Common Pediatric Dental Care Procedures: What Parents Should Know

Common pediatric dental care procedures, such as fillings and sealants, are simple and can be done in a single appointment. However, parents who are taking their children to the dentist for the first time often do not know what to expect, which can make preparation difficult. Knowing ahead of time what goes on during these treatments can help calm the anxieties of the kids and their caregivers.

Children tend to deal with various dental concerns due to their still-developing oral hygiene proficiency and tendency to prefer sugary foods. Here are a few of the most frequently performed pediatric dental procedures.

The most common pediatric dental care procedures

Even though children will lose their baby teeth, it is still important to keep them in good health until they fall out naturally. Otherwise, the adult teeth coming in after them could fail to erupt properly or enter the mouth already suffering from decay or other issues. Therefore, to protect these budding teeth, pediatric dentists will perform the following procedures. 

Tooth fillings

Children are highly susceptible to cavities because they are still learning how to brush, manage their self-control about consistently brushing, and eat a healthy diet. Pediatric dentists will perform dental fillings by first removing any decayed parts of a tooth that are soft and susceptible to bacteria. Once these areas are gone, the dentist can then fill the space with a strong material, such as composite, that acts just like the natural tooth surface. This enables the tooth to remain strong so the child can continue to use it without the risk of fractures or cracks.

Root canals

When tooth decay enters the interior portion of a tooth (called the pulp), bacteria can gain access to the sensitive nerves and blood vessels inside. This can cause a painful and problematic infection.

A root canal entails the removal of this infection from inside the tooth, along with any affected tissues. The dentist uses a material called gutta percha to fill the hollow tooth so it does not break apart. Treating an infection can keep a child from experiencing severe pain and allow the tooth to last as long as possible.

Dental sealants

As part of their growing independence and education regarding brushing, many kids focus on brushing the front teeth and the surfaces that are easiest to reach. However, the molars in the back of the mouth contain deep trenches that can be hard to clean, making children more susceptible to cavities in these areas.

Dental sealants are thin coatings that fill in these deep trenches to create smoother and shallower surfaces. Children have an easier time cleaning sealed teeth, thus reducing the incidence of cavities. Sealants can be reapplied as they gradually wear away, but most children do not need them as they enter their teenage years.

Cleanings

Dental cleanings should be a regular part of good oral hygiene for anyone, adults and children alike. Pediatric dentists strive to make cleanings fun and enjoyable so kids can establish good habits at a young age. These cleanings remove bacteria and plaque from the teeth to decrease the likelihood of cavities, and they also provide a valuable opportunity for dentists to further examine the mouth.

During a cleaning, a dentist can take note of any emerging issues, such as difficulties with tooth alignment or gum inflammation, as these should be treated before they worsen. This sets the child up for a well-cared-for smile into adulthood.

Extractions

While not a preferred treatment, tooth extractions may be necessary for some children’s oral healthcare. An extraction may need to happen for various reasons, not just because a child did not properly take care of their teeth. For instance, some milk teeth may have unusually long roots that prevent the adult teeth from emerging properly, so these will need to be extracted.

Get pediatric dental care regularly

Pediatric dental care spans a wide range of potential treatments, many of which are unique to younger patients, as they deal with challenges different from those of their adult counterparts. Whether your child is facing an oral health concern or simply needs to get into the routine of going to the dentist, your family should visit the dentist regularly. Please contact our office in order to schedule an appointment for any of our most common pediatric dental care procedures or to ask questions about the processes and how we can keep your child comfortable throughout.

Request an appointment here: https://www.memorialpediatricdds.com or call Memorial Pediatric Dentistry at (281) 571-8411 for an appointment in our Houston office.

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