Pediatric dentists, also known as pedodontists, specialize in providing dental care to children from infancy through their teenage years.
They have received specialized training beyond that of a general dentist to address children and adolescents’ unique oral health needs. Pediatric dentists play a crucial role in promoting good oral hygiene habits and maintaining the dental health of young patients.
This blog explores standard pediatric dental procedures while giving you an idea of the treatment options. So continue reading as we walk you through the different procedures in the following sections of the blog.
But, Why Consult A Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist is your go-to dentist for several options. Let’s check out some standard pediatric dentistry information highlighting the dentist’s role in our lives:
- Preventive Dental Care: Pediatric dentists focus on preventive measures such as dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants to help prevent tooth decay and other oral health issues.
- Diagnosis and Treatment: They diagnose and treat pediatric dental health specific to you, including cavities, gum diseases, and developmental issues. Pediatric dentists receive training in managing children’s behavior during dental visits to create a comfortable and positive experience for young patients who may be nervous or anxious.
- Education: They educate parents and children about proper nutrition, oral hygiene practices, and regular dental check-ups. Besides, pediatric dentists can also assess the alignment of teeth and jaw development to determine if orthodontic intervention might be needed.
- Emergency Care: Pediatric dentists can handle dental emergencies that might occur with children, such as knocked-out teeth or injuries.
Choosing a pediatric dentist for your child is important to establish good oral health habits from a young age and to ensure they address any dental issues promptly and effectively.
Who Can Seek Pediatric Dental Care From A Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dental care is important for children from infancy through their teenage years. Here are some stages when you can pediatric dental care for your children:
- Infancy (6-12 months): Children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth, allowing the dentist to check for any potential issues.
- Toddlerhood (1-3 years): Children learn about oral hygiene habits during this stage. Regular dental visits reinforce the importance of brushing, flossing, and a healthy diet.
- Preschool Years (3-5 years): Regular dental check-ups are important for early detection of any cavities or other dental problems as children’s primary teeth continue to develop.
- School-Age Children (6-12 years): This is a crucial period for maintaining oral health. Regular dental visits can ensure that cavities are caught early and that preventive measures like sealants and fluoride treatments are provided.
- Teenage Years (13-18 years): Adolescence brings its own set of dental challenges. Wisdom teeth may start to emerge, and orthodontic needs might become apparent. Regular dental check-ups during these years help monitor oral health, address orthodontic concerns, and guide teenagers toward maintaining healthy habits.
Common Pediatric Dental Procedures And Treatments You Should Know Of!
Here are some common pediatric dental treatments in Aubrey, TX:
Dental Cleanings (Prophylaxis):
Regular dental cleanings are essential for your children to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth. The dentist in Aubrey, TX, will use special tools to clean the teeth, followed by polishing to make them smooth and shiny. Cleanings help prevent cavities and gum disease.
Fluoride Treatment:
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that plays a significant role in strengthening tooth enamel. It adds to your oral health, making your teeth resistant to decay. Fluoride treatments can be applied to the teeth as a gel, foam, or varnish. It is especially important for your children’s developing teeth.
Dental Sealants:
Pediatric dentists use sealants to fill in the grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to prevent cavities when a child has a cavity. Sealants are protective coatings that help prevent food particles from getting trapped. It has a painless application and is long-lasting.
Fillings:
In pediatric dentistry, if your child develops a cavity, the dentist needs to remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the tooth with a dental material, usually composite resin. The dentist commonly uses tooth-colored fillings that blend with the natural tooth color.
Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy:
These pediatric dentist services treat infected or damaged pulp (the innermost part of a tooth containing nerves and blood vessels) in baby teeth. A pulpotomy involves removing part of the pulp, while a pulpectomy removes the entire pulp. A crown on the tooth often follows these procedures to protect it.
Orthodontic Consultation:
Pediatric dentists often monitor the growth and development of a child’s teeth and jaws. If there are indications of orthodontic issues (misaligned teeth, bite problems), the dentist may refer the child to an orthodontist for further evaluation and potential treatment.
Extractions:
If your child’s tooth is severely decayed or damaged or prevents the proper eruption of a permanent tooth, it may need to be extracted. The pediatric dental meaning ensures your child’s comfort and safety during extractions.
Dental Crowns:
Dentists use crowns to restore and protect extensively decayed or damaged teeth. They can make crowns from various materials and design them to fit over the entire tooth structure.
Conclusion!
It’s important to note that each child’s dental needs may vary, and the procedures mentioned above might be adjusted based on the child’s age, dental health, and individual circumstances. So we recommend always consulting with qualified pediatric dental professionals to determine the best treatment plan for your child.
End Your Search Today
At Paloma Creek Dental & Orthodontics, we’re your one-stop pediatric dentist in Aubrey, TX, that cover your child’s oral needs. Our experts bring years of experience to the table so you can rest assured about their future and overall health.