Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that deals with the examination and management of dental health, in kids, teenagers, and adolescents. Pediatric dentistry is necessary for dealing with dental issues with respect to kids. Children need specialized care as their teeth differ from adult teeth.This treatment can include the prevention and treatment of diseases of the mouth, teeth and gums as well as the early intervention during the growth of teeth to prevent extensive problems in the future. The pediatric dentition is quintessential for the general health of the child and also dictates the health of the future permanent teeth. Hence, it is very important to maintain the milk teeth, until it naturally exfoliates at the right age, to aid in the eruption of the permanent teeth in their rightful position.
Pediatric dentistry involves the following procedures :
• If cavities (tooth decay) are present, your pediatric dentist will recommend a course of treatment—fillings, crowns, extractions, and space maintainers as needed.• The dentist will utilize oral examination and x-rays to determine any possible need for orthodontic procedures.
• The treatment of dental emergencies like broken, lost or damaged teeth of kids.
Preventive Dentistry :
A) Fluoride Application :
Fluoride varnish is a great preventative measure pediatric dentists provide. It is a quick and painless procedure. Fluoride varnish is applied using some small brush on the top and sides of every tooth. This is a simple yet effective technique to help minimise or prevent tooth decay.B) Pit & Fissure Sealants :
Pediatric teeth with deep fissures and grooves on the teeth are predisposing factors to tooth decay. The deep fissures can be converted to shallow fissures by the use of pit & fissure sealants. This is a great technique to help minimize the risk of tooth decay in children.C) Tooth Decay :
In case of an initial cavity, the decay can be removed and restored using dental cements.D) Pediatric Root Canal :
This procedure may be required in cases where the decay process is advanced and has already reached the central portion of the tooth known as the pulp. Based on the depth of the decay procedures such as pulpotomy or pulpectomy are carried out to help remove the source of infection and maintain the tooth until the natural age of exfoliation.E) Pediatric crowns :
If there has been significant compromise in tooth structure, either, due to decay or following a pulpectomy procedure, pediatric crowns are used to reinforce the strength of the tooth.F) Space Maintainers :
Early loss of a milk tooth prior to its natural age of exfoliation, leads to problems in the future dentition. Early loss of milk tooth compromises the space availability for the eruption of the permanent tooth. Hence, the erupting permanent tooth may erupt in a malposed position due to lack of space availability. This leads to misalignment which might require future orthodontic alignment. This can be minimised or prevented using appliances known as space maintainers. They help retain and maintain the space which was earlier occupied by the milk tooth until the permanent tooth erupts.G) Interventional Orthodontics :
Various growth deformities of the upper & lower jaw, if diagnosed early, can be managed with minimal intervention using growth modification appliances. This is a simple yet effective technique to help minimise or prevent future facial growth deformities such as the excessive or the deficient growth of the upper and lower jaw. If these deformities go untreated cosmetic jaw surgery might be warranted in the future after the completion of growth.H) Habit Breaking Appliances :
Various childhood habits such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing have far reaching detrimental effects on the primary and permanent teeth. If caught early, these habits can be discontinued, using specialised appliances.“A Stitch In Time Saves Nine” Early detection of dental issues or a risk assessment helps your child smile and eat healthy for a lifetime.