Clinical Options

At Blue Whale, we offer our families options regarding the care they receive. We maintain an honest, no-nonsense approach to communication. We are happy to respect your wishes, and we prefer to openly discuss whatever you need to feel comfortable.  

Cleanings and Exams

Cleanings remove bacteria and debris from teeth, and allow for the careful inspection of teeth and surrounding tissues. Cleanings are quick and physically easy for most patients.  If repeated regularly, the process can inspire confidence and trust at the dentist office. We recommend children begin having these positive learning experiences from a very young age – as early as 1-year old, or the eruption of the first teeth, whichever is sooner. 

Digital X-Rays 

We follow the ADA’s recommendations on prescribing x-rays based on the individual needs of each patient. We use digital radiography sensors, which allow the lowest radiation exposure. Our policies are designed to use x-ray technology in ways that are safe for your child.

Fluoride 

We always weigh any health risks and benefits for any treatment we recommend, and we are respectful of individual choices regarding any treatment, including fluoride. Ideas surrounding fluoride have polarized some communities. Our opinion is that for children who are not immediately facing cavities, and maintain a low-carbohydrate diet, fluoride provides less benefit. For children that have cavities, or maintain a high-carbohydrate diet, we consider low doses of fluoride to be safe and beneficial for physical wellness. Unfortunately, many families maintain a diet with high levels of carbohydrates, and therefore may benefit from fluoride use. We will always respect your preferences.

Cavities and dental treatment

We may recommend minimally-invasive therapy to attempt to stop or reverse the cavity process for some areas of early tooth decay. This may include attentive home care, or in office ozone and re-mineralization therapy.

If cavities are clearly established, we prefer to treat them while they are still small.  Allowing cavities to grow in size leads to the loss of more tooth structure, physical pain, and deeper infection - allows bacteria to multiply and infect other teeth with more cavities. We use white composite/resin fillings. We do not use amalgam/mercury fillings. White fillings require more time and skill by a dental team, yet they allow for more preservation of natural tooth structure, and have zero risk of mercury toxicity.  White fillings are also far more visually pleasing. Depending on your insurance plan, the fees for white fillings may be only partially covered, and a co-payment is often required.  

Large cavities may require pediatric crowns, and we offer stainless steel, and Zirconia options. Stainless steel crowns are safe and strong. They are often well-covered by insurance plans. Zirconia crowns are made of ceramic glass, and are very esthetic, yet are more expensive, and require certain clinical conditions. Zirconia is often not covered by insurance plans. Some teeth with large cavities also require treatment of the nerve in a tooth, to remove any internal infection. In baby teeth, this is a relatively fast and comfortable procedure, and should not cause additional worry for patients or parents. 

If cavities are very large, or if teeth are due to fall out very soon, the early extraction of teeth may be the best treatment option to rid the body of the infected tooth.  Sometimes it is wise to accompany the extraction of baby teeth with the placement of retainers that prevent remaining teeth from shifting. 

Nitrous Oxide, aka "Laughing Gas" 

Nitrous Oxide, known as “laughing gas” is a very safe, and very effective aid to reduce anxiety and nervousness, and allows patients to stay alert and communicative.  It has been used in pediatric settings for decades, and it can successfully assist in creating a calm, safe, and emotionally constructive dental office experience.  

Other pediatric dental offices may automatically recommend nitrous oxide for every child. This recommendation often comes at financial expense to families. At Blue Whale, we view it as our professional responsibility to first coach a child toward cooperative behavior by establishing fundamental trust and communication. We view this as in our patients' best interests, because it helps build a stronger, longterm, behavioral foundation. It also saves families money. Yes, we do have laughing gas available, but we are happy that at Blue Whale we are able to actively coach most children to build confidence and happiness at our office, without relying on nitrous oxide for good behavior.

Open Conversation 

Any dental procedure possesses risks, benefits, and financial costs that should be discussed and understood. We call attention to the fact that the most comfortable and conservative treatments are preventive and early interventions, so please bring your child to the dentist early, long before any obvious problems develop.

Appointment Center

808-735-BLUE (2583)

(we return missed calls promptly, so please call and leave a voice message)

Office Hours

By appointment, including: EVENINGS & WEEKENDS

Address

Kaimuki Office
3660 Waialae Ave.
Suite 201
Honolulu, HI 96816

Waimea Office
64-5191 Kinohou St.
Waimea, HI 96743