Pediatric Dental Care in Greer, SC

At Greer Pediatric Dental Care, we are committed to making dental care fun and educational. Since 2007, we have served children, young adults, and those with special needs in a caring, nurturing environment. Our practice is designed to help your child feel safe and comfortable, while giving them the confidence to take charge of their oral health habits. Our dentist and staff understand the importance of helping young patients develop positive associations with oral health and dental care. We strive to make our services fun so our patients can achieve and maintain great dental health habits for life.

Infant “Well Baby” Dental Exams

For patients under two years of age, we offer a free initial consultation. This visit is our chance to get to know you, your baby, and to establish our practice as your “dental home.” We look forward to meeting you and your child and working with you to create a personalized treatment plan and strategy to ensure your child has optimal oral health from the start.

24 hour Emergency Call Number

Please call us immediately if your child faces a dental emergency during or after hours. During regular hours, our staff is here and ready to answer all questions and address your concerns. We will work to see your child as soon as possible. For after-hours emergencies, please call us at 864-879-7977 for care and after-hour instructions.

Oral Hygiene Instructions

As a pediatric dental practice, we know the importance of establishing good dental care at an early age. We focus on helping each child develop good oral hygiene habits. In addition, during regular visits, we clean the mouth to help prevent bacteria growth, which directly contributes to cavities, gingivitis, gum disease, and other dental disorders. Regular brushing and flossing helps to prevent cavities. For added cavity protection, we utilize fluoride treatments and dental sealants.

Dietary Counseling

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry promotes well-balanced, nutrient-rich diets that present a low-risk of tooth decay for children, adolescents, and people with special health care needs. To help protect your child from decay, it is important to limit sugar, starches, and juices (especially after brushing teeth at night). We also recommend limiting soft drinks, juices high in sugar, and candy.

In-Office Professional Strength Fluoride Application

The benefits of using fluoride to help prevent tooth decay have been known for over 50 years. Fluoride is naturally present in almost all foods and water supplies. It helps to strengthen areas of a tooth which are weakened and beginning to develop cavities, as well as prevent mineral loss. Our in-office fluoride treatments complement your at-home dental routines. Together, we will discuss if your child will benefit from professional fluoride treatments.

Space Maintenance & Management

As your child grows, we will monitor the spacing between their primary teeth, as it has a direct influence on how their permanent teeth emerge. We use a variety of appliances and techniques to help the teeth maintain the correct position.

Custom Fabricated Mouth Guards

If your child is active in sports, having a custom mouthguard will help protect their teeth and mouth from potential trauma. We will work with you to determine which type of mouthguard is best for protecting your child’s smile. We will ensure their mouthguard fits properly for adequate protection.

Preventative Sealants

Sealants are a dental treatment that helps prevent tooth decay, by acting as a barrier from plaque and acids on the tooth’s surface. It has been shown that dental sealants are about 80 percent effective in preventing decay commonly found in molars.

Digital X-rays

Digital radiography offers many advantages over traditional x-rays. This includes minimal radiation exposure, better picture quality, and better dental records. This type of x-ray allows us to instantly view the images, enlarge them for a better view, and then make a better, more accurate diagnosis for your child.

White “Tooth-Colored” Fillings

To help create a natural appearance, we use tooth-colored or composite fillings. This type of filling has replaced silver restorations over the past few years, and will allow your child to smile with confidence. Composite fillings are less noticeable than other types of fillings and offer a better aesthetic and structural result than silver fillings.

Primary & Permanent Crowns

A dental crown is used to protect a cracked, broken, or severely decayed tooth. For baby teeth, a crown is also used after some or all of the pulp area of a tooth has been removed. Because primary teeth are so small, a crown is necessary to preserve structure and function. For permanent teeth, a crown restores strength, aesthetics, and function to the tooth.

Pulpotomy / Nerve Treatment

The enamel of baby teeth is very thin compared to permanent teeth. This makes it easier for tooth decay to infect the pulp and nerve area of primary teeth. When this happens, your child will have to receive a pulpotomy. During this treatment, some of the pulp or nerve tissue above the gum line is removed, along with decay. A layer of sedative filling material is placed in the cavity after the area is thoroughly cleaned. This provides further protection to the remaining nerve tissue.

Extractions

An tooth extraction is necessary when removing a tooth is the best option for restoring a patient’s oral health. We recommend tooth removal when teeth are badly decayed, severely crowded, or when a baby tooth has failed to fall out on its own. We will ensure your child is comfortable during their treatment and we will provide you with detailed post-extraction care and instructions.

Nitrous Oxide / Laughing Gas

For patients who feel anxious while in the dental chair, nitrous oxide — otherwise known as laughing gas — can help your child feel calmer during treatment. This type of sedation is considered safe by both medical and dental professionals. The gas is administered through a flavored mouthpiece and is quickly eliminated from the body through normal breathing.

Oral Mild to Moderate Sedation

This type of sedation is a way of relaxing a child without them losing consciousness. This type of treatment is recommended for children who have mild to moderate anxiety. It is usually used for kids who have trouble managing their anxiety, and need help calming themselves. This lowers the chance of injury and provides a more enjoyable environment for the patient. After all, it’s hard to treat a moving child!

General Anesthesia within a Hospital Setting

For patients with special needs, it may be necessary to complete dental work in a hospital-like setting, under general anesthesia. This ensure they receive the care and treatments they need and deserve. Sleep dentistry may also be a successful treatment route for patients who are physically or mentally handicapped, children or young adults with serious dental phobias, and sick children with high risk of developing complications.