3 Common Pediatric Dentistry Procedures

Many visits to the pediatric dentistry office are routine. Regular checkups and wellness exams help to ensure the child’s oral health is good. These appointments can also identify growing concerns or teach the child and parents how to improve dental habits. Other types of visits treat specific conditions or reverse the effects of disease. Parents should be aware of what pediatric dentistry treatments the dentist does.

The importance of good oral health

Responsible parents place a high priority on taking their children to the doctor’s office for checkups. Dental visits are just as important. Neglecting these appointments or not following good oral health habits can have severe effects. Proper brushing and flossing will keep teeth and gums healthy and strong. This will help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Many parents do not realize there is a correlation between oral health and overall wellness. Unhealthy gums, for example, can cause infections in the mouth. Untreated, the infections can spread into the face, neck, and throughout the body. Eventually, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and travel to the heart. Other dental conditions will only become more significant if the patient does not get treatment at the pediatric dentistry office.

1. Fillings

Children are commonly prone to getting cavities. The pediatric dentist may use a filling to repair the damage and prevent tooth loss. This is one of the most frequent treatments a dentist will employ. To perform this, the dentist will first numb the patient.

Some children may respond well to other methods, such as sedation. Once the patient is calm, the dentist will drill into the tooth. After removing the decay and bacteria, the dentist may disinfect the tooth. Next, the pediatric dentist will fill the hole with a composite resin or ceramic filling. The dentist will then smooth the tooth and ensure the filling does not hinder the person’s bite.

2. Root canal

Root canals are not just for adults. In some cases, the pediatric dentist may choose to do this treatment on a younger patient. If a cavity is too large for a filling to support, or if there is an infection in the tooth, a root canal might be the right response. To perform this procedure, the dentist must remove the pulp. The dentist also thoroughly cleans and disinfects the affected area. Often, the dentist will place a crown over the tooth to prevent further damage.

3. Extractions

This is not the first choice but may be necessary in more extreme situations. The pediatric dentist may resort to this if a tooth is profoundly decayed. An extraction may also be needed to make room in a crowded mouth. The dentist might also remove a tooth with a large crack or fracture.

Benefits of proper pediatric dentistry checkups

Dental health is important, especially in young children. Starting with healthy teeth and gums can give the child good general health as well. Regular pediatric dentistry visits can make it easier for the dentist to monitor new dental eruptions. This will result in proper dental care. Here are the benefits of providing proper pediatric dentistry checkups:

• It helps the child overcome dental anxiety. A child will not fear the dentist if the first visit goes well. Bringing the child in for a pediatric dentistry check with an experienced dentist will keep the child calm and relaxed on checkup day. The pleasant first appointment will make the child look forward to the next one.
• It catches dental issues early. Regular dental checkups allow the dentist to detect any dental issue early. This will allow the young patient to get the right treatments early as well. Correcting dental problems early can prevent expensive and extensive treatments later on.
• It provides less invasive pediatric dentistry treatments. Less invasive procedures do not need general anesthesia. This means that the patient does not need to experience significant side effects. Tiny cavities will not need drilling or even baby root canals.
• It focuses on prevention. Pediatric dentistry visits before the first tooth erupts will give way to preventive treatments. The dentist can educate the parents and young children about proper flossing and brushing. Proper nutrition and eating habits are also good topics to talk about. Children can carry these good habits even when they reach adulthood.

Let the pediatric dentistry office handle all of your child’s dental needs

As a parent, you can take comfort in taking your child to the dentist’s office. A pediatric dentistry office can take care of a variety of issues. Do not put off making an appointment. Call the dentist today if your child has a cavity or other dental concerns.

Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.

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