- Dental ExaminationDr. Ortiz and Dr. Heeter recommend dental cleanings every 6 months with a complete oral examination every 12 months. This may vary depending on your child’s needs and can be discussed further with the dentist.
- X-raysEach child’s need for dental x-rays is different. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Heeter are very conservative with radiographs and will discuss their specific recommendation for your child at their dental visit.
- Teeth Cleaning
- Fluoride TreatmentIt is recommended that professional fluoride be applied at cleanings and annual exams to aid the prevention of decay. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Heeter understand some parent’s do not want fluoride used with their child. Please inform our staff before any treatment is initiated so we can discuss options with you.
- Dental SealantsA sealant is a protective coating that can be applied to the biting surface of permanent molars to prevent decay from starting. Sealants usually last quite a while, but we will examine them at 6 month exams and can replace them as needed. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Heeter only use BPA free sealant material.
- Space MaintainersIn certain circumstances, after an extraction or premature loss of baby teeth, your child may need a space maintainer. Some habits or minor orthodontics may also be addressed with retainers. These appliances are custom made for each case and may require 2-3 visits for fabrication and placement.
- Fillings
- CrownsDental Fillings are the most common procedure performed in the dental office and is often a very simple procedure. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Heeter use whit BPA-free fillings and white crowns.
- PulpotomyA cavity may extend into the pulp, “nerve,” of your child’s tooth. If this is the case, and the dentist determines the tooth is restorable, the option of a pulpotomy may be presented to prevent an extraction. If a pulpotomy is recommended, a stainless steel crown will also be advised to restore form and function of the tooth.
- Root Canal Treatment
- Tooth Extractions
- OrthodonticsRadiographs, including a head xray, will be exposed. A rubber-cup cleaning, examination and fluoride application will be performed. We will also review nutrition and oral hygiene. An evaluation for orthodontics (braces) may be recommended at this time.
- Braces
- Teeth Whitening
- General DentistryLike Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Heeter is also a native Texan who is happy to call the Rogue Valley home. After completing her dental school training at Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry she practiced general dentistry for two years, then attended The University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston where she received her specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Heeter and her husband then moved to Seattle where they fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Heeter is also board certified in pediatric dentistry and has experience practicing dentistry in community clinics as well as private practice since 2003, and enjoyed her time as faculty at the dental schools in Seattle and San Antonio. In her free time she enjoys spending as much time as she can in the great outdoors with her husband and son.