Pediatric Dentistry Elko Dental Specialists

From Their First Tooth Through Graduation Day

A lifetime of excellent dental health can have a profound impact on the health of your entire body. That’s why it’s so important to start your child out on the right path – one that will make going to the dentist something they look forward to – and taking good care of their teeth something that comes naturally.

From the day their first tooth arrives to the day they graduate from college, your kids will go through incredible change. That’s why the special care only available from our pediatric dentist is right for your child. It’s also why kids love us and parents trust us.

Victoria Sullivan, DDS, MS

Dr. Sullivan earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California-San Diego, her master's from Rutgers University, and her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific. She then completed a certificate in pediatric dentistry from the University of Southern California and Children's
Hospital Los Angeles.

A board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Sullivan has been actively practicing pediatric dentistry since 1996 and has had long-term affiliations with Stanford University Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, Shriner's Hospital-Houston, Dignity Health, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and Sutter Hospital centers for Avoid
Readmission through Collaborative Care teams, hematology-oncology teams, cleft palate, and pediatric long-term care teams.

Dr. Sullivan is a member of the American Dental Association and currently serves on the ACE committee and the Dental Licensure OSCE creation committee. She is a member of the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry and several state and local dental societies.

Chad Gollaher, DMD

Dr. Chad Gollaher is a board-certified pediatric dentist - born and raised in Sandy, Utah. He is the third of five children and attended Utah Valley University where he met his wife, Ashley. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. From there he attended Dental School at Roseman University of Health Sciences in South Jordan, Utah. Four kids later, Dr. Gollaher graduated and moved his family to Detroit, Michigan where he completed his two-year specialty training in pediatric dentistry.

Learn more about Dr. Gollaher

Our Services

Designed Especially For Kids

The Pediatric Dentists at Elko Dental Specialists are specially trained to take care of your childrens' teeth during the growth years. This is a time of constant change and the best way to be sure your kids get the best care is right here under our roof. Among the many services we provide for kids, our pediatric dentists are focused on cavity treatment, prevention and regular cleanings. Protecting baby teeth from cavities and filling them when they do occur is as important with baby teeth as it is with permanent teeth.

Cavity Prevention

The key to preventing cavities is to help your child develop good oral hygiene habits from an early age - even before they get their first tooth. For example, taking a moment to wipe your infant’s gums after feedings and then using a soft toothbrush after his or her teeth come in will prevent the build-up of bacteria. We recommend the use of fluoride toothpaste after your child hits the ripe age of 1 years old.

Once several baby teeth are in, brushing twice a day is needed to keep your child’s teeth clean and cavity-free. However, if your child eats a diet heavy in sugar – cookies, candy, fruit juices and soda – brushing after meals may be needed.

We recommend a checkup every 6 months for cavity prevention and treatment. At these appointments, we will check your child’s teeth for signs of early decay and discuss any dietary or nutritional concerns you have.

Our goal at Elko Dental Specialists is to help kids of all ages establish habits that will lead to a lifetime of excellent dental health. But there’s never a wrong age to introduce your kids into our family of patients. Our services include comprehensive dental care for children, young adults and special needs patients of any age.

Cavity Treatment

If left untreated, decay in baby teeth can affect the overall health of the child and impact the adult tooth. If baby teeth fall out too early, the spacing of the adult teeth will be affected and may require more intensive orthodontic treatment and even surgery.

Diet & Nutritional Care

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has developed guidelines that promote well-balanced, nutrient-rich diets specially designed to decrease the risk of tooth decay for infants, children, adolescents and people with special health care needs. Our team uses these guidelines to help our patient families decrease their risk.

Fluoride Treatment

Using fluoride (in small amounts) on a regular basis can help prevent tooth decay. Our office offers in-office, professional strength fluoride application and we recommend using a fluoride toothpaste at home once your child is at least 1 years old.

Fluoride helps prevent mineral loss from tooth enamel and helps strengthen areas that are weakened and at risk of developing cavities. Fluoride also helps reduce acid attacks that can break down the teeth.

Space Maintenance

Sometimes it is necessary to create or maintain proper spacing to make room for the permanent teeth to come in correctly. We use a variety of appliances to maintain the correct position of the teeth as your child continues to grow. And, since Elko Dental Specialists also has a team of top-notch orthodontists, you get the extra assurance that comes with so much expertise under one roof.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are applied to children’s molars to protect against tooth decay. They have been shown to be effective in preventing about 80 percent of decay commonly found in molars. Sealants work by shielding the grooves and pits in your child’s teeth from plaque, which can lead to tooth decay. When compared to the cost of treating cavities, sealants are a cost-effective prevention option.

Sedation

Some children with a high level of anxiety can benefit from sedation dentistry. There are several levels and approaches available whether we’re using it to deal with dental anxiety or a procedure that requires sedation. These include:

Nitrous Oxide – also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide often is used on fearful children undergoing dental treatment. The gas makes the patient feel less anxious and also has some anesthetic properties.
Oral Sedation – also referred to as “conscious sedation” is performed by administering a mild sedative that relaxes the patient, but leaves them in a state in which they can be awake for the procedure. It is commonly used during extensive dental procedures, or to enable children to be compliant while undergoing dental treatment. Children under oral sedation remain awake throughout the procedure.

Prior to administering oral sedation, we will conduct a thorough examination and medical history and educate you about the process. We also provide you with preoperative and postoperative instructions.

A Special Approach

For Children With Special Needs

Care For Kids With Special Needs

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes that providing both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care to individuals with special health care needs is an integral part of the specialty of pediatric dentistry. Elko Dental Specialists values the unique qualities of each person regardless of developmental disability or other special health care needs.

Children with special needs often have a greater incidence of tooth decay, gum disease and oral trauma. The team at Elko Dental Specialists has been specially trained to address your child’s specific needs. Close attention to oral health is especially important for special children for several reasons:

Physical limitations and lack of proper motor function can make brushing and flossing difficult.
Some medications and special dietary requirements may be detrimental to dental health.
Some children require frequent medical treatments and doctors’ appointments, and it is understandable for parents to spend less time overseeing the child’s oral hygiene habits.

At your first visit, we will schedule enough time to ensure a thorough review of your child’s medical history and discuss the best preventative dental care and treatment for your child. Home care takes just minutes a day and prevents needless dental problems. Starting dental care early and being diligent with daily oral hygiene can minimize the financial and emotional costs of oral health and help your child enjoy a healthy smile for a lifetime.

Common Problems

Along With Ways To Be Proactive

Use the list below to learn more.

Tooth Decay
Canker Sores
Sensitive Teeth
Gum Disease
Orthodontic Problems

When your child consumes many starches and sugars, the acids begin to wear down tooth enamel. It starts with unhealthy foods, such as cookies, candy, sodas and fruit juices, that can leave deposits on the teeth. These deposits can bond with the bacteria in the mouth to form plaque, which work together to cause tooth decay. Tooth decay can negatively impact the quality of your child’s life as it can lead to infection, pain and eventual tooth loss. It can also affect how your child feels about themselves, which could affect them both educationally and socially.

Although tooth decay affects millions of children every year, it’s a preventable disease. To help your children avoid this, be sure they’re following proper brushing and flossing techniques. Also, make sure you’re providing them with a healthy diet, that limits their sugary and starch consumption.

A canker sore is a small sore on the inside of the mouth that has a white or gray base and a surrounding red border. These sores tend to last one to two weeks, and have potential to reoccur. Using an antimicrobial mouthwash or a topical agent can help.

If your child often complains about pain or intense “tingling” sensation when they consume something hot or cold or when brushing their teeth, they may have sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth can be symptomatic of a variety of conditions, such as a harmless sinus headache, tooth decay, loose fillings or receding gums. However, if left unaddressed, sensitive teeth can lead to the breakdown of enamel or receding gums.

Gum disease begins with plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth. During the early stages of gum disease, it’s common for the gums to become swollen and bleed easily when brushing & flossing. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, the teeth may loosen and fall out. Early signs of gum disease include consistent bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth, so make sure your child does a great job of brushing and flossing every day.

Malocclusions or “bad bites” are often inherited, although some can be acquired with poor oral health habits. For example, a child who sucks their thumb for an extended period of time may develop a bad bite. Malocclusions can also be caused by:

Missing Teeth
Extra Teeth
Crowded Teeth
Misaligned Jaws
Trauma Or Accidents
Developmental Issues

Pediatric Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions

Getting A Good Head Start

General Questions

When should my child first see a pediatric dentist?
- The American Dental Association recommends starting your child’s dental care early. They should see the pediatric dentist as soon as the first baby tooth erupts of by age 1. It will get the baby started on the right foot for great tooth development and will be a positive and enjoyable experience.
How often should my child see the dentist?
- We recommend a dental checkup at least twice a year for most children. Some children may need more frequent dental visits because of increased risk or tooth decay, unusual growth patterns or poor oral hygiene. We will discuss with the best appointment schedule for your child.
What if my child has special needs?
- Patients with medical, physical or mental disabilities often present unique challenges & dental needs. An important part of the specialized training a pediatric dentist receives, is addressing the medical and dental health needs of such special patients.
Will X-rays be taken?
- X-rays are taken only when necessary. A modern Pediatric Dental office that offers digital, high-tech X-ray equipment helps to limit unnecessary exposure to your child. Digital X-rays use 50-85% less X-rays than traditional machines. We will discuss with you your child’s needs for X-rays before they are taken.
How can we prevent cavities?
- Good oral hygiene removes bacteria and the leftover food particles that combine to create cavities. Avoid putting your child to be with a bottle filled with anything other than water. For older children, brush their teeth at least twice a day. Also, watch the number of snacks containing sugar that you give your children.
Why are sealants recommended?
- Dental sealants act as a barrier protecting teeth against decay causing bacteria. Sealants are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often.
Is it important to have my child use fluoride?
- Fluoride has been shown to be extremely beneficial to developing teeth. Too much or too little fluoride can be detrimental. Fluoride should not be given to children under the age of six month. After all sources of ingested fluoride have been accounted for, your Pediatric Dentist will be able to prescribe the correct dosage.
Why does my child grind his teeth at night?
- Parents are often concerned with grinding (bruxism) which occurs frequently at night. The majority of cases of pediatric bruxism do not require treatment. However if excessive wear on the teeth becomes apparent, a mouth guard may be indicated. In older children, stress can be a factor in grinding. If you suspect there is a problem or you can clearly see the excessive wear on the teeth, please speak with the Pediatric Dentist.
Thumb Sucking
- Many infants and young children use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers and other objects as a natural reflex on which to suck. It may make them feel secure, happy or relaxed helping them to sleep. Thumb sucking that persists can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment. Thumb sucking should cease by the time the permanent front teeth erupt. If you have difficulty stopping the habit, you should speak with the Pediatric Dentist or the Orthodontist for help.
Does the Pediatric Dentist use oral sedation?
- Yes. Dr. Sorensen uses nitrous oxide and oral sedation when necessary for apprehensive patients and patients with extensive dental needs. Nitrous oxide helps relieve the anxiety some children may have. It possesses a rapid onset and elimination from the body so the child is able to proceed normally after their appointment. Some patients may need to go to the hospital for their dental treatment. Dr. Sorensen will use IV anesthesia when seeing patients at North Eastern Nevada Regional Hospital. This will allow children to be completely asleep during their procedures. We will discuss with you carefully the options to decide what your best treatment plan is.

Oral Hygiene Questions

What Brushing Technique Should You Show Your Child?
- You should begin using toothpaste to clean your child’s teeth when they are around 2 years of age. Because infants and young children tend to swallow toothpaste, do your best to make sure they spit it out instead. Once they are about 3 years old, you can begin to supervise your child’s brushing, making sure they use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
  To start, have your child brush the inside of their teeth first, since this is where plaque and tartar tend to accumulate. They should hold the brush at a 45 degree angle, and proceed moving it in a circular motion to remove food particles from the teeth. After cleaning the inside area, have your child clean the outer surface of their teeth, continuing the back and forth motion along and around the gum line. Before rinsing, they should scrub around their front teeth, tongue, and roof of their mouth.
  Be sure to replace your child’s toothbrush when the bristles start to wear down. Generally, they should be replaced every 3-4 months.
When Should They Start Flossing?
- It’s recommended that you begin flossing for your child around the age of 4, and they can begin doing it themselves around ages 7-8. Brushing alone doesn’t get rid of the debris in between your teeth and gums, so it’s important to get your child into this nightly routine.
  Simply take a small piece of floss from the dispenser and wrap it around your two middle fingers. Then, gently glide the floss between each tooth and along the gum line, removing any food particles. Unwrap clean floss around your fingers as you go, so that you have used the floss from beginning to end.
Diet & Oral Health
- Your child’s greatest protection against tooth decay is a healthy and balanced diet. Some general dietary rules to follow include:
  - Incorporate foods rich in calcium and phosphorus, like cheese, yogurt, eggs, almonds, and meat into your family’s diet
  - Avoid foods that are high in starches and sugars, such as cookies, candies, potato chips, and pretzels.
  - Limit snacking between meals, as it increases your risk for plaque buildup.
  Not only is it important for your child to maintain a proper diet, but it’s critical for the entire family. Always be weary of what you prepare for you and your family, so you always feel your best.

Emergency Information

What To Do In The Following Cases

Tooth Ache

Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. Call our ofﬁce as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.

Broken Tooth

Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments. Please call our ofﬁce as soon as possible.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

If your child loses a tooth from an injury, try to remain calm. Call our ofﬁce so we can help you determine if it is a permanent tooth. Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or water. Because time is essential, call our ofﬁce immediately.

Discomfort After Cleaning

A thorough cleaning can cause some bleeding & swelling. This is not due to a “rough cleaning” but to tender and inﬂamed gums from insufﬁcient oral hygiene. We recommend a warm salt water rinse and/or Children’s Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin as directed for the age of the child.

Before You Arrive

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To save time when you come for your initial consultation, please take a few minutes to ﬁll out the required health history form. Choose the appropriate form below; print it at home, ﬁll it out and then bring it with you to your appointment.

Child Health Form

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