Pediatric Dentistry

Dental sealants are materials used to protect children’s teeth from cavities. Brushing and flossing may not be sufficient to clean the grooves and fissures on the biting surfaces of molar teeth in a child. Dental sealants are airtight plastic coatings that flow into the tooth surface to help protect it from decay. Dentists commonly perform this during a child’s routine dental visit. The paediatric dentist carefully cleans the teeth before applying the sealant. With proper care, parents can help ensure the child stays free from toothache.

Space maintainers are used in paediatric dentistry when children lose teeth early or when a decayed tooth needs to be extracted. They are typically made of stainless steel or plastic and are custom made by the paediatric dentist. Both removable and fixed space maintainers are available. They help prevent nearby teeth from drifting into the gap and help preserve space for the permanent tooth to erupt. Proper cleaning is important to prevent plaque build-up around the gums.

Dental fillings can help restore a decayed tooth in children. Amalgam and tooth-coloured fillings are commonly used by paediatric dentists. Removing the decayed portion of the tooth typically involves local anaesthesia. The dentist carefully removes the decayed enamel using dental instruments before restoring the area. Once the decay is removed and the tooth is cleaned, the filling material is placed and shaped. The procedure is usually quick and comfortable. The dentist will then explain to parents how to help protect the filling.

Primary (baby) teeth should be protected when they are severely decayed or damaged by injury. Molars are commonly protected using dental crowns. Stainless steel crowns are widely used to protect children’s teeth. Placement of dental crowns in children often happens in a single visit. Local anaesthesia is used during the process. The dentist removes decay and shapes the tooth so it can hold the crown, then cements the crown over the tooth.

As a preventive method against tooth decay, fluoride treatment is commonly recommended for children. Together with dental sealants, fluoride treatment can significantly reduce the risk of cavities. Fluoride treatment involves professional application of fluoride in the dental office. Five percent sodium fluoride varnish is one commonly used option. In addition to in-practice fluoride, fluoridated water can also help reduce dental caries in children, and many towns and cities in the US use fluoridated water supplies.

Plaque removal is important for helping prevent tooth decay in children. Research suggests that routine home care may not always remove bacterial plaque effectively in children, so professional dental cleaning (dental prophylaxis) is often recommended. A toothbrush, rubber cup, and other mechanical instruments may be used. The dentist considers factors such as medical history, caries risk, family history, and local conditions that may influence plaque build-up.

When a primary tooth or an immature permanent tooth is affected by severe decay, the consequences can be significant. Root canal treatment may be required when the pulp (which supplies nutrition to the tooth) becomes infected. In children, the approach can be more complex than in adults. For example, in indirect pulp treatment, only the softened, decayed portion near the pulp is carefully removed. Because the pulp supports development of a child’s tooth, the dentist will thoroughly examine the tooth before deciding on the most appropriate treatment.