Pediatric Dentistry

Caring for Children's Smiles: Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the oral health of children from infancy through adolescence. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to provide dental care for children, including exams, fillings, and teeth cleaning. 

Exams involve a thorough examination of the child's teeth, gums, and jaw to check for any problems or areas of concern. 

Fillings are used to to repair the cavity left when decay is removed and other damage to the teeth. 

Teeth cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. 

Sealants are a preventative measure used in pediatric dentistry to protect the molars and premolars of children from tooth decay. They are a clear or white coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to fill in the grooves and pits where bacteria and food particles can accumulate.

Fluoride therapy is another preventative measure used to protect the teeth of children from decay. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen and remineralize the enamel, making the teeth more resistant to decay. Fluoride can be applied topically in the form of gels, foams, or varnishes, or it can be provided systemically in the form of supplements.

Stainless steel crowns are a common restoration used in pediatric dentistry to repair a primary molar (baby teeth) that has a very large cavity or is broken. The crown is a cap that fits over the remaining tooth structure and protects it from further decay while allowing the tooth to function properly.

Pulpotomy and pulpectomy are procedures used to treat infected or inflamed dental pulp (nerve and blood vessels) in a primary tooth. Pulpotomy is a procedure where the infected pulp chamber and root canals are removed, while pulpectomy is a procedure where the entire pulp is removed. After the removal of the infected pulp, the tooth is filled with a material to preserve the structural integrity of the tooth and prevent further infection.