WHAT IS A KIDS DENTISTRY ?
Kid Dentistry or Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that deals with the examination and management of dental health in children.
Pediatric dental care is an easy route for parents to take. Instead of figuring out every oral need of your child, you can consult a pediatric dentist.
Dental procedures are generally perceived as intimidating and painful experiences that most would like to avoid, especially among children. However, it is vital that children have their milk teeth checked regularly by pediatric dentists for evidence of caries and tooth decay.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR KIDS
Pediatric Dentist work towards maintaining good oral health in kids. The treatment provided by them includes-
Conscious Sedation
We utilize Nitrous Oxide, better known as laughing gas, for some of our treatment procedures. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry identifies this sedation method as a very safe and effective technique to use for treating children’s dental needs. It is the preferred sedation method for children who need small amounts of dental work and is easily reversed once treatment is complete.
Nitrous oxide is a blend of two gases-oxygen and nitrous oxide.
Pulpectomy (Root Canal Treatment In Milk Teeth)
Pulpectomy is an endodontic procedure indicated indicated for the treatment of pulp necrosis or non vital primary teeth.
It involves the complete extirpation of both the coronal as well as the radicular pulp unlike pulpotomy where only the coronal pulp is removed.It is considered as a conservative treatment approach to prevent premature loss of a tooth and subsequent loss of arch length.
Extractions
There may be instances where teeth need to be extracted or removed when they cannot be saved by any other treatments. A tooth may need to be extracted due to severe decay, advanced periodontal disease, infection, orthodontic request, malpositioned teeth, fractured teeth/roots or impacted teeth.
After careful examination and treatment, the dentist may advise to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone.
Sealants
Sealants are a protective varnish that is placed to protect the deep grooves in your back teeth. These grooves are hiding places that allow bacteria to accumulate and cause tooth decay. The sealant eliminates the hiding place and works to prevent cavities.
Sealants can prevent the kind of decay that starts in the deep grooves of back teeth, and we believe if you keep your teeth properly sealed, you will eliminate your risk for this kind of tooth decay. Adults are just as prone to tooth decay as children are, and this inexpensive procedure will help avoid much more expensive problems in the future.
Space Maintainers
A child tooth usually stays in until a permanent tooth underneath pushes it out and takes its place. One of the most important jobs of a child tooth is holding the place for the permanent teeth until they erupt.
Unfortunately, some children lose a baby tooth too soon due to trauma or dental disease. When a tooth is lost too early, we may recommend a space maintainer to prevent future space loss and dental problems.
The space maintainer will remain until the back permanent teeth begin to erupt at which time it is easily removed. While wearing a space maintainer it is important to avoid sticky candy or chewing gum.
Crowns
The stainless-steel crown (SSC) is an extremely durable restoration with several clear-cut indications for use in primary teeth,
following a pulpotomy/pulpectomy; for teeth with developmental defects or large carious lesions involving multiple surfaces where an amalgam is likely to fail; and for fractured teeth. In other situations, its use is less clear cut, and caries risk factors, restoration longevity and cost effectiveness are considerations in decisions to use the SSC. Children with extensive decay, large lesions or multiple surface lesions in primary molars should be treated with stainless steel crowns.