Pediatric dentists or pedodontists care for young patients from childhood to adolescence. There are nine dental specialties, one of which is pediatric dentistry. This type of dentist offers a variety of procedures. After dental school, pediatric dentists devote two or three years to learning how to treat kids.
They also receive kid psychology and dental care training, allowing them to connect more effectively with children. A pediatric dentist can also diagnose and deal with dental infections that affect a child’s teeth and mouth’s appearance and health. The following are some of the pediatric dentists’ most typical dental services.
What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?
Pediatric dentists offer the routine checkups and treatments kids need to keep their dental wellness in tip-top shape. These are some of the most common treatments provided by these specialists:
1. Regular Dental Examinations for Kids and Teens
The condition of your child’s teeth is important to their general health. Regular exams typically include a professional cleaning to get rid of the unhealthy tartar and plaque buildup on the teeth. However, the examination by the pediatric dentist is often the most fundamental part of the consultation.
It is crucial to take your child to the dentist frequently to guarantee their teeth and gums are developing normally and to capture any potential problems early and for more detailed information.
2. Dental X-Rays
Dental x-rays are necessary for identifying issues beneath the gums and teeth, and they must be taken yearly by kids and teenagers. The dentist can see cavities and decay between your teeth that would otherwise go undiscovered without using X-rays.
As a kid’s permanent teeth show up, x-rays can discover problems with placement and catch impacted teeth before they become a concern. Your child might need more than one x-ray annually if the pediatric dentist notices any concerns. Check out this family dental associates for more information.
3. Dental Fillings
The most common dental issue in children is cavities and tooth decay. Neglected decayed teeth affect 20% of children aged 5 to 11, causing discomfort and infections. Although fillings can return the teeth to their usual function, they are often uncomfortable, even for grownups.
A pediatric dentist is experienced at putting fillings in smaller mouths while making the treatment seem more satisfying than you may have imagined. The benefits of pediatric dental training become even more evident during procedures similar to this.
4. Tooth Removals
If a tooth has been fractured or is severely decayed, a dentist might advise having the tooth extracted in order to prevent more complications. Removal may be needed when a tooth is impacted, which means it is trapped underneath the gums. Impacted teeth can lead to major dental health problems and also face shape problems.
5. Sealants
Prevention is always the best treatment, especially regarding growing teeth. Sealants are a basic and effective way to prevent cavities from forming in your teeth. A thin layer known as a sealant is placed on the chewing surface of teeth. It sets almost instantly after being painted to ensure kids can eat again immediately. Sealants can prevent up to 80% of molar cavities. There is often no need for drilling or numbing during the procedure.
6. Orthodontic Treatments
Many parents bring their kids to a pediatric dentist for orthodontic procedures. By gradually applying pressure over time, orthodontic tools like braces, Invisalign, and others straighten teeth. You can follow link like this to learn more about Invisalign.
Orthodontic treatment is advised for kids between the ages of 7 and 10. Before age 7, a kid should have their teeth checked by an orthodontist to identify any possible issues and start treatment.
