What Are Common Pediatric Dental Procedures?

What Are Common Pediatric Dental Procedures?

Mar 23, 2023

A good diet and proper oral hygiene are great ways to keep your child’s teeth and mouth healthy. However, your child may need additional dental care to maintain optimal oral health.

It can range from preventive dental care like routine dental exams to restorative treatments like dental fillings to orthodontic treatments like braces. Let’s learn more about the most common procedure that you can expect in a pediatric dental office.

  • Dental Sealants

Your child’s efforts to brush and floss might not be enough to clean their teeth effectively, especially the back molars. It leaves their teeth at a greater risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral infections.

Applying dental sealants to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars helps cover the tiny grooves and depressions on them, making them smooth and less vulnerable to decay and other damage. Smoother surfaces are also easier to clean. Fortunately, applying sealants is painless, quick, and safe.

  • Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is an excellent mineral for strengthening and protecting your kid’s teeth against cavities and fractures. Fluoride remineralizes the teeth and makes them more resistant to acid attacks caused by bacteria and plaque.

While your kid can get fluoride from many sources like tap water, toothpaste, and food, taking them for routine fluoride treatments can also be beneficial. The dentist applies a fluoride gel, varnish, or foam on the teeth, absorbing for several minutes. It’s then brushed off.

  • X-rays

As your child develops, routine dental x-rays may be necessary to monitor their jaw and dental development for bite problems. It helps detect bite problems early when treatment is often easy and quick. If not corrected promptly, some bite problems can lead to severe complications in the future, like overcrowding and malocclusion.

X-rays may also be necessary to check for tooth decay, trauma, gum disease, and other oral problems.

  • Tooth Extraction

Extractions are common among children. Their baby teeth must fall to allow their adult teeth to erupt and develop normally. If your child’s baby tooth doesn’t fall out on time, the dentist can remove it. Similarly, tooth extractions in kids may be necessary to remove a severely injured or damaged tooth, correct overcrowding, or give room for orthodontic treatments.

  • Dental Fillings

Cavities are common among children. They may result from the child’s inability to clean their teeth effectively and regular snacking on sugary and acidic food items. Dental fillings often seal cavities to restore the tooth’s strength and protect it from further infections and fractures.

When placing the filling, the dentist removes the decayed or damaged parts of the tooth and fills the spaces left with filling material like composite resin. The dentist will numb your child to prevent any pain. Visit our pediatric dentist in Westwood, MA, if your child has a cavity.

  • Stainless-Steel Crowns

When you don’t get tooth decay and cavities treated quickly, the damage continues, significantly weakening the tooth structure. A dental filling might not be adequate if the damage is severe.

In such a case, the dentist can recommend placing a stainless-steel crown on the tooth to reinstate its strength and protect it from further damage. Unlike adult crowns, stainless steel crowns are pre-made. The dentist will simply look for one that perfectly fits your child’s tooth.

  • Orthodontic Treatments

It’s best to get most orthodontic problems treated at a younger age. The pediatric dentist will continually monitor your child’s jaw and teeth developed during routine dental exams. If they identify any issues, like overcrowding, the dentist will design a treatment plan to resolve the problem to prevent future problems. The dentist can recommend orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign for moderate to severe bite problems. Pediatric oral surgery may be necessary for serious jaw problems.

  • Dental Exams and Cleanings

You should take your children for routine dental exams and cleanings every six months or sooner. The dentist examines the mouth for potential problems like cavities, trauma, gum infections, bite problems, and cosmetic issues. Early diagnosis allows for early treatments, preventing future complications and the need for more invasive treatments.

The dentist will also clean your child’s mouth to remove plaque, tartar, bacteria, and other debris trapped on their teeth and around the gum line. It reduces their risk of oral problems like bad breath, tooth decay, oral thrush, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Schedule your appointment today.

Do you have more questions about pediatric dental procedures? Or are you ready to book your child’s next dental checkup? Contact Westwood Dental Group to book your appointment today.

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