Children’s Dentistry – Barnegat, NJ
Protecting Their Growing Smiles for A Lifetime
Because your child’s healthy smile begins at birth, we are proud to offer children’s dentistry from the moment their first tooth erupts to adulthood. While regular oral health care may not seem as important on baby teeth that will only fall out eventually, the truth is that these primary teeth set the stage for their permanent smile, saving space so they erupt in the right order and in the correct place. Here’s a closer look at some of the children’s dentistry treatments we offer in Barnegat, and how they’ll benefit your child’s gorgeous, growing, grin!
Why Choose NU Dental Barnegat for Children’s Dentistry?
- Warm, Caring Dental Team
- Dental Insurance Welcome & In-House Membership Plan Available
- Never Miss School with Convenient Evening Appointments
Kids’ Dental Checkups & Cleanings
The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist every six months for regular dental checkups and cleanings. These appointments allow your child’s dentist the opportunity to check the progress of their growing smile, including monitoring their teeth and gums for things like cavities and gum disease, as well as growth and development issues like wisdom teeth or bite placement.
Dental Sealants
Keeping kids' teeth cavity-free is one of the most important parts of pediatric dental care, and one we take seriously. Dental sealants in Barnegat are thin, and durable coatings that shield the chewing surfaces of your child's back teeth. For children who are still developing strong oral hygiene habits, sealants are another layer of protection that can make a real difference. Read more below to see how this treatment works and if you decide to give it a try, call our office to schedule an appointment for your child.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin polymer coatings applied directly to the chewing surfaces of back teeth where cavities are most likely to develop. These teeth are full of tiny grooves and pits that are difficult for small hands to clean thoroughly, making them a popular hiding spot for bacteria.
Once applied, sealants fill in those grooves and create a smooth, easy-to-clean barrier that significantly reduces the risk of decay. The treatment is quick, completely painless, and requires no shaping or removal of tooth structure.
How Are Dental Sealants Placed?
Placing dental sealants is one of the quickest and most comfortable procedures we offer young patients at Nu Dental Barnegat. Here's what your child can expect:
First, our team will clean and dry their teeth. Then, a mild solution is applied to the surface to gently roughen it, which helps the sealant adhere securely to their enamel.
Next, the sealant material is carefully painted onto the chewing surface. It starts as a liquid, flowing into the grooves and pits of the tooth. Once coated, a special curing light is used to harden the material quickly over a few seconds.
After the material has set, our team will check adherence and make any small adjustments to ensure your child's bite feels comfortable. The whole process is fast—usually over and done within just a few minutes per tooth. Afterward, your child can eat and drink normally right away.
Who Should Get Dental Sealants?
We typically recommend dental sealants for children and teenagers, as these age groups have newly developed molars that are vulnerable to decay. We like to put sealants on first and second permanent molars as soon as they come in—typically between ages 6 and 12. This protects them during the years when cavity risk is highest.
That said, sealants aren't just for kids. Adults with deep grooves in their back teeth and no existing decay or fillings may also benefit from them! During your child's regular checkup, our team will evaluate their teeth and let you know whether sealants are a good fit. If you'd like to get the conversation started sooner, contact us to schedule a visit.
Fluoride Treatment for Children
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in many of the foods your child already enjoys. It is also added to many toothpaste brands, mouth washes, and public water supplies to strengthen the enamel of the teeth. It can often be provided as a treatment at the end of your child’s dental cleaning to help rebuild lost enamel and protect against cavities and decay. This treatment is completely painless, takes just a few moments to apply, and your child can resume eating and drinking in about an hour.
Children’s Tooth Extractions
If your child needs a tooth extracted due to excessive decay or damage or even wisdom teeth that are impacted or could put their smile at risk for crowding, an extraction may be necessary. At Nu Dental Barnegat, we can safely and comfortably remove these troublesome teeth without needing to refer you to an outside dentist. This means your child will already be comfortable with their dental team, which can help alleviate much of the stress and anxiety that can sometimes occur in these situations.
Dental Fillings for Kids
Dental caries or cavities is the most common chronic illness in American children. In fact, over half of all kids between the ages of six and eight have had a cavity in their baby teeth. If your child is suffering from tooth decay, don’t write it off because they’re only going to lose their primary teeth. Protecting baby teeth is essential for ensuring proper growth of their permanent smile. At Nu Dental Barnegat, we’re proud to offer dental fillings for children of all ages, so your family’s smiles can grow healthy and strong.
Children’s Dental Crowns
For teeth with extensive decay that cannot be repaired with a traditional filling, we are pleased to offer dental crowns for children. These restorations fit over the tooth like a hat or cap, protecting the tooth while blending in seamlessly with their smile, eliminating the need for extraction and alleviating pain caused by severe dental damage.