For older children and adolescents, the goals of paediatric dentistry are to:
- Ensure the proper growth and development of children’s permanent teeth
- Monitor the development of the dentition and the jaws to detect possible problems and prescribe the correct treatment early on
- Help prevent or treat crooked and crowded teeth, which increases the child’s risk of tooth decay and other oral hygiene problems
- Educate parents and children on proper teeth cleaning
- Treat existing problems early while they are still minor
Paediatric dentists are also trained in the care and management of dental problems experienced by children with disabilities and special needs, and in the treatment of patients who suffer from traumatic oral injuries, such as fractured, displaced, or knocked out teeth as well as injury to the bones surrounding the teeth.
How is the Procedure Performed?
It is highly recommended that all young children be regularly examined by a paediatric dentist from an early age. Treatment begins with the patient’s first dental checkup. As a general rule, young children should be seen by a dentist as early as six months after their first tooth erupts, or at least by the time the child is one year old. These early visits help parents know whether they are cleaning their child’s teeth properly at home.
The first visit should then be followed by regular checkups every six months. During these regular checkups, patients will undergo a routine teeth cleaning and dental exam. The dentist may also periodically perform a fluoride treatment to guard against tooth decay caused by sugars and bacteria.
In the course of paedodontic treatment, the dentist may need to perform several procedures, including:
- Fillings – This involves the removal of any decayed or damaged part of a tooth. The resulting hole is then filled with metal, plastic, or other filling materials. The procedure prevents the decay from getting worse and spreading deeper into the tooth.
- Extractions – Tooth extractions are performed in cases of severely damaged or infected tooth or when a child’s teeth are overcrowded.
- Dental crowns– Young children may also require dental crowns to restore badly damaged teeth. The procedure is performed by first removing caries or cavities and reducing the size of the tooth to accommodate the crown.
- Root canals – Root canals are usually performed as a treatment for decayed, infected teeth, as well as for injuries that result in tooth loss.
- Dental x-rays – Taking dental x-rays is a common part of a routine dental exam. The x-rays allow dentists to detect bone damage, tooth decay, impacted teeth, and dental injuries, among many other potential problems that may not be readily visible.
- Sealants – Once children start getting their molars, dentists may recommend the use of sealants to protect the surface of the teeth from wear and tear.
