As parents, we all want our children to have the healthiest and happiest smiles possible. But sometimes, despite our best efforts at-home oral care, our little ones still need some extra help from a pediatric dentist. From routine cleanings to more complex procedures, there are many common treatments that can improve your child’s dental health and prevent future problems. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common pediatric dental procedures so you can feel more informed and prepared for your child’s next trip to the dentist!
Dental Checkups And Cleanings
Dental checkups and cleanings are important for keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy. During a dental checkup, the dentist will examine your child’s teeth and gums for any problems. They will also remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on the teeth. Cleaning will help to prevent cavities and gum disease.
It is recommended that children have a dental checkup every six months. However, if your child has any risk factors for dental problems, the dentist may recommend more frequent visits.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments are one of the most common pediatric dental procedures. This simple, quick procedure can help to prevent tooth decay and cavities. Fluoride treatments usually involve applying a fluoride gel or varnish to the teeth. The gel or varnish is then allowed to remain on the teeth for a few minutes before being rinsed off. Fluoride treatments are typically done every 6 months.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a common pediatric dental procedure. They are usually done on baby teeth but can be done on adult teeth as well. The chewing surfaces of the back teeth are coated with sealants, which are transparent or white materials. By doing so, cavities and tooth decay are avoided.
Orthodontics
The area of dentistry known as orthodontics deals with the prevention and treatment of misaligned teeth and jaws. Orthodontic treatment can improve the appearance, alignment, and function of the teeth. It can also help to prevent or minimize further problems with the teeth and jaws.
One of the most common sort of orthodontic treatment is braces. Braces are metal or clear plastic devices that are attached to the teeth. They apply pressure to the teeth and jawbones, which helps to move the teeth into their proper position. Other types of orthodontic treatments include headgear, retainers, and Jaw Surgery.
A piece of clothing worn around the head and neck is called headgear. It applies pressure to the teeth and jawbone, which helps to move the teeth into their proper position. Retainers are devices that are worn after orthodontic treatment to hold the teeth in their new position. Jaw surgery is an invasive procedure that is used to correct severe cases of misalignment.
Tooth extractions
There are a few reasons your child may need a tooth extraction. Their tooth may be too damaged from decay to be repaired, or they may have a tooth that is preventing their other teeth from coming in properly. Additionally, some children have extra teeth that crowd their mouths and need to be removed.
Extractions are usually done under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth. Your child will be awake during the procedure, but they should not feel any pain. If your child is very young or has special needs, they may be given general anesthesia, which puts them to sleep for the procedure.
The dentist will first loosen the tooth with an instrument called an elevator. The tooth will next be extracted using forceps. In some cases, the root of the tooth may need to be removed as well. The dentist will make sure that any pieces of the tooth are removed and that there is no bleeding before putting in a dissolvable stitch (if necessary).
Your child may feel some discomfort after the procedure and their lip, cheek, or tongue may be numb for a few hours due to the local anesthesia. Give them soft foods to eat and have them avoid biting on their numb cheek or tongue until the feeling comes back. You can give them over-the-counter pain medication if they’re in discomfort. Keep an eye on them for any signs of infection, such as excessive bleeding or swelling at the extraction site, and contact your dentist.
Root canals
One of the most frequent dental operations is a root canal. It is performed when the tooth’s nerve is damaged or infected. The procedure involves removing the nerve and pulp from the tooth and filling the empty space with a material called gutta-percha. Root canals are usually performed by dentists, but can also be performed by endodontists, which are specialists in this type of procedure.
The first step in a root canal procedure is to numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. Once the tooth is numb, the dentist will make an opening in the tooth so that they can access the nerve and pulp. Next, they will use special instruments to remove the nerve and pulp from the tooth. Once this is done, they will clean and shape the inside of the tooth so that it can be filled with gutta-percha. Finally, they will seal off the tooth so that it can heal properly.
Root canals are generally safe procedures with a high success rate. However, there are hazards associated with every medical operation. These risks include infection, damage to surrounding teeth, and reaction to anesthesia.
Summarizing
There are many common pediatric dental procedures. Some of the most common include:
-Fillings: Fillings are used to repair cavities or other damage to the teeth.
-Crowns: Crowns are used to protect the teeth from further damage or decay.
-Bridges are used to fill up gaps left by lost teeth.
-Implants: Implants are used to replace missing teeth with artificial ones.