A child’s happy smile is priceless. When you want to ensure that your child’s smile stays bright and strong, there’s no better ally than a pediatric dentist. They can provide friendly, high-quality care that not only meets your child’s current dental needs but also sets the stage for a positive, healthy future.
Pediatric Dentist Treatment Options
Temporary Teeth Have Permanent Implications
Baby teeth may not last forever, but they do have a lasting impact. Strong baby teeth make learning to speak and crunching on nutritious foods easier, and a healthy smile boosts confidence. Baby teeth also act as placeholders for permanent teeth, so any disruption to these temporary teeth that goes untreated can cause serious problems later.
Types of Pediatric Dental Procedures
Kids come in all shapes and sizes, and so do their dental needs. That’s why pediatric dentistry includes a wide range of treatments:
- Cleanings and preventive care. A checkup with a pediatric dentist every six months is best. It’s a chance for your child’s teeth to have a professional cleaning. Plus, they get to review their own dental hygiene skills. It also allows the dentist to keep a watchful eye on their oral health. That’s important because identifying problems early allows for them to be treated when it’s easier and more affordable to do so.
- Fluoride. Fluoride treatments help strengthen teeth. They can prevent cavities and discourage the buildup of tartar and plaque.
- Fillings. If decay or injury damages a tooth, a filling can restore its stability and function.
- Sealants. Thin layers of resin-based material, sealants are bonded to the chewing surfaces of teeth. They protect hard-to-clean areas from decay. In fact, they can cut the risk of cavities by up to 80%.
- Bonding. Bonding is a quick, easy way to fix teeth that are crooked, chipped or discolored. During the procedure, the dentist sculpts a white resin directly onto the tooth to repair the flaw.
- Extractions. When a tooth is too severely damaged to repair, an extraction may be necessary to remove it.
- Crowns. Crowns are steel or porcelain caps that replace the outer portion of the tooth. They’re used when a damaged tooth isn’t strong enough to hold together with just a filling. A crown can restore both the look and function of the tooth.
- Emergencies. Dental emergencies can be terrifying. In some cases, a delay in care may result in the loss of a tooth that could have been saved. Most pediatric dentists encourage patients to call if they have a dental emergency. Depending on the situation, the staff may provide instructions and direct them to come in for an appointment. Or they may advise them to seek immediate care elsewhere.