Services

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages parents to take their children to a pediatric dentist by age 1.  The “age 1 visit” allows us to establish an early, ongoing relationship to prevent diseases of the mouth before they develop.  When problems do arise, we have the opportunity to treat them early.  Think of us as a pediatrician for the mouth.

Dental decay and gum disease can be prevented with regular cleanings, exams, fluoride application and radiographs (or “x-rays”).  We take radiographs to help diagnose decay and problems with development.  Radiation safety is a top priority in our office.  Your child will always be appropriately shielded with a thyroid collar and lead shield to minimize exposure.  We also use digital sensors that allow us to use the smallest radiation dose possible.  Radiographs are taken according to guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association.

We strongly advocate the use of dental sealants on permanent molars and, in select cases, primary molars.  Dental sealants are made from a thin, bonded material that covers the grooves of back teeth used for chewing.  They can decrease the risk of decay by up to 90%.

We provide fillings, crowns, and other bonded restorations for teeth.  We attend frequent continuing education to remain up to date with material choice.  During your child’s initial visit with us, we will discuss treatment options available for your child.

Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is a safe and effective way to help reduce mild anxiety and make your child more comfortable.  It does not put your child to sleep.  However, some children may become very relaxed and fall asleep.  For a very anxious child or a child who has fear of things near his or her face, nitrous oxide may not be a good option for treatment.  Nitrous oxide exposure is not recommended for pregnant women.

We provide full mouth dental care under general anesthesia for our patients with extensive decay, special health care needs and/or extreme dental anxiety.  For families who choose this option for their child, dental care is provided in an operating room by Dr. Prada.  An anesthesiologist will provide the general anesthesia.

Dr. Prada is on staff at Lancaster General Hospital and Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.

Your child will need a pre-operative history and physical performed by a physician within 30 days of dental surgery in a hospital.  We will help you to arrange this visit.

We need to know at least one week in advance if you need to reschedule your surgery date.  Families who miss their pre-operative visit or surgery date without prior notice may be dismissed from our practice.

Our dental team always has a dentist on call – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for patients of record.  Please contact us if he or she is experiencing pain, bleeding, facial swelling, fever, or has had trauma to the mouth.  We will be happy to speak to you and arrange for follow up care as soon as possible.  If you suspect that your child has a concussion or broken bone, please contact his or her pediatrician or an emergency room immediately BEFORE contacting us.

Comprehensive orthodontic care is provided for our craniofacial and cleft lip and palate patients at the clinic.  We are also able to provide early orthodontic evaluations and space management for all of our patients.  For our non-cleft patients, we will refer you to an orthodontist in the community when it is developmentally appropriate for your child.