Patient Info
The PPO insurances that we are in-network with are:
Delta Dental
Cigna
Metlife
Guardian
UnitedHealth
Principal
Humana
Ameritas
United
Concordia
We also accept Medicaid and CHIP (Dentaquest, MCNA, and TMHP) .
Extractions:
Extractions are considered when composite fillings, pulpotomies, or crown placements are not a viable option for saving a tooth with extensive decay.
Pulpotomy:
A tooth consists of several layers of structure. From outside in these include enamel, dentin and the pulp. The pulp is the deepest portion of a tooth. It is filled with nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. When a cavity reaches the pulp of a tooth, the infected portion needs to be removed. This process is called a pulpotomy.
Fillings:
Composite fillings are a tooth-colored restorative material that is used to restore decay in front or back teeth or where cosmetic appearance is important. The shade of the composite material is matched to the natural color of the tooth.
Strip Crowns:
Strip crowns are tooth-colored caps that are placed on front teeth that develop cavities. These cover the entire tooth and are made of the same material as composite fillings.
Space Maintenance:
Many appliances are considered to maintain the space between teeth after a removal. The space is often necessary for the eruption of an adult tooth. The doctor will determine if your child will benefit from a space maintainer based on the location of tooth lost, age, and specific dental needs.
Development Supervision:
Our doctors are trained to recognize growth, habit, and/or airway issues and will provide treatment or make the appropriate referral to a certified orthodontist at the necessary time. Early preventive orthodontic treatment can save time and money and may help your child avoid more involved treatment in the future.
Young children, and even some adults, are naturally apprehensive about dental treatment. At Minali Dental, we use a “tell, show, do” philosophy. First, we “tell” by explaining the next step in words your child understands. Then we “show” them what we will be doing. It may be using an instrument on their finger. Then, we “do” the procedure. This is the best way to earn your child’s trust.
Some procedures may still be too stressful for your child. We have many options. We can use nitrous oxide analgesia (happy gas) for children with minimal anxiety. The more anxious patient may benefit from conscious sedation in the office. Medication is given in the office which relaxes the child but they are not “asleep.” Longer procedures, treatment for very young children, and kids with medical issues may be best treated under general anesthesia (asleep). A pediatric anesthesiologist will provide the anesthesia while our dental team performs the treatment safely.
If your child requires anesthesia, all of the options will be fully discussed with you before the appointment is scheduled. Your child’s safety and comfort is our primary concern.
Our staff is fully trained and available to provide the following emergency care procedures:
- Dental Trauma
- Toothache
- Facial swelling
Please see the resource below for more information on emergency care from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).
