What is Pediatric Dentistry, Their Types, and Benefits?
What is Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry is a field of dentistry that focuses more on the examination, diagnosis, and management of oral health issues in children from infancy to their teen years. Without good dental care, your child risks facing possible oral diseases and decay which could lead to a lifetime of complications. Find out more about pediatric dental services and their benefits below.
What are the Types of Pediatric Dentistry Treatments?
Pediatric dentistry encompasses different procedures that aim to improve dental health care in developing children. Below are some of the most common pediatric dental care procedures:
1) Comprehensive Oral Exams
According to the American Dental Association, parents should book their kids’ first dental visit within six months after they get their first baby tooth. When you take your child to a pediatric dentist, the expert will do a comprehensive oral exam. This will involve checking for early signs of gingivitis, dental erosion, childhood dental caries, pediatric gum disease, and other dental conditions like bite misalignment and teeth grinding.
If cavities are present, our pediatric dentist near Pinehurst, MA, may recommend stainless steel crowns, tooth fillings, or an extraction. Orthodontic treatment such as braces may be considered for your child if they have bite alignment issues.
2) Dental Cleaning
Professional teeth cleaning is recommended after every six months to help get rid of dental stains that cannot be eliminated by normal brushing. During the cleaning procedure, the hygienist will scrape your teeth to remove the plaque and then clean each tooth with a special ultrasonic tool before flossing and polishing them.
3) Stainless Steel Dental Crowns
These are metal caps that pediatric dentists use to restore damaged, fractured, or decayed baby molars. When dental fillings fail, stainless steel crowns are the next best solution for restoring your child’s tooth because they are strong and durable. SSCs cannot be used on permanent adult teeth because, compared to other types of dental crowns, they are weaker.
4) Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in rocks, soil, and water that helps keep primary teeth’ enamel strong and prevents dental cavities. Your children can get fluoride from mouth rinse, toothpaste, tap water, or the dentist’s office. Fluoride treatment is a preventative measure done to make teeth less susceptible to acid attacks that occur as a result of bacteria, plaque, and sugar in the mouth.
5) Cavity Fillings
Dental fillings are always among the top most done procedures in pediatric dentistry every year, partially because kids’ teeth are more prone to tooth cavities. It involves numbing the area around the affected tooth before removing all the infected areas, cleaning the site, and filling it with ceramic porcelain or silver amalgam. This is done to restore a tooth’s normal function and strength.
6) Mouthguards
Mouthguards are usually recommended for kids who are involved in contact sports or athletics. These protective devices are worn to minimize the risk of oral injuries to the lips, gums, jaw, face, teeth, and surrounding oral tissues.
7) Tooth Extraction
A dental extraction is rarely recommended for children and is usually the last resort considered when dental treatments cannot save a tooth. This can be due to extensive decay, cavities, or overcrowding in some areas of the oral cavity. Extractions scheduled because of overcrowded teeth are done to help permanent teeth grow straight.
What are The Benefits of Getting Early Pediatric Dental Care?
Below are the key benefits of taking your child to our children’s dentist at 01821:
a) Pediatric Dentists are Specially Trained
Pediatric dental practitioners receive specialized training that makes them well-suited to perform pediatric oral care procedures more effectively, safer, and comfortably.
b) Prevents Oral Issues Before They Occur
Early pediatric care is essential because it allows the detection of oral health issues at early stages, preventing future oral problems that can be difficult to manage.
c) Repairs Oral Injuries
Oral injuries can result from accidental falls, a blow, or an automobile accident, creating the need for emergency dental care. Most pediatric dentists offer emergency oral services to prevent possible complications due to delayed treatment.
d) Helps You Get Training in Good Dental Care Hygiene Practices
For your kids to have healthy teeth, they need to know how to correctly perform oral hygiene practices. Our Billerica dentist will teach them proper teeth-cleaning techniques for effective flossing and brushing.
Get Pediatric Dental Care Near You
Are you looking to get pediatric dentistry in Billerica, MA? Give us a call or book an appointment with One Dental Care today!