Dental Procedures in Pediatrics
Keeping your children’s teeth and gums healthy is crucial to their health. Regular dentist visits help them establish good oral hygiene habits. Pediatric dental procedures are relatively similar to adult dentistry, but there are some differences. Having your child visit a pediatric dentist is an excellent way to ensure that their oral health continues to progress.
Dental Filling
Cavities are common in children, and if not addressed quickly, they can progress into tooth decay. A dental filling is a procedure used to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape.
During the filling process, the dentist removes the decayed tooth material, cleans the cavity, and then fills the cleaned-out hole with a filling material. The filling seals off spaces where bacteria can enter, and it also helps prevent the recurrence of cavities.
Pediatric dentists offer a variety of restorative options, including gold, porcelain, and composite resin. They will choose the appropriate filling material for your child based on their age, dental history, oral hygiene habits, and more.
Another popular dental procedure in our pediatric dental offices is bonding, which involves repairing slightly chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth with a white filling. Bonding is a conservative treatment that looks natural. It can be placed on the front teeth or back teeth, depending on the extent and location of the decay.
Dental hygienist cleanings
If you’re a parent, you know that it is crucial to have your child visit a dental hygienist at regular intervals. These visits can help reduce your child’s risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease by removing plaque.
During routine teeth cleaning, your hygienist will use a scaler to scrape off any hardened plaque. They will also clean between your teeth and along the gum line.
Once they have cleaned your teeth, they will give you a rinse that contains liquid fluoride. This will protect your teeth from cavities for several months.
Before the cleaning begins, your hygienist will perform an oral exam to evaluate the health of your mouth. She will look for signs of oral cancer and other problems that need treatment.
Tooth Extractions
Teeth are more prone to decay in children because they have less enamel than adults, and they are more vulnerable to bacteria that feed on sugars. Early treatment of cavities can prevent a child from needing more serious dental procedures like tooth extractions.
When a dentist sees an infected tooth, they can use an x-ray to identify the root of the problem. The x-ray also helps the dentist determine if there is any damage to the surrounding bone.
Pediatric dentists typically take x-rays every six months for children who are at high risk for tooth decay or gum disease. This is because it can help them detect problems before they develop and become more severe.
Once a tooth has been removed, it’s vital that you follow your dentist’s instructions on aftercare. This includes leaving the gauze pad in place for a few hours and applying ice to keep the swelling down. It’s also important to rinse and spit only gently. Then, you can slowly reintroduce soft foods into your diet to avoid dislodging the blood clot that forms in the tooth socket.
Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are devices used to leave enough space open for permanent teeth to grow in. This is typically done when a child loses their baby teeth prematurely due to trauma, congenital defects, accidents, or decay.
Depending on the type of gap, your dentist may recommend a different kind of space maintainer. There are a few different types of maintainers, so you need to talk with your child’s dentist about what is best for them and their situation.
Fixed: This is a device that is cemented into your child’s mouth and shaped like a tooth. It is a good choice for older children who can reliably follow instructions about caring for the device and following proper oral hygiene routines.
Removable: This type is more flexible and can be removed to clean the area if your child needs it. These devices can have a wire arm that extends down into the gum tissue, so you need to watch your child’s behavior when they’re wearing them to make sure they don’t swallow or inhale the device into their lungs.
