What Procedures Do Pediatric Dentists Do?

Taking your child to routine pediatric dental visits is an excellent way to protect their future oral health. Unlike a general dentist, a pediatric dentist or pedodontist specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating dental issues in infants, children, and teenagers.

Along with providing general oral care, pediatric dentists pay special attention to the growth and development of the child’s gums, teeth, and jaw. If you don’t already have a pediatric dentist for your child, contact Sunny Smiles Kids to schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentist.

What are common pediatric dental procedures?

Pediatric dentists offer comprehensive oral care to meet the needs of your growing children and teenagers. Below are common procedures provided in a pediatric dental office:

• Oral exam and cleanings 

Like adults, children are vulnerable to oral problems like gum disease, cavities, decay, and misalignments. If not caught on time, these issues can lead to serious symptoms like severe tooth pain, jawbone disorder, and tooth loss. Taking your kid to a pediatric dentist will give the dentist a chance to identify potential issues and treat them on time.

Along with oral issues, the dentist can detect underlying health issues like asthma, hay fever, diabetes, and ADHD. Early detection of these issues will give your child a better chance of successful treatment.

After the exam, the dentist will clean your child’s mouth to eliminate bacteria, plaque, and tartar. It further protects your child from oral issues like cavities and gum disease. Pediatric cleaning is particularly essential as children are more susceptible to oral infections due to their lack of proper hygiene and excessive consumption of sugary items.

• Dental education and training

Many children don’t understand the importance of good oral hygiene and habits. A pediatric dentist can train you and your kid about healthy dental hygiene practices to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. Common topics for discussions include daily hygiene practices, cavity prevention, teething, tooth development, diet, and oral habits among children like thumb sucking.

• Tooth extraction 

Tooth extraction is a common procedure to expect in a pediatric office. Apart from removing baby teeth, a pediatric dentist can recommend tooth extraction if your child has a severely decayed or impacted tooth.

• Fluoride treatment 

Since children are more susceptible to cavities due to poor dental hygiene and regular snacking, a pediatric dentist can recommend fluoride treatment to strengthen their teeth and prevent cavities. The treatment only takes a few minutes. Consult with the dentist about how frequently your child can have fluoride treatment.

• Dental sealants 

Like fluoride treatment, a sealant is a preventive measure to protect your child against cavities and decay. Sealants are thin, white, or clear coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The back teeth have tiny pits and grooves, making them susceptible to cavities. Sealants smoothen these chewing surfaces, providing a protective shield against plaque and bacteria attacks. Sealants can protect your child’s teeth against decay for five to 20 years.

• Dental fillings 

A dental filling is a quick, easy, and effective restorative treatment to repair tooth cavities. During the procedure, the dentist removes the infected parts of the tooth and fills the tooth with a filling material. Composite resin, porcelain, and silver amalgam are common materials for dental fillings.

Reasons to See a Pediatric Dentist

Many reasons should prompt you to seek pediatric care for your child. These include:

• Routine oral exams and cleanings
• Preventive care like dental sealants and fluoride treatments
• Dental treatment for cavities, gum disease, cosmetic issues, poor bite, tooth misalignments, and other issues
• Emergency care
• Dental trauma like chips, cracks, and breaks
• Good oral education and training

What to Expect at the Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists have specialized training to handle and address children’s oral needs calmly and comfortably. Some pediatric dental offices have special decorations and tools to keep your child relaxed and happy.

If necessary, the dentist will use sedation to keep your child calm and pain-free during dental treatments. Contact our office to speak with a pediatric dentist near you for more information about pediatric dental procedures and general care.