5 Popular Treatments at a Children’s Dentist

Regular visits to the children's dentist are fundamental to your child's overall health. Often, these visits are the first indicators of problems in a child's health, but they also promote healthy dental and lifestyle habits from an early age. This being the case, five popular treatments can ensure your child's dental and overall well-being.

Routine cleanings

Receiving a routine cleaning is a simple process. They begin with the children's dentist performing a simple examination to get a better view of the child's oral state. This may involve a few pokes and a small dental light, but children will feel no pain. A dental hygienist performs the cleaning. They will use specialized tools to remove any built-up plaque or tartar. The process takes no more than 20 minutes but can vary depending on each child's temperament, cooperability, and oral state.

Cleanings also allow children to learn proper hygiene and dietary habits. A children's dentist and dental hygienist will review and demonstrate the importance of brushing, flossing, and a healthy diet. As the child grows, the dentist will recommend new techniques and products to better suit their needs.

Dental sealants

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, mainly the molars and premolars. These teeth have deep grooves and fissures that are challenging to clean effectively, making them more susceptible to cavities. The dental sealants form a protective barrier, preventing bacteria and food particles from accumulating in the deep grooves of the teeth.

Applying sealants is a quick and painless procedure, only taking a few minutes. The children's dentist will clean the to ensure no debris or bacteria will be locked under the sealants, apply the adhesive material, then place the sealant on each tooth. The sealant does not take long to bond to the tooth, providing a protective shield lasting upwards of ten years.

Fluoride treatments

Fluoride treatments are another preventative measure children's dentist use to protect a child's oral development. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth, making them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque and bacteria. The dentist can provide fluoride to the teeth by way of varnishes, gels, or foam. It will quickly absorb into the teeth's enamel, strengthening and protecting against cavities. They are painless and quick, often incorporated into the child's routine cleaning at the parent's discretion. They provide enough protection to last between each dental appointment.

Dental fillings

Though preventative treatments are available, some children require correction, namely, cavities. Cavities are holes that occur when bacteria produce acids that erode the enamel. The dentist may recommend fillings to preserve the natural tooth structure and prevent further dental issues.

The procedure will require specialty tools, such as a drill or laser; however, the child will be numbed and not feel pain or discomfort. After cleaning the area, the dentist will remove any decay, fill the hole with a chosen material (composite, porcelain, or amalgam), and shape it to match the tooth. They will then harden the material with a special light, restoring the tooth's function, aesthetic, and strength.

Root canals

Root canals are another treatment for correction the dentist will perform to save the natural structure of a decayed or infected tooth. The procedure involves:

• Numbing the area with local anesthesia
• Removing the infected pulp (the inner layer of the tooth)
• Cleaning the canals
• Filling them with a material called gutta-percha

The dentist will likely recommend a dental crown to restore the tooth's strength. Root canals can cause alarm in some children, but a children's dentist can ensure extra care is taken so they do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.