Services

Well Check Exam and Cleaning

When a child reaches the age of four, we recommend that they begin regular exams and teeth cleanings. At this visit, your child will get a new toothbrush and go over brushing and flossing methods. The child will then have their teeth cleaned and we will go over any areas of concern and demonstrate an effective method of reaching those areas. Then a topical fluoride is applied to your child's teeth. If the child is due for any x-rays they will be taken at this visit. Dr. Todd will check your child's teeth for any cavities or other abnormalities. Then Dr. Todd will go over the details of the appointment with you.

Tooth Colored Fillings

Using amalgam or “silver” fillings is now a distant memory for the Children's Dental Health Center P.C.; we now use a plastic based composite filling. The great thing about this improved filling material is that we can match the color of the surrounding teeth leaving little evidence any flaw ever occurred.

Sealants

Sealants are a service that is offered to almost all of our patients. Sealants are a plastic based protective coat that is painted in the grooves of the teeth. This sealant is used to help protect the vulnerable chewing surface of molars against decay. Dental hygiene (brushing and flossing daily) is still required with sealants, but they will help protect the teeth. We guarantee our sealants!

Space Maintainers

When trauma, large cavities or accidents happen to young teeth, it may be necessary to extract a tooth. If this is a tooth is lost prematurely, it may be necessary to place a space maintainer. These are appliances (usually made of plastic or metal) that are designed to hold the space the tooth was in. They keep the other teeth from shifting into that space and out of alignment. Oftentimes they are used to avoid the need for more expensive orthodontics later on.

Oral Hygiene Instruction

For children that have difficulty grasping or embracing the importance of dental hygiene, we offer dental counseling. This service pairs your child with a dental hygiene professional and together they come up with a routine that suits the individual and accomplishes oral hygiene. We maintain this service with frequent follow ups.

Fluoride

At each well visit we offer our patients a topical fluoride treatment. This treatment is foam (a variety of flavors) that we brush on the teeth. We suggest using fluoridated toothpaste as well as a dental application twice annually to prevent tooth decay. We do not condone any ingested fluoride tabs. Children under two should not have fluoride!

Thumb (or finger) Appliances

For some children thumb (or finger) sucking is a continuous battle that is very difficult to stop. After every effort has been expired it may be necessary to place an appliance to alleviate this habit. A thumb appliance is an appliance placed on the back teeth and the roof of a young child's mouth making it almost impossible to suck, thus breaking the habit for good. We typically use a thumb appliance as a last resort.

Behavior Guidance

For some children, especially those that are very young, dental work can be difficult. We offer a service at Dr. Steinmetz office for these apprehensive children. Behavior management is not a service for a “bad” child. It is a service to ensure that an appointment runs smoothly and quickly. We provide extra attention for this child including additional help and no interruption. Your child's appointment is efficient and their time spent in the dental chair is minimal.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is an option given to families with a young child, special needs child, and in some cases a child with serious disease, or a child that has a great amount of anxiety to treat dental related issues. General anesthesia is offered at the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital as an outpatient procedure. While your child is anesthetized (asleep), Dr. Steinmetz and his staff can provide the needed treatment quickly and affectively without any consequence to the child. General anesthesia has risks anytime it is performed, but we remain confident that these risks are minimal and that the benefit of proper treatment outweighs them.

Second Opinions

We encourage and offer second opinions. When it concerns pricey dental treatment or orthodontics a second opinion can offer a different view of the situation, or reassurance on the previously presented treatment plan. We can transfer models, x-rays, and treatment notes between our office and other dental offices in town and otherwise to make the experience of a second opinion more cost affective.

Stainless Steel Crowns

When there is a large cavity in a primary (baby) tooth, a filling may not suffice. These cavities have typically gone into the nerve of the tooth. In this case the best option for restoration would be to place a Stainless Steel Crown on the tooth. The crown is very strong and it surrounds the entire tooth. It will allow the tooth to last and withstand the biting forces. This restoration is treatment for the back primary teeth that are less visible. If a crown is needed for a front tooth, we have crowns with a tooth colored finish. Permanent teeth will have several other options for crown choices.

Other

If you have any questions about any other services that we offer, please give us a call at (406)586-8112.