A tooth colored filling is a safer, better looking alternative to the silver-mercury fillings that today's parents had as children. Tooth colored fillings are made from a composite resin that can be molded and shaded to match your child's tooth. Unlike mercury-silver fillings, which are wedged into place and require removal of more tooth structure, tooth colored fillings bond to your child's tooth, creating a seal that helps protect the tooth while keeping more of the natural structure of the tooth.

Every effort is made to keep all of your child's teeth. However, sometimes it is best to remove a tooth in order to ensure future good health. When together we determine that extraction is the best treatment for your child, rest assured that your child's comfort is our priority – we take care of the procedure right here at Sherwood Pediatric Dentistry. With nitrous oxide and sedation dentistry options, as well as advanced tools and techniques, many extractions are easy affairs for your child. Just think of them as an advanced visit from the Tooth Fairy, and a foundational step toward your child's excellent future dental health.

Sometimes the condition of a tooth – due to injury, disease or development – makes a crown an excellent treatment option for your child. When placing a crown, Dr. Sherwood prepares your child's tooth, preserving as much of the underlying natural structure as possible. We offer esthetic white crowns or silver crowns, both of which are safe and mercury free. Crowns are permanent, durable and long lasting, and will complete your child's beautiful smile for years to come.

Sometimes the condition of a tooth – due to injury, disease or development – makes a crown an excellent treatment option for your child. When placing a crown, Dr. Sherwood prepares your child's tooth, preserving as much of the underlying natural structure as possible. The crown itself is precision-milled out of porcelain, and will be virtually indistinguishable from your child's other teeth. Crowns are permanent, durable and long lasting, and will complete your child's beautiful smile for years to come.

Bonding involves the placement of a high-tech porcelain-based resin that is molded and shaded to match your child's teeth. This resin can be used to change the appearance and shape of your child's teeth to address minor misalignments, gaps between teeth, and chips or other slight imperfections.

Digital radiographs are a technological advancement that results in less exposure to radiation for our young patients and an almost instantaneous picture for our dental team. Unlike traditional, film-based x-rays, digital radiographs often show more detail and can be archived in our system for future reference and comparison. Your child will appreciate a more comfortable visit with less waiting and quicker treatment.

An intra oral camera lets you, and your child, see inside the mouth during treatment planning and dental procedures. Our intra oral camera displays your child's teeth on a video screen, allowing Dr. Sherwood to walk you through the treatment options. The use of this camera allows us to work with you as a team to meet your child's dental care goals. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and discuss your child's treatment options with you.

The DIAGNOdent® is a small portable laser that allows us to find cavities on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, even when they are just beginning and would have been missed by previous detection methods. The value is that we can stop cavities in their infancy, whereas in the past they would have to be significantly bigger before we could find and treat them. Just like other areas of medicine and dentistry, early detection and treatment is of immeasurable value in preserving your child's health.

Digital photography gives Dr. Sherwood instant images to use in explaining treatments or to keep on file to track your progress. Digital images can be saved electronically and are more efficient than traditional photographs that show less detail and must be taken off-site for development.

Some children – like some adults – experience anxiety when it comes to dental visits. Our goal is to help minimize or even eliminate the emotional stress that these children experience. Sedation dentistry can help your child if he or she is anxious.

Your child will be in gentle hands as Dr. Sherwood is committed to providing safe and effective sedation options for our pediatric patients. We use all of the appropriate equipment to monitor vital signs, and maintain the necessary emergency equipment and medicine to ensure safety. We will treat your child with the utmost compassion and empathy, and do everything we can to make their visits with us pleasant and enjoyable.

Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is one of the safest and most predictable sedative agents available in dentistry, and has been used safely for decades. The gas is odorless but we offer several choices of flavors or scents for our patients to choose from. It is administered with a mixture of oxygen, and helps relax and calm your child within a few minutes. Because it is a mild sedative, your child will be awake and can still communicate with us during treatment. After treatment, the nitrous oxide is turned off and oxygen is administered for five to 10 minutes to help flush any remaining gas from the body, and the effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea or dizziness, which can quickly be reversed with oxygen if necessary. It is best not to eat heavily immediately before breathing nitrous oxide as this can sometimes lead to a greater chance of nausea during or after treatment. Afterwards, it is also a good idea to limit any activities that require your child's full coordination such as sports, bike riding, or swimming. An extra bit of caution will help prevent any unnecessary injuries, but most patients are completely back to normal soon after they leave our office.

Oral Conscious Sedation involves the use of one or two liquid sedatives, which are given to the child 30 minutes to an hour prior to starting treatment. It is very important that your child does not eat or drink within four hours of their sedation appointment to prevent risk of nausea or vomiting. Also, they must be in good health on the day of the sedation. Any fevers or illness requires us to reschedule their appointment for safety reasons. We base the dose on your child's body weight, age, procedure planned, and length of treatment time needed. Your child receives the medicine in the office, and can watch a movie or play quietly while we wait for the medicine to take effect. This is extremely helpful in calming an anxious child that may have more extensive treatment needs. We are able to alleviate anxiety and pain during longer appointments, and were also able to complete more treatment in a shorter time. Some children are drowsy and may fall into a light sleep, but they can be awakened easily with gentle stimulation. Usually the child will be awake and cooperative, and able to follow instructions appropriately. There are several important criteria for selecting children as candidates for oral conscious sedation and we will be happy to discuss these as they relate specifically to your child. We will monitor your child very carefully and thoroughly during their sedation appointment to ensure their safety and comfort.

Some children are not able to have dental treatment performed in a routine office setting due to a variety of reasons. Some examples are very young children that have sustained a severe injury or have baby bottle tooth decay. Another example would be children who are mentally or physically disabled such as children with Autism or Cerebral Palsy. In some of these situations, oral conscious sedation is not feasible or possible, or has been attempted but was not successful in managing a child's behavior. When no other options are possible, dental treatment can be performed under general anesthesia at an outpatient surgical center.  Dr Sherwood has surgical privileges at Bailey Square Surgery Center and at Dell Children's Hospital.  A board-certified Anesthesiologist will provide the anesthesia services. While Dr. Sherwood is not involved in providing the anesthesia, he has extensive surgical experience and will work in conjunction with the anesthesiologist to ensure your child's safety.  There is no pain involved while going to sleep, simply a few breaths of the anesthetic "sleepy air."  Your child will not feel any pain or remember anything about the actual procedure, and after an hour or two in the recovery room, they will be able to return home.

The Wand is a pen-like anesthetic delivery system that is faster, more precise and more comfortable than traditional needle and syringe "shots." By delivering the anesthetic at a controlled rate, the Wand avoids the rush of anesthetic through the needle point, which is typically to blame for discomfort and pain in traditional shots. Technology like the Wand helps make your child's experience with Dr. Sherwood especially unique.

Air abrasion is a process that allows Dr. Sherwood to remove tooth decay without the use of drills or anesthesia. Air abrasion leaves more of your child's original tooth structure behind giving him or her a better long-term prognosis. After the decay is removed, the tooth is restored with a tooth-colored filling. Air abrasion is particularly suited for early decay on baby and permanent teeth and perfect for small cavities where tooth preparation is minimal.

The Guru Education System uses interactive software, video and drawing tools to show you and your child exactly what you need to know about your child's unique dental health and treatment options. This advanced system's images and animations ensure that you understand what is going on at each step of your child's treatment. It also piques your child's interest, making them understand why caring for their teeth is so important.

What child doesn't appreciate a few minutes of healthy television viewing? In fact, could your child have a healthier T.V. viewing experience than to do so while receiving advanced dental care?

Televisions in the ceiling are more than a whimsical design element. Familiar shows and sounds provide a welcome, comforting distraction for young patients, especially those that are still getting used to the sounds and sensations of visiting the dentist.

Even for adults, a warm blanket provides a feeling of security and safety. For some children, the physical and psychological benefit is even greater. A child that is comfortable is more likely to enjoy visiting the dentist, and to trust Dr. Sherwood and his dental team while they provide excellent care. Too many adults have unpleasant memories of dental visits as a child. With little comforts like blankets, Sherwood Pediatric Dentistry helps to ensure your child will enjoy advanced dental care, and appreciate it for life.

Nintendo DSI handheld video games, wall-mounted Wii and Sony PlayStation in the lobby, and Thomas the Tank Engine train set, as well as lots of other fun and educational toys and books

As the parent of a child with cerebral palsy, Dr Sherwood has a unique perspective in this area and can help provide your child with the best care possible

Q: Do special children have special dental needs?

A: Most do. Some special children are very susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease or oral trauma. Others require medication or diet detrimental to dental health. Still other children have physical difficulty with effective dental habits at home. The good news is that dental disease is preventable. If dental care is started early and followed conscientiously, every child can enjoy a healthy smile.

Q: How can I prevent dental problems for my special child?

A: A first dental visit by the first birthday will start your child on a lifetime of good dental health. Sherwood Pediatric Dentistry will take a full medical history, gently examine your child's teeth and gums, then plan preventive care designed for your child's needs.

Q: Will preventive dentistry benefit my child?

A: Yes! Your child will benefit from the preventive approach recommended for all children- effective brushing and flossing, moderate snacking, adequate fluoride. Home care takes just minutes a day and prevents needless dental problems. Regular professional cleanings and fluoride treatments are also very beneficial. Sealants can prevent tooth decay on the chewing surfaces of molars where four out of five cavities occur.

Q: Are pediatric dentists prepared to care for special children?

A: Absolutely. Pediatric dentists have two or more years of advanced training beyond dental school. Their education as specialists focuses on care for children with special needs. In addition, pediatric dental offices are designed to be physically accessible for special patients. Pediatric dentists, because of their expertise, are often the clinicians of choice for the dental care of adults with special needs as well.

Q: Will my child need special care during dental treatment?

A: Some children need more support than a gentle, caring manner to feel comfortable during dental treatment. Restraint or mild sedation may benefit your special child. If a child needs extensive treatment, the pediatric dentist may provide care at a local hospital. Your pediatric dentist has a comprehensive education in behavior management, sedation and anesthesia techniques. Dr. Sherwood will select a technique based on the specific health needs of your child, then discuss the benefits, limits and risks of that technique with you.