What Procedures Are Done in Pediatric Dentistry?
Despite the increased innovation in dentistry, oral issues like cavities and gum disease remain a concern to millions of adults and children alike. Fortunately, good hygiene and regular dental assessments can help maintain good oral and overall wellness.
As far as your child’s oral health is concerned, taking them to a pediatric dentist regularly is important to keep their mouth healthy and monitor the development of their teeth and mouth. Let’s learn more about the dental services and procedures you can expect in a pediatric dental office.
What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?
A pediatric dentist is a dental professional who specializes in offering comprehensive oral care to growing children and teenagers. Among other services, a pediatric dentist offers the following services:
- Comprehensive oral exams
- Professional teeth cleaning and polishing
- Dental sealants and fluoride treatment
- Diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases like cavities and gum disease
- Early treatments to correct teeth misalignments and poor bite
- Treatment of dental injuries like tooth chips, cracks, fractures, and breaks
- Cosmetic treatments to improve your child’s smile
- Oral health education
- Early detection of oral issues associated with systematic problems like diabetes, hay fever, diabetes, and asthma.
What Are the Common Pediatric Dental Procedures?
Below are common procedures offered in a pediatric dental office:
- Oral exams and cleanings
Frequent oral exams and cleanings are key preventive measures to preserve your child’s oral health. During the exam, the pediatric dentist will examine their mouth for issues like cavities, decay, and gum disease. If any issues are identified, the dentist will offer the necessary treatment.
As part of the exam, the dentist will also clean your child’s teeth to remove debris, plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup in the mouth. Usually, children and teenagers snack a lot and may not be thorough with their oral hygiene, increasing their risk of oral infections. Having regular dental cleanings will keep their mouth clean and healthy. Your child’s teeth are also polished for a smooth and brighter appearance. Visit our dental office in Stockton, CA, to schedule your child’s oral assessments.
- Dental Sealants
Applying dental sealants is a common procedure in a pediatric dental office. When brushing and flossing, your children may not be able to thoroughly clean hard-to-reach spots in their mouth, increasing their risk of cavities and periodontal disease.
Applying dental sealants on the chewing surfaces of their back teeth can provide a shield against plaque and bacteria attacks. Similarly, applying sealants smoothens the teeth’s surfaces, making brushing easier and more effective in maintaining good oral health.
- Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatment is another preventive measure to strengthen your child’s teeth and protect them from cavities. The treatment mainly involves applying fluoride varnish to your child’s teeth. Ask your child’s dentist how often your child can have fluoride treatments.
- Tooth Extraction
Your child’s dentist might recommend tooth extraction for several reasons. For instance, tooth extraction may be necessary to remove a misshapen baby tooth, impacted wisdom tooth, overcrowding, severely damaged tooth, and infected tooth.
- Orthodontic care
Like adults, children also need orthodontic treatments. Since your child’s mouth is developing, correcting orthodontic problems early is essential to protect their future health. If your child has crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth, the dentist can recommend traditional braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign.
- Dental Bonding
Your child’s teeth can crack, chip, wear out, or discolor due to dental trauma, poor dental hygiene, and high consumption of acidic and colored food items. The pediatric dentist can recommend dental bonding to repair your child’s teeth and enhance their function and appearance. Bonding is a straightforward, quick, and relatively inexpensive treatment.
- Periodontal treatment
Gum disease is an increasingly rising concern among children. Since a child’s snack more regularly and might not be able to clean their mouth as thoroughly, there are more prone to oral infections like gum disease. If your child has complained about minor bleeding when brushing, it could signify gingivitis.
If left untreated, gingivitis can worsen to an irreversible stage called periodontitis. Periodontitis causes severe discomfort and complications, causing the need for more invasive and relatively costly treatments. Seeking early periodontal care from our dentist in Stockton will help treat and reverse your child’s condition and prevent complications.
Schedule An Appointment Today
Are you interested in pediatric dentistry in Stockton, CA? Contact Valley View Dental – Stockton for more information.