Dr. Kitley and his caring staff provide the following services:
Age one dental visit (recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry)
A child’s first dentist appointment should be within six months of the first tooth’s arrival or when a child turns 1. Since even the youngest children can get decay, it is important to visit the dentist regularly. You might be thinking “How is my 1 year old going to sit still for the dentist?” During these early visits we aren’t expecting toddlers to sit in the dental chair. They will be more comfortable on a parent’s lap. We expect toddlers to act like toddlers, not adults. Laughing, crying, shyness and smiling are all a frequent part of any little one’s day. It’s OK. This visit is intended to be educational for parents so that you will know what you can do to prevent oral problems. Both parents are welcome to be present!
Dental Cleaning
A dental cleaning makes it possible to properly examine all the teeth. Plaque, tartar and staining are removed to reveal the bright teeth underneath. The cleaning is an opportunity to help kids and parents understand where improvements in home care can be made. If there are trouble spots we’ll let you know how to address them before they become cavities.
Low Dose Digital X-rays
X-rays help us look at areas of the teeth invisible to the naked eye. We can diagnose cavities earlier in their development with an X-ray, making more conservative treatment possible. X-rays are taken when appropriate based on a child’s development and individual cavity risk factors, not according to a prewritten schedule. Dr. Kitley will be happy to explain when and why X-rays are recommended. We use digital X-ray sensors which save time and prevent unnecessary X-ray exposure.
Sealants
Sealants fill in the deep grooves and pits on the biting surfaces of teeth. This prevents tooth decay from forming in those areas. Of course, sealed teeth still need to be brushed and flossed, but sealants make it much more likely the teeth will stay healthy for decades to come.
Tooth restorations/fillings
We use tooth-colored fillings called composites to fix cavities. In most cases you won’t even be able to see where the filling is.
Pulpotomies
The pulp is found at the center of every tooth. The main goal of pulp therapy is to save a tooth that is becoming infected. This keeps infection from spreading deeper and killing the tooth. A medicine is placed deep into the tooth, then a filling or crown is placed over the medicine. Children are kept comfortable during this short procedure.
Extractions
Tooth extractions can be necessary for many reasons. Some teeth are too diseased to save. There are times when a tooth is too damaged or broken. Sometimes a child’s orthodontist recommends extractions to help align the teeth properly. We work closely with area orthodontists and can provide that service. We will always do a thorough examination and go through your options with you to help you determine the best course of action for your child.
Pediatric Crowns
In cases where the tooth is too weakened by decay to be fixed with a filling, a crown may be needed. A crown can protect the tooth and hold it together. Crowns can also fix teeth that are broken. There are different kinds of crowns and options will be discussed to help you decide what treatment will be best for your child to receive.
Space Maintenance
Space maintainers are used when children lose their baby teeth early. This sometimes happens due to trauma or when teeth are not fixable due to excessive decay or infection. When a tooth is lost other teeth will shift to fill in the space. Though this sounds good, it can actually cause spacing and alignment problems when the adult teeth start to come in. A space maintainer is used to fill in the space where the tooth is missing so that the adjacent teeth don’t shift. It is removed when the permanent tooth starts to come in.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide is a way to help an anxious or impulsive child feel comfortable and relaxed for dental treatment. It also helps in children with an easily-triggered gag reflex.
Conscious Sedation
During this type of sedation, a child remains conscious but is very relaxed and may feel drowsy at times. They are typically able to sit still for longer periods of time which makes it possible to complete needed dental work in one single visit. Conscious sedation is appropriate for extremely anxious, fearful or uncooperative children, for children needing a lot of treatment, and children with special needs. Dr. Kitley has the education, training, certification, and skill to administer this type of sedation safely and effectively.
Hospital Treatment
In some cases, it is appropriate to perform dental treatment under general anesthesia in a hospital operating room. Dr. Kitley does these cases at Central DuPage Hospital where the facilities and staff are excellent.
We also offer:
- Laser frenectomy (for tongue-tie and lip-tie)
- School Exams/Forms, as mandated by the State of Illinois for children in Kindergarten, grade 2, grade 6, and grade 9.
If you have any questions about our services, please contact us today at (630) 986-1234.