we make recommendation of extra “tender loving care”, nitrous oxide sedation, oral mild to moderate sedation, or general anesthesia.

The heart of our practice is in building a trusting relationship with our patients and their families. We promise to always give you the options to facilitate the best care and allow you to make the informed decision on the care you want for your child’s dental needs.

• Comprehensive dental care for children, young adults and patients of all ages with special needs
• Infant “well baby” dental examinations
• 24 hour emergency call number
• Oral hygiene instructions
• Dietary counseling
• In-office professional strength fluoride application
• Space maintenance and management

  Space maintainers: to adequately maintain the space for the permanent tooth after a baby molar tooth has been prematurely lost. A space maintainer will help to prevent shifting of adjacent teeth and space closure so that the permanent tooth might erupt into its proper place. The type of space maintainer that is necessary will depend on your child’s dental development and the particular tooth that has been prematurely lost.

  Cross Bite correction: an appliance to correct an abnormal relationship between the upper and lower teeth during the child’s developing years. When a cross bite exists it changes the way chewing is performed. Without correction muscular and skeletal/boney abnormalities can occur. Our extra training in pediatrics help us to have an in depth knowledge of the growth and development of the child’s teeth, mouth and face and to intervene when necessary and appropriate.

  Habit Appliances: to aid in the cessation of a prolonged oral habit. Sucking is a normal reflex reaction that helps to soothe young children. Generally children will stop a pacifier, thumb or finger habit on their own around the age of 3. Depending on the duration, frequency and intensity of the sucking habit, dental orthopedic changes can occur. If the habit ceases by 36 months of age the dental effects are typically reversible. If the habit persists, however and positive reinforcement schedules have not been successful than intervention with a dental appliance is sometimes necessary.

  [ close ]

• Custom fabricated mouth guards
• Preventative Sealants

  White “tooth colored” plastic material that is applied to the grooves and pits of a tooth to “seal” out plaque and cavity causing bacteria to reduce the risk of a cavity forming on the tooth. When placed and properly cared for the sealants are very effective in reducing cavities on the chewing surface of the tooth. However, proper brushing and flossing is essential to prevent cavities and ensure good oral health.

  Our office stands behind the quality of our work. If any sealant that is placed in our office ever needs to be adjusted or “touched-up” we will provide that service at no-charge as long as the patient has continually practiced good oral habits and returns every six months for routine evaluations.

  [ close ]

• Digital x-rays, which minimizes the radiation exposure
• Silver amalgam filling and White “tooth-colored” filling

  This is an alloy that has long-term success with durability and wear, particularly in high stress areas of the mouth, and requires less technique sensitivity when placed. Due to the unaesthetic look of silver fillings it is best suited for the back of the mouth where obvious visibility will be minimized.

  The FDA has deemed dental amalgam to be completely safe. Years of research and over 200 studies have led the FDA to the conclusion that amalgam fillings do not place patients at any increased risk for mercury associated adverse health effects. See article here.

  [ close ]

  Resin plastic material that has great esthetic appeal and allows for more conservative preparation of the affected tooth structure. With advances in dental technologies, white fillings are coming close to amalgam/silver restorations in strength and longevity, however adequate tooth isolation is necessary to avoid contamination, which can compromise the integrity of the bond of the filling to the tooth structure.

  [ close ]

• Primary and permanent crowns

  A metallic full-coverage crown to protect and support the remaining tooth structure when there has been extensive decay or after a pulpotomy has been performed. In baby teeth the ssc will exfoliate (fall out) as would a normal tooth.

  [ close ]

• Pulpotomy/nerve treatment

  Requires the removal of the crown’s portion of the nerve when it has been affected by a large cavity, but leaves the root’s portion healthy and in tact. This occurs more often in the baby teeth than in the permanent teeth due to their relatively large nerve and thin enamel. After a pulpotomy is performed it is necessary to protect the remaining tooth structure with a full coverage crown.

  [ close ]

• Extractions
• Nitrous oxide/laughing gas

  An extremely safe adjunct to help reduce anxiety and nervousness associated with dental procedures. This “happy air” gives a feeling of warmth and most children experience a pleasant “floating” sensation. The gas is easily titrated to give optimal effects and is completely reversible within a few minutes to allow your child to return to their pre-procedure state prior to leaving the dental office.

  [ close ]

• Oral mild to moderate sedation

  More commonly referred to as “conscious sedation” because it involves the administration of one or more mild sedative agents to give a profound level of anxiolysis but still allows the patient to respond purposefully to verbal or tactile stimulation. It is most commonly used for extensive dental procedures, or to facilitate coping skills in young children to deliver safe and effective care. With in-office sedations, the patient is awake throughout the procedure and is more calm and relaxed than with nitrous oxide alone. Prior to any sedation procedure we will complete a through examination and medical history and educate you about the sedation process. At this time we will also give you preoperative and postoperative instructions and allow you to ask any questions that you might have regarding your child’s care. The particular medications used are dependent upon many factors, some of which are listed below:

  1. Age
  2. Weight
  3. Airway Evaluation
  4. Presence of medical/systemic conditions
  5. Level of anxiety
  6. Extent of dental treatment needs

  [ close ]

• General anesthesia within a hospital setting

  Involves the use of sedative agents, administered by experienced medical or dental anesthesiologist, to place your child in an unconscious state for dental treatment. The recommendation is based upon what is in the best interest of the child’s wellbeing. We always strive to give your child a positive dental experience; therefore we will work with you and your child to accomplish this and provide the best outcome for everyone. It may be recommended if:

  1. Your child is very young or at a pre-cooperative developmental state
  2. Your child has a medical compromising condition
  3. Extensive dental treatment needs are necessary
  4. Moderate to severe anxiety prohibits safe and effective dental care

  [ close ]

  • Dr. Mary has privileges for the Greenville Hospital System as well as the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System for your convenience.