The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child have their first dentist visit by the time they’re one, or earlier if a tooth erupts.
These specialized dentists play a crucial role in ensuring the lifelong health of a child's teeth and gums. But what does that entail?
Whether you’re looking to explain a procedure to your child, or perhaps have curiosity about your kid’s upcoming visit, here are ten of the most common treatments you might encounter in pediatric dentistry.
1. Dental Cleanings
Conditions and Symptoms: Regular dental cleanings are essential for preventing cavities and gum disease. Children should have their teeth cleaned professionally at least twice a year. Signs that a child may need a cleaning include bad breath, bleeding gums, or visible plaque buildup.
Treatment: During a dental cleaning, the pediatric dentist will remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. They will also polish the teeth to remove surface stains. If necessary, the dentist may apply fluoride treatments to strengthen the teeth and prevent cavities.
2. Sealants
Conditions and Symptoms: Sealants are a preventive measure that helps protect teeth from cavities. They are especially effective on the chewing surfaces of molars, which are prone to decay.
Children who are at high risk for cavities, such as those with poor oral hygiene or a family history of dental problems, may derive extra benefit from sealants. But they are a powerful tool for all children. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “School-age children (ages 6–11) without sealants have almost 3 times as many cavities in the first molars as children with sealants.”
Treatment: Sealants are a thin, plastic coating that is applied to the teeth. They create a protective barrier that prevents food and bacteria from entering the pits and fissures of the teeth. Sealants are typically applied in a single visit to the dentist and can last for several years.
3. Teeth Whitening
Conditions and Symptoms: Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that can help brighten a child's smile. While teeth naturally darken over time, certain factors, such as staining from food or beverages, can accelerate the process.
Treatment: Teeth whitening can be performed in-office or at home. In-office whitening treatments use professional-strength bleaching agents to whiten teeth in a single visit. At-home whitening kits typically involve wearing a custom-made mouthguard filled with a bleaching agent for several hours each day.
4. Crooked Teeth
Conditions and Symptoms: Crooked teeth can affect a child's appearance and self-esteem. They can also make it difficult to chew and speak properly. If your child has crooked teeth, it's important to consult with a pediatric dentist to discuss treatment options.
Treatment: There are several options for correcting crooked teeth in children. Braces are a common treatment that uses pressure to gradually straighten teeth over time. In some cases, clear aligners may be a suitable alternative. For more severe cases, jaw surgery may be necessary.
5. Jaw Misalignment
Conditions and Symptoms: Jaw misalignment, also known as malocclusion, can occur when the upper and lower jaws do not fit together properly. This can lead to a variety of problems, including difficulty chewing, speaking, and breathing.
Treatment: Treatment for jaw misalignment typically involves orthodontics, such as braces or clear aligners. In some cases, jaw surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying problem. Early intervention is often key in treating jaw misalignment, so it's important to consult with a pediatric dentist if you have concerns about your child's bite.
6. Cavity Fillings
Conditions and Symptoms: Cavities, or dental caries, occur when bacteria in the mouth produce acid that erodes the enamel of the teeth. Symptoms of cavities include toothaches, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and visible holes in the teeth.
Cavities are incredibly common, though their incidence has dropped significantly in the last 50 years. Still, 23% of children ages 2 – 5 will develop a cavity.
Treatment: To treat a cavity, the pediatric dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the cavity with a material such as composite resin or amalgam. Fillings can help prevent further tooth decay and restore the tooth's function.
7. Pulpotomy
Conditions and Symptoms: A pulpotomy is a procedure to remove the inflamed or infected pulp of a primary tooth, also known as a “baby tooth.” It follows then that a pulpotomy is sometimes called a “baby root canal.” It’s less invasive than a root canal on a permanent tooth because the procedure does not go down to the tooth’s roots.
A pulpotomy is often necessary when a cavity has progressed to the pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth. Symptoms of a pulpotomy may include a toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and a swelling or abscess near the tooth.
Treatment: During a pulpotomy, the pediatric dentist will remove the infected pulp. The area is then treated with a disinfectant and filled with dental cement. The tooth is then capped with a dental crown.
8. Root Canal
Conditions and Symptoms: Root canal is a procedure to save a tooth that has become severely infected or damaged. If your child’s infected is in a permanent tooth, then a root canal may be necessary.
Symptoms of a root canal infection may include a toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and a swelling or abscess near the tooth.
Treatment: During a root canal, the pediatric dentist will remove the infected pulp from the tooth and clean out the root canals. The canals will then be filled with a special rubbery material and sealed with a crown.
9. Extractions
Conditions and Symptoms: Extractions are performed to remove teeth that are severely damaged, decayed, or impacted. Impacted teeth are teeth that are unable to erupt properly due to overcrowding or other factors.
Many people seek treatment for impacted wisdom teeth, though this most frequently occurs between the ages of 16 and 25, when a patient has already transitioned from a pediatric dentist to adult care.
Treatment: Extractions can be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure. After an extraction, the pediatric dentist will monitor the healing process and may recommend a follow-up visit to ensure proper healing.
10. Dental Emergencies
Conditions and Symptoms: Dental emergencies can occur suddenly and require immediate attention. Common dental emergencies include toothaches, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and objects lodged in the teeth.
Treatment: The treatment for dental emergencies will depend on the specific nature of the problem. In many cases, it is important to seek immediate medical attention to prevent further complications. Possible treatments for dental emergencies may include tooth repair, extractions, or root canal therapy.
Everyone’s mouth is undeniably unique – in fact new research shows that your tongue is as unique as a fingerprint. Dentistry for kids requires individual approaches for individual patients, but you can also go into the process prepared by learning about these common procedures. Contact Cal Select if you’re ready to put that knowledge into action and make an appointment with an expert dentist for kids.