Children deserve dental care that is gentle, compassionate, and tailored to their unique needs.
At Biddeford Saco Dental Associates in Saco, ME, Dr. Julia Losardo provides comprehensive pediatric dentistry in a welcoming environment where children feel safe, comfortable, and excited about taking care of their smiles. From first dental visits to complex treatments, our pediatric team combines clinical expertise with genuine warmth to make every visit positive.
Pediatric Exams & Gentle Cleanings
Early dental visits establish a foundation for lifelong oral health. Dr. Losardo recommends that children visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting, whichever comes first.
Pediatric Exams Include:
- Evaluation of tooth development and eruption patterns
- Assessment of bite alignment and jaw growth
- Oral cancer screening and soft tissue examination
- Cavity detection using gentle techniques
- Parental education on home care, nutrition, and oral habits
Professional cleanings are adapted to each child’s age and comfort level, using gentle techniques that build trust and positive associations with dental care.
Fluoride Treatments & Dental Sealants
Preventive treatments protect developing teeth and significantly reduce cavity risk during the most vulnerable years.
- Fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent cavities. Professional fluoride varnish is applied quickly and painlessly at the end of each cleaning, providing concentrated protection that significantly reduces decay rates in children.
- Dental sealants protect the deep grooves on permanent molars, where 80% of childhood cavities develop. Sealants are applied without anesthesia in just minutes, providing years of protection during the cavity-prone years between ages six and sixteen.
Pediatric Fillings & Stainless Steel Crowns
When cavities develop, Dr. Losardo treats them with materials and techniques specifically designed for children’s needs.
- Tooth-colored composite fillings restore cavities with natural-looking results that blend seamlessly with baby teeth and permanent teeth alike. Composite fillings require minimal tooth preparation and bond directly to the tooth structure.
- Stainless steel crowns provide durable protection for severely decayed or damaged primary teeth. These pre-fabricated crowns are placed in a single appointment and protect the tooth until it naturally exfoliates, preserving space for the permanent tooth and maintaining proper function.
Root Canals & Extractions For Children
When an infection affects a primary tooth, treatment is essential to prevent pain, abscess formation, and damage to the developing permanent tooth beneath.
- Pulp therapy (pediatric root canal treatment) removes infected tissue from the tooth while preserving the tooth structure until natural exfoliation occurs. This treatment prevents the need for extraction and maintains proper spacing for permanent teeth.
- Extractions are performed when a tooth is too damaged to save or when premature extraction is necessary for orthodontic reasons. Dr. Losardo uses gentle techniques and effective anesthesia to ensure children remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
Nitrous Oxide & Sedation Dentistry
Many children benefit from sedation to remain calm, comfortable, and cooperative during dental treatment.
- Nitrous oxide is a safe, mild sedative inhaled through a small nasal mask. It reduces anxiety, increases comfort, and wears off within minutes of completion. Children remain fully conscious and responsive throughout treatment.
- Oral conscious sedation uses medication taken before the appointment to produce deeper relaxation for anxious children or those requiring extensive treatment. Children remain conscious but are significantly less aware of the procedure and often have little memory of it afterward.
General Anesthesia & Sleep Dentistry Options
For very young children, children with significant dental anxiety, children with special needs, or those requiring extensive treatment, general anesthesia allows Dr. Losardo to complete comprehensive care safely and comfortably in a single appointment.
General anesthesia is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist in a controlled hospital or surgical center setting, ensuring the highest level of safety and monitoring throughout the procedure. This option eliminates the stress of multiple appointments and allows Dr. Losardo to provide thorough, unhurried care while the child sleeps comfortably.
Care For Children & Patients With Special Needs
Dr. Losardo and our pediatric team have extensive experience providing compassionate, patient-centered care for children with special needs, including autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing challenges, developmental delays, and medical complexities.
We Accommodate Special Needs:
- Extended appointment times to reduce stress
- Sensory-friendly techniques and environment modifications
- Clear communication tailored to each child’s understanding
- Coordination with parents, caregivers, and medical providers
- Sedation and anesthesia options when appropriate
Every child deserves excellent dental care delivered with patience, understanding, and genuine respect for their individual needs.
A Positive Foundation For Lifelong Dental Health
At Biddeford Saco Dental Associates, Dr. Losardo and our pediatric team are committed to making every child’s dental experience positive, comfortable, and genuinely fun. We’re honored to be your child’s dental home.
Call our Saco, ME office or book online to schedule your child’s appointment with Dr. Losardo.