Services

Pediatric Dentistry

What is Pediatric Dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the monitoring and treatment of children’s teeth from birth through adolescence. This specialty is concerned with the prevention and treatment of diseases affecting children’s teeth, the most common of which include tooth decay, gum and dental tissue infections, malocclusion, early orthodontic intervention, and dental fractures and trauma. The goal of this specialty is to maintain healthy primary teeth and ensure a smooth transition to strong and healthy permanent teeth.

Treatment Areas in Pediatric Dentistry

1- Preventive Procedures:

• Maintaining oral and dental health by explaining various care methods tailored to the child’s age and health condition.
• Preparing the child for dental visits in an age-appropriate manner through behaviour guidance.
• Educating about the importance of proper nutrition to ensure healthy, cavity-free teeth.
• Applying fluoride as a preventive measure to protect the teeth.
• Performing preventive fillings (fissure sealants) on healthy teeth to seal cracks that could lead to decay if not properly cleaned.

2- Treatment of Tooth Decay in All Stages, including Nerve and Surrounding Tissue Treatment:

• Cosmetic fillings
• Stainless steel crowns
• Cosmetic veneers
• Partial nerve treatment
• Complete nerve treatment
• Treatment of teeth with open apex (teeth whose root growth has not been fully completed)
• Tooth extraction
• Teeth and gum cleaning by removing calculus and stains

3- Early Orthodontic Interventions

• These are done in collaboration with an orthodontist to develop an orthodontic plan for the child, ensuring proper alignment.
• Treatment of harmful habits that may damage the teeth and jaws, such as thumb sucking and excessive pacifier use.
• Creating orthodontic space maintainers in cases where primary teeth are extracted prematurely to prevent worsening of alignment issues and to facilitate the eruption of permanent teeth.

4- Treatment of Tooth Fractures and Injuries

5- Treatment of Children with Special Needs

6-Treatment of Children with Special Medical Needs

The Child’s First Visit to a Pediatric Dentist

It is recommended that a child visit a pediatric dentist after the eruption of their first primary tooth, typically around 6 months of age and no later than the child’s first birthday. The first visit is usually an educational one where caregivers are informed about the importance of caring for the child’s teeth and the significance of preventing tooth decay. Guidance and advice are provided regarding home dental care, including proper tooth brushing techniques, the appropriate amount of toothpaste to use, and discussions about the child’s dietary habits.

Early Childhood Caries (Baby Bottle Tooth Decay)

This refers to the presence of tooth decay in one or more teeth in a child under the age of 6, typically associated with improper dietary habits such as consuming milk or sugary liquids at bedtime without subsequent tooth brushing.

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH)

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization is a common global issue among children, characterized by a deficiency or defect in the mineralization of the enamel layer of the teeth. It typically affects the molars (back teeth) and/or incisors (front teeth). Children with this condition often experience weakened teeth, leading to accelerated tooth decay and damage if proper dental care is not provided.

The exact cause of this problem is not fully understood but may be attributed to genetic factors or certain medical issues that occurred to the mother and fetus during pregnancy.

There are clear indicators for this condition that pediatric dentists can detect early on and take necessary measures to prevent worsening of the problem.