Children’s Dental Clinic Providing Care to Set Patients Up For a Lifetime of Good Oral Health

In dental care, as in healthcare in general, children are not just small adults. Young people have unique dental health needs as they move from infancy to toddlerhood, childhood, and adolescence, and can benefit from the care of specialists who are trained and experienced in working with children. Pediatric dentists are also skilled in communicating with children of different ages and developmental levels to let them know what is happening and decrease fear and anxiety.

Many parents believe that as long as children brush their teeth, there is no reason for them to see a dentist unless a problem arises, but routine dental care – visiting a pediatric dentist for a cleaning and exam every six months – is key to a lifetime of good oral health. Many dental problems only develop noticeable symptoms, like pain or swelling, after the problem has persisted over time. The pediatric dentists at the UH Rainbow pediatric dentistry can spot warning signs of problems before they become emergencies, preventing painful and expensive dental problems from developing.

Why is dental care necessary for children who still have baby teeth?

Baby teeth will fall out and get replaced by adult teeth, but it is still important to keep them healthy. Tooth decay is painful and can affect how a child looks, acts and learns. Infection from decayed baby teeth can spread to other parts of a child's body and cause health problems. Decay and infection in baby teeth can also cause damage to developing permanent teeth. The American Dental Association recommends that children should begin regular dental checkups by 1 year of age. Children should visit a pediatric dentist for a cleaning and exam every six months.

Pediatric Dental Services Provided at UH Rainbow Pediatric Dentistry

In-office services include routine screenings and cleanings, as well as restorative procedures to bring your child’s teeth back to good health. Restorative dentistry includes:

• Filling cavities
• Crowns
• Extractions (removing teeth)
• Pulpotomies and pulpectomies (treating the nerve)
• Space maintainers (preventing other teeth from shifting when a baby tooth is missing)

UH Rainbow Pediatric Dentistry also provides care for emergency issues, such as a chipped or broken tooth, loss of a permanent tooth, severe toothache, or serious injury.

If your child needs extensive or complicated procedures, the pediatric dentists at Rainbow Pediatric Dentistry may recommend use of general anesthesia in an operating room to keep your child safe and comfortable during the procedure.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call: 216-844-3080.

Dental Care for Children with Special Healthcare Needs at UH Rainbow Pediatric Dentistry

The pediatric experts at UH Rainbow Pediatric Dentistry also provide preventive and restorative dental care for children with special healthcare needs or behavioral issues that make it difficult for them to receive care in a traditional dental office. UH Rainbow’s dental specialists coordinate care with over 30 pediatric specialties to create healthier outcomes for our young patients. Specially designed chairs and equipment, private rooms for children with sensory issues, and specially trained staff allow the experts at UH Rainbow Dental Center to provide compassionate, high quality care for children who face medical or behavioral challenges.

Our Children’s Dental Clinic Treats Special Medical Conditions

Our experts are specially trained in treating children with:

• Cardiovascular anomalies
• Coagulation and bleeding disorders
• Craniofacial anomalies
• Endocrine abnormalities
• Epilepsy
• Hydrocephaly
• Immuno-suppressed diseases
• Kidney conditions
• Muscular and neuromuscular disorders
• Organ transplant and stem cell transplant
• Spinal cord injuries
• Spina bifida
• Unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate
• Other medical conditions

Developmental or Behavioral Issues

• Autism
• Behavioral problems
• Cognitive deficits
• Short attention spans
• Other developmental anomalies