Kids or pediatric dentistry comes into the picture as soon as your child develops his first tooth. Pediatric dentists are committed to maintaining good oral health in children from infancy through adolescence and teen years. They focus on both preventive and restorative dentistry and also educate parents on how best to care for their child's dental health and needs.
Pediatric dentistry intercepts dental problems in their growing stage and prevents severe issues in the future. Correct pediatric care at the right time provides a healthy environment for both the baby, and permanent teeth. The more early you bring in your child to a pediatric dentist, the early the dental issues are and a treatment plan is designed to decide the right time for treatment. Some benefits of pediatric or kids' dentistry are:
Procedures available under pediatric or kids’ dentistry:
a. Professional Dental Cleaning
As we know, the accumulation of plaque and tartar leads to bacterial infestation, which gives birth to gum diseases. But it is difficult to remove plaque and tartar deposits only through regular brushing and flossing. This is where professional dental cleaning comes in. A professional dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar deposits from hard to reach areas in the mouth and makes it squeaky clean. Initial stages of gum diseases are treated with professional dental cleaning. You should take your child for a professional dental cleaning twice a year.
b. Tooth Fillings
Children are more prone to tooth decay than adults. Tooth fillings are used to repair decayed and damaged teeth to their functional state. The decay or damage is removed using a dental drill and the cavity is filled with a tooth filling. We at Inspire Smiles Dental use composite fillings to treat teeth inflicted with decay and damage. Composite fillings can successfully restore teeth that are inflicted with small to mid-size decay or damage. Composite fillings are fabricated from a mixture of plastic and powdered glass, which gives them a tooth-colored appearance. Their tooth-colored nature has made them a popular choice among patients looking for a more natural- looking restoration. Although they are primarily known for their aesthetic appeal, they are extremely versatile and can be used to fix various dental issues like:
c. Radiograph Examination
Radiographs or X-rays are used to identify dental issues that are not visible to the naked eye during a regular exam. They save you and your child from unnecessary trouble, risks, and expenses. X-rays produce digital images of the mouth in order to determine the following:
d. Stainless Steel Crowns
Baby teeth, when badly damaged, cannot be restored using tooth fillings. They are restored using stainless steel crowns. These are silver-colored and are mounted over baby teeth to restore and protect them from further decay and damage. Stainless steel crowns are permanently cemented onto baby teeth and fall out when these teeth are lost naturally.
e. Fluoride Treatment
Cavities develop when the tooth enamel loses its mineral composition. In order to remineralize the enamel, a thin layer of fluoride is painted on the surface of teeth and is allowed to dry. Fluoride treatment remineralizes the tooth enamel, strengthens teeth, and prevents decay and cavities.
f. Braces
Braces treat crooked teeth and other orthodontic ailments like malocclusion. Metal brackets are wires are used to apply calculated amounts of force to push teeth into their ideal position.
g. Pulp Treatment (Pulpotomy)
A pulpotomy is the treatment of infected nerves and blood vessels present in the pulp chamber. If your child is suffering from pulp infection, irreversible decay that extends to the tooth roots or has experienced injury to the mouth, he will require pulpotomy. The pulpotomy involves the removal of the infected nerves and vessels. It is performed to increase the life of baby teeth.
h. Dental Sealants
Children become more susceptible to cavities because they fail to clean the grooves and pits present on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Plaque accumulates in these vulnerable areas and leads to decay and cavities. Dental sealants are thin layers of plastic that are used to coat these chewing surfaces of molars. The plastic coating laminates the grooves and ridges of back teeth and prevents the accumulation of plaque.
i. Space Maintainers
Children often lose their baby teeth prematurely due to decay and damage. When a gap is left by missing teeth, the neighboring teeth start shifting into the vacant space. This prevents the permanent tooth from erupting in a proper position, which leads to severe orthodontic issues in the future. Space maintainers are used for maintaining the space left by missing teeth. They are removed once the permanent tooth erupts through the gums.
We at Inspire Smiles Dental employ the most advanced technology to treat dental ailments with great care and precision. Our entire team is immensely dedicated to looking after our patients' needs with exceptional compassion and caution. Whether you are looking for dental restorations or cosmetic enhancements, Inspire Smiles Dental is a one-stop for all your dental issues and ailments. Book an appointment with us at 925.833.9500 or visit our office in 7739 Amador Valley Blvd, Dublin, CA 94568.
