- Dental ExaminationFor the child that is 3 years and older, the visit usually consists of a comprehensive examination, x-rays, cleaning, and a fluoride application. We will review oral hygiene procedures, habits, and nutrition. We will also discuss any treatment needs and answer any questions you might have about your child’s teeth or their development.
- X-rays
- Teeth Cleaning
- Fluoride TreatmentYour pediatric dentist may also recommend protective sealants or home fluoride treatments for your child. Sealants can be applied to your child’s molars to prevent decay on hard to clean surfaces.
- Dental SealantsWe perform all the usual dental care procedures like filling cavities and applying sealants, as well as specialized treatments like oral behavior management, conscious sedation, and treatment under general anesthesia. We also love to teach our families about nutrition, fluoride use, and the prevention of oral trauma.
- Fillings
- CrownsKnocked-Out Permanent Tooth: If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze or clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk, NOT water. If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth (beside the cheek). The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.
- PulpotomyDental caries (cavities) and traumatic injury are the main reasons for a tooth to require pulp therapy. Pulp therapy is often referred to as a “nerve treatment”, “children’s root canal”, “pulpectomy” or “pulpotomy”. The two common forms of pulp therapy in children’s teeth are the pulpotomy and pulpectomy.
- Root Canal TreatmentA pulpectomy is required when the entire pulp is involved (into the root canal(s) of the tooth). During this treatment, the diseased pulp tissue is completely removed from both the crown and root. The canals are cleansed, disinfected and, in the case of primary teeth, filled with a resorbable material. Then, a final restoration is placed. A permanent tooth would be filled with a non-resorbing material.
- Oral Surgery
- General DentistryDr. Castellano completed his undergraduate training in 1986, at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston and received his DDS degree in 1990. Dr. Castellano then completed a one-year residency in advanced general dentistry and later a two-year residency to specialize in the field of pediatric dentistry. Both were completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas (UTHSC-SA). Dr. Castellano is board certified in pediatric dentistry.