Preventative Dentistry in Villa Park

safe, accurate treatment

with digital x-rays

We are committed to efficient, compassionate dental care, and that’s why we use the latest digital radiography (x-ray) technology at Villa Park Pediatric Dentistry. Digital x-rays give our dentists a detailed, thorough picture of your child’s dental health within a few seconds, and enable our team to accurately record and track this information. This cutting-edge technology increases our diagnostic capabilities and decreases your child’s exposure to radiation. Give us a call today to learn more about our modern dental office.

Protect little teeth

with Dental Sealants

The tiny grooves that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are extremely difficult (if not impossible) to thoroughly clean. As bacteria forms on your child’s back teeth, this can break down tooth enamel and cause cavities. Tooth sealants protect your child’s teeth by sealing the chewing surfaces and preventing bacteria from residing in these areas. Sealants can last for several years and help keep your little one’s teeth safe and healthy.

keep teeth strong and healthy

with flouride treatments

Fluoride is a substance that can strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or stop it from getting worse. During this safe, non-invasive procedure, our dentists will paint fluoride varnish on the top and sides of each tooth with a small brush. The varnish is sticky, but will harden once it comes in contact with saliva.

Villa Park Pediatric Dentistry also offers Silver Diamine Fluoride. This treatment has been known to stop cavities in their tracks and kill the bacteria that is responsible for tooth decay. Also, because of the non-invasive nature of the treatment, it’s particularly useful for very young patients, special needs patients, or patients who have dental anxiety. Schedule an appointment to protect your child’s teeth today!

avoid bad habits

tips to manage thumb sucking

Thumb sucking is a natural reflex that helps children and toddlers cope with stress or discomfort. Children usually cease thumb sucking when their permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. However, persistent thumb sucking can cause improper growth and misalignment of your child’s teeth. Let our dentists know if you notice prolonged and/or vigorous thumb sucking behavior in your child.
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In the meantime, here are a few tips to help encourage your child to outgrow this habit:
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- Focus on eliminating the cause of anxiety
- Praise your child when they refrain from the habit during difficult periods
- Place a bandage on the thumb or a sock on their hand at night

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maintain healthy gums

with periodontal care

One of the most common dental health issues in America is periodontal disease (gum disease). At Villa Park Pediatric Dentistry, we want to help keep your child’s gums healthy. We offer gentle scaling and root planing to remove bacteria from under your child’s gums and smooth out the surfaces of their teeth. This treatment helps prevent gum disease and keeps your child’s teeth happy and clean. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

How Often

Should My Child See the Dentist?

Your child should visit the dentist at least once every 6 months for their bi-annual checkup and dental cleaning. During these visits, Dr. Butler will examine your child’s teeth to look for signs of tooth decay and gum disease.

 X-rays may also be taken as a part of regular checks every 3 years or because your child is presenting with a specific problem. Dental cleanings involve removing plaque buildup, polishing and flossing the teeth, and applying a fluoride varnish to prevent cavities.

On top of routine cleanings and checkups, your child should visit the dentist whenever they have signs of an oral health problem like an infection, dental trauma, tooth pain, or teeth grinding. Your child’s dentist may also recommend that they have more frequent dental visits if they are at an increased risk of cavities. 

Why Are

Preventive Appointments Important?

Preventative appointments are very important in keeping away serious oral health problems, saving time and money, as well as preserving the health of your child’s teeth and gums. By regularly attending these routine appointments, your child’s dentist can catch the early warning signs of tooth decay and gum disease before they cause severe damage.

This is especially important with gum disease because it is only reversible in the earliest stage when symptoms would be mild and could go unnoticed. By regularly getting dental cleanings, you remove plaque and tartar buildup which contribute to oral health problems.

We can also screen for oral cancer that can catch the early warning signs and ensure that your child is in good oral health. By preventing these serious oral health problems, you will save time and money on appointments and treatments that could have been avoided.

When these problems are left untreated, it can cause serious damage to your child’s teeth and gums, even leading to the need for extraction. By saving your child’s teeth, you prevent bone loss, changes to their bite, and premature facial sagging.

Are My Child’s

Preventive Appointments Covered By Insurance?

Preventive dentistry is often the only type of dentistry that is covered up to 100% by dental insurance. You will need to check with your specific insurance policy and ask them what they will cover, how much, and if there are any waiting periods.

Generally, however, preventative treatments such as cleanings, x-rays, oral cancer screenings, dental sealants, and fluoride treatments are unanimously covered by dental insurance. What is less likely to be covered or at least covered to a smaller extent is restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

Preventative appointments are medically necessary to keep cavities and gum disease at bay which is why insurance companies are inclined to cover them. They prevent the need for more invasive and expensive treatments.
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