About Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry is the study, practice, teaching, and research of oral care treatments and preventions in children. It is recommended that children visit their pediatric dentist twice a year. Parents should schedule the first visit within six months of their child’s first baby tooth coming in, or by 12 months of age. Regular checkups thereafter will help prevent oral health complications as your little one grows up.

Pediatric Dental Procedures

Brushing and flossing every day is the best way to prevent cavities and gum disease. However, if your child has aggressive signs of an oral disease, home hygiene will not do the job on its own and restorative treatments will be necessary. Such pediatric dental treatments include:

  • Tooth fillings: Cavities and irreversible tooth enamel erosion will need to be treated with fillings. These complications usually occur from a poor diet of excessive acidic liquids and foods, as well as inadequate home hygiene. Baby teeth are more likely to be affected than permanent teeth because the enamel is thinner and less mineralized. The filling will help prevent the cavity from progressing.
  • Pediatric pulp therapy: A baby root canal is similar to its root canal counterpart in the way that the pulp inside a tooth will be treated in an effort to save or restore it.
  • Crowns: Made of stainless steel, crowns are placed on a child’s baby molars in an effort to protect them. This could be because the teeth have not formed properly or are already very decayed.
  • Tooth extractions: Removing a tooth might be necessary if your child is experiencing trauma, disease, overcrowding, or decay.
  • Space maintainers: After a tooth is extracted, a space maintainer is placed at the extraction site to ensure that your child’s tooth erupts properly.

Preventive Pediatric Dental Treatments

To ensure that your child has all possible defenses to fight tooth decay, plaque, and tooth loss, there are two preventive dental treatments available. These treatments include:

  • Sealants: A thin coating is placed on the deep pits and grooves of baby and permanent teeth to help prevent tooth decay.
  • Fluoride treatment: A mineral that has been proven to decrease the progression of cavities. Since its introduction to the water supply in 1945, dental cavities in children and adults have significantly decreased. Your child can get fluoride in two other ways:
    • Dietary fluoride supplements: Offered in tablet or liquid form, this supplement is only recommended for those who drink water low in fluoride or have a higher risk of developing cavities.
    • Topical fluoride therapy: This treatment is best used for children between three and six years old. It comes in a variety of forms, such as over-the-counter fluoridated toothpaste, gels, pastes, or varnishes. The applied treatments are done only in a professional dental office.

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

  • "I firmly BELIEVE in painless dentistry, and I am happy to say, that the wonderful folks at Pinon Hills Dental also believe in it! I cannot say enough good things about my care there! Dr. Vanden Broeck and her assistant were genuinely concerned about my comfort. I will need more care ahead, and this is my absolute, go to, dental office!"
    Prairie Dog Google Nov2023
  • "Travis Watson was truly the most kind, compassionate, honest, and detail-oriented dentist that I have ever been to. I have had work done by at least a half dozen or more dentists over the years, and Dr. Watson was BY FAR the most compassionate, kind, and caring when it came to my procedure and dental work needs. I couldn't possibly recommend. Dr. Watson and Pinon Hills Dental any higher. Five stars isn't enough. Dr. Watson should get 10 stars. If there was a Nobel Prize for dentistry, Dr. Watson should win it--and many times over. If you're considering a dentist in the Farmington area--or beyond (I came from Durango)--Dr. Watson should be your choice. Beyond belief, you'll actually look forward going to the dentist. I'm forever grateful for Dr. Watson's skill, compassion, and kindness--and you will be too."
    Peter Barr- Google Dec 2020
  • "If you want a dentist who truly cares about his patients, you must see Dr. Watson. He Has the latest technology in-house and it's amazing. For my last crown, Dr. Watson scanned my tooth with a laser and then a machine in the office milled my crown from porcelain to the scan. It was a perfect fit and that tooth hasn't felt so good in years. He was always asking if I needed a break, if I felt any discomfort to let him know immediately and so on. Can't say enough good things about him. Our entire family trusts Pinon Hills Dental with their dental Care!"
    George Joy Google Aug2023
  • "The staff here are very friendly and accommodating. I was in a decent amount of pain so they moved my appointment up and kept me from hurting for an extra 5 days. Dr. Watson personally called me to check on me and make sure things we're ok. It means a lot that he didn't have an assistant or secretary make that call."
    Kev Sharp-GoogleNov2020
  • "Dr. Watson is absolutely incredible in every way! We have always been treated with the utmost respect, compassion and expertise. He has gone out of his way to treat our family in emergency situations. In each instant, he provided amazing and excellent care when other dentists could not. He is always positive and reassuring in all situations! His office staff, dental assistants and hygienists are incredible in every way! The atmosphere in the office is peaceful, positive and upbeat! We highly recommend Pinon Hills!!!"
    Angela McDaniels- GoogleDec2020
  • "The politeness and care of the dentist, dental hygienist and the staff wowed me today. Dr. Watson and Dr. Weber really have a vested interest in your teeth. They are very concerned to the point that I brush and floss so I won't let them down.
    You never feel belittled by anyone in the office and they only encourage you when you need to do a little better. I used to worry about going to the dentist but now I know I have people who want the best for me in the doctors office."
    Kevin Jaramillo