Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry

Pedodontics is a dental specialty that is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teen years. The pedodontist is basically concerned with the prevention, which includes instruction in a proper diet, fluoride use, and oral hygiene practices. The pedodontist’s routine practice focuses on caries (tooth decay), but it also includes influencing tooth alignment. To correct early abnormalities in tooth position, lengthy treatment may be required. Braces or other types of correctional devices may be used.

• Pediatric Dentistry ProceduresFissure Sealant:For children, it’s often difficult to reach back molars while brushing. This leaves the teeth more susceptible to cavities and other sources of buildup.
  In most children, their first set of permanent molars is going to erupt at the age of six. Sometimes, dentists can brush sealants onto each of these teeth to act as a barrier against plaque and other forms of acid. It is a painless treatment that does not wear the teeth while applying, does not require anesthesia, and can be done in only 5 minutes.Fluoride Treatments: Fluorine is an element that increases the resistance of teeth to decay with its chemical bond with tooth enamel. It is also found in many kinds of toothpaste as a result of this quality. Recent studies have shown that oral fluoride tablets given as a preventive treatment during pregnancy or infancy are not sufficient to prevent the development of dental caries. It has been scientifically proven that topical application of fluoride to tooth surfaces is a highly effective method in gaining resistance to caries. For this reason, applying topical fluoride gels every 3-6 months will provide significant protection against caries in the future.
  – Fluoride Application
  Fluoride strengthens the enamel layer of the tooth, making the teeth resistant to decay. It can be taken by drinking fluoride water, swallowing fluoride supplements, using fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, or local applications such as fluoride gels applied by the dentist. Fluoride is applied to the mouth in a few minutes by filling a special mold with a solution and gel by the dentist.
  This process should be repeated every 6 months. The drinking water used must contain fluoride. In cases where this is not sufficient, fluoride supplements can be taken by determining the appropriate dose. If your child gets too much fluoride, they may have white, irregular spots on the front surfaces of permanent teeth.Space Maintainers: In cases where a milk tooth is lost prematurely due to caries, trauma, or other similar reasons, it may be necessary to make a temporary placeholder until the permanent tooth emerges. Space maintainers can be fixed or removable. If the necessary space maintainer is not applied, the teeth on both sides start to shift towards the empty spaces. Teeth in the opposite jaw begin to lengthen. Orthodontic treatment becomes mandatory in this case.X-Rays: X-rays are important tools that dentists often use to keep an eye on the things going on inside your child’s mouth. They’re pretty safe for kids, but it’s a good idea to take as few as possible to get the necessary information.
  This goes for people of all ages, though. Radiation exposure should always be kept to a minimum when possible.
  The ideal time between x-rays for children at high risk of tooth decay is 6-12 months. For low-risk children, that number goes down to 12-24 months.Extraction: Extractions are pretty rare for children, and they’re only done as a last resort. In some cases, it’s because of cavities or some other issue with decay. In others, it’s done to help with overcrowding in certain areas of the mouth.
  Extractions done for this reason are going to help permanent teeth grow straight.Fillings: This is one of the most common procedures that pediatric dentists perform, partially because children’s teeth are so prone to cavities.
  In most cases, the tooth is first numbed for the procedure. In some cases, the patient might be put under anesthesia (usually with nitrous oxide) while the procedure is carried out. This is also common for tooth extractions.
  Once the area is numb, the infected areas of the tooth are removed and the tooth is filled with either silver amalgam or ceramic porcelain. Porcelain is becoming increasingly popular as it’s the same color as the tooth and blends in easily.Orthodontic Care: Both children and adults alike need orthodontic care, but it’s especially common for kids. Braces are usually used to treat things like crooked, crowded, or overlapping teeth. Sometimes, a “bad bite” can also present problems in children, usually in the form of an over or underbite.
  Often, your dentist is going to notice issues during a dental visit. It’s best to schedule an appointment to see what can be done to help treat your child.
  Sometimes, braces might not be necessary. If they are, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to braces. There are traditional metal braces, clear Invisalign trays, or even clear porcelain braces that blend in with the teeth (though metal ones will be required on the bottom).

  Dental Cleaning: Finally, dental cleanings are going to be the procedure your child becomes the most familiar with. These should start as close to a child getting their first tooth as possible — usually about six months after.
  The child’s first few visits aren’t likely to involve much cleaning, but more of the dentist examining your child’s teeth to look out for any problems that might develop.
  Regardless, your child should visit the dentist at least every six months onward. When they start having their teeth cleaned is going to depend on the dentist, but it’s good to familiarize yourself and them with the process as early in life as possible.
  Cleanings usually involve the dental hygienist scraping the teeth down to get rid of plaque, and then that’s followed up with a cleaning of each tooth with an ultrasonic dental tool.
  From there, the hygienist will floss the teeth, polish them, and possibly apply a fluoride treatment.

 
Schedule your dental visit today!