Often necessary for good oral health, pediatric dental procedures help children maintain healthy and strong teeth. There are a variety of procedures that can be done on pediatric patients, many similar to those done on adults.
Typical pediatric dental procedures
These are a few of the most common procedures that a pediatric dentist may perform on children.
Fillings
When a tooth has become decayed due to plaque buildup, it can lead to a loss of enamel, the outermost layer of the tooth. Once the enamel is damaged, it creates weak spots in the teeth that can result in a cavity, which is a hole that develops in a tooth. It is important to treat this issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage. A filling is the procedure done to treat a cavity.
The filling procedure cleans out decay from inside the tooth and then a composite filling material is placed inside the tooth to fill the hole from the cavity and protect it from further damage. Fillings are often made from resin, porcelain or amalgam. Amalgam fillings have become less common recently as they are made from metal and do not have the natural look of the newer materials.
Dental cleanings
Pediatric patients need to have regular dental cleanings just as adults do. During a dental cleaning, the patient’s teeth and gums are thoroughly examined to determine oral health and check for any dental problems. Afterward, the teeth are cleaned to remove any buildup of plaque and hard tartar. After the cleaning, fluoride is applied to teeth to protect them from damage and decay. Regular dental cleanings are useful to prevent gum disease and cavities from forming and are typically recommended every six months.
Extractions
An extraction, which is the pulling of a tooth out of the jaw, is another common pediatric dental procedure. This is usually only done in certain cases, such as severe dental decay in a tooth that cannot be filled and is at risk of causing nearby teeth to decay or an infection in the mouth. An extraction may sometimes be needed when a baby tooth has roots that are too long, preventing it from falling out so the permanent tooth can take its place. It is also done in cases where there is an overcrowding of teeth that has an impact on tooth alignment.
X-rays
Dental X-rays are images that are taken of the teeth to evaluate the state of a patient’s oral health. They are usually recommended once per year but may be done more frequently with pediatric patients, especially if there is a dental issue that needs monitoring. Patients need to wear a lead apron as X-rays have a small amount of radiation. The X-ray machine is placed beside the mouth and pictures are then taken.
Conclusion
It is important for parents to be aware of common pediatric dental procedures and what they entail. Knowing the procedures and what to expect can help make dental visits go smoother and easier.
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.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day — once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different? This article will explore why…
Everyone learns oral hygiene basics when young, but some details get lost over time. When the time comes, many parents need clarification about what type of toothbrush is best for children. This simple tool comes in many different forms, including a variety of sizes and bristle textures. You may wonder why there are so many…
Teeth brushing is one of the most important oral hygiene basics, as it removes plaque from teeth. However, the toothbrush kids use can impact how effective this practice is. To optimize toothbrushing, parents need to find a brush that fits their child's needs. Fortunately, there are many options out there.A pediatric dentist can help parents…
Children brushing and flossing their teeth twice a day are important oral hygiene basics, but what about using mouthwash? Is it a necessary part of keeping their teeth healthy? While mouthwash is not typically included in the oral hygiene basics recommended by pediatric dentists, it can still offer several benefits when used correctly.One of the…