Pediatric Dentistry

Dental Exams for Children

Children’s dental examinations assess teeth, gums, jaw development and other oral tissues according to age and developmental stage.

The dentist checks for decay and reviews tooth eruption, the bite and oral care habits. Radiographs may be used when needed. Checkups may help identify changes in oral health early. Their frequency depends on the child’s needs and decay risk.

Baby Tooth Treatments

Baby tooth treatments are considered for teeth with decay, fractures or infection. Baby teeth support eating, speech and the eruption of permanent teeth in the correct positions.

Fillings, pulp treatment, crowns or extraction may be considered depending on tooth condition. Planning considers the child’s age, tooth position, root development and the expected eruption of the permanent tooth.

Children’s Fillings and Root Canal Treatment

Children’s fillings repair teeth with suitable filling material after tissue affected by decay has been removed.

If decay reaches the living tissue, pulp or root canal treatment may be considered to preserve the tooth. The scope depends on the condition of the baby or permanent tooth. An examination, age, dental development and any necessary radiographs guide the decision.

Fissure Sealant Applications

Fissure sealants cover deep grooves and pits with a thin protective material, particularly on the chewing surfaces of molars.

They aim to help reduce decay risk by limiting food and bacteria buildup in areas that are difficult to clean. The dentist selects teeth for treatment based on eruption, surface structure and the child’s decay risk.

Fluoride Treatments

Professional fluoride treatments are applied by a dentist to help protect enamel and reduce decay risk.

Fluoride may be applied as a gel, foam or varnish. The method and frequency vary with the child’s age, oral health and decay risk. The dentist determines the appropriate product and interval.

Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are appliances used in some cases to preserve a gap after a baby tooth is lost early.

They aim to limit movement of neighboring teeth into the gap and preserve room for the permanent tooth. They may be fixed or removable. The need depends on the lost tooth’s position, the child’s age and the development of the permanent tooth underneath. Regular checkups are required after placement.