Pediatric Dental Services
Dr. Greg Mertes and Dr. Kelsey Stehli and their staff are pleased to be able to offer pediatric dental services for infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric Dentistry is an area of specialization that focuses on the treatment of children from birth through adolescence with a concentration on growth, development, and behavioral guidance for children.
Dr. Mertes and Dr. Stehli are specially trained to care for children using methods that promote strong foundations in prevention and home care.
Prevention and education are important in our practice, and we take seriously that you and your child need to understand how to take charge of and protect your child’s oral health. Dr. Greg and Dr. Kelsey and their staff are always available to answer questions about your child’s dental needs and the services we can provide for your child’s ideal treatment.
We offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of your child, including:
- Comprehensive Examinations
- Preventative Services
- Restorative Procedures
- Cosmetic Procedures
- Surgical Procedures
- Emergency Care
- Habit & Athletic Appliances
- Interceptive Orthodontics
Your child should have a comprehensive dental examination regularly, which includes a thorough examination of the teeth and gums. We use the findings from our examination to formulate a complete diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan for your child.
Recommendations for treatment are explained at a consultation time set aside specifically for you and your child. The consultation can take place during the initial appointment. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the best possible information concerning your child’s treatment options. The time we invest in patient education enables us to deliver the best possible outcome for your child’s dental treatment.
A Child’s Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies are injuries and traumas as well as facial swelling due to dental infection. In all instances, Dr. Greg should be contacted as soon as possible. In the meantime, follow these guidelines to address the dental emergency and make the child more comfortable.
Fractured or Chipped Tooth
Rinse gently with warm water to remove debris. (The child should avoid hot or cold food and liquids as well as sticky or chewy foods.) If there is swelling, apply ice packs. Parents should call Dr. Greg as soon as possible so that the injury can be assessed and any necessary care can be arranged. Bring the fragment, in milk if possible, to their appointment.
Knocked Out (Avulsed) Permanent Tooth
Do not brush or scrub the tooth and do not touch the root. Gently rinse the tooth under running water. If possible, try to replace the tooth in its socket and hold it there with a clean washcloth or gauze. If you cannot replace the tooth, place it in a milk or saliva. In an effort to save the tooth, you should call Dr. Greg as soon as possible – this injury requires treatment immediately
Knocked Out (Avulsed) Baby Tooth
Although not as urgent, please consult Dr. Greg as soon as possible if a child’s baby tooth is knocked out. Do not re-implant a baby tooth.
Severe Head or Jaw Trauma
Any blow to the head can be life-threatening; if any of these injuries are suspected, the child should be taken to the nearest emergency room.
