Often necessary for good oral health, pediatric dental procedures help children maintain healthy and strong teeth. There are a variety of procedures that can be done on pediatric patients, many similar to those done on adults.
These are a few of the most common procedures that a pediatric dentist may perform on children.
When a tooth has become decayed due to plaque buildup, it can lead to a loss of enamel, the outermost layer of the tooth. Once the enamel is damaged, it creates weak spots in the teeth that can result in a cavity, which is a hole that develops in a tooth. It is important to treat this issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage. A filling is the procedure done to treat a cavity.
The filling procedure cleans out decay from inside the tooth and then a composite filling material is placed inside the tooth to fill the hole from the cavity and protect it from further damage. Fillings are often made from resin, porcelain or amalgam. Amalgam fillings have become less common recently as they are made from metal and do not have the natural look of the newer materials.
Pediatric patients need to have regular dental cleanings just as adults do. During a dental cleaning, the patient’s teeth and gums are thoroughly examined to determine oral health and check for any dental problems. Afterward, the teeth are cleaned to remove any buildup of plaque and hard tartar. After the cleaning, fluoride is applied to teeth to protect them from damage and decay. Regular dental cleanings are useful to prevent gum disease and cavities from forming and are typically recommended every six months.
An extraction, which is the pulling of a tooth out of the jaw, is another common pediatric dental procedure. This is usually only done in certain cases, such as severe dental decay in a tooth that cannot be filled and is at risk of causing nearby teeth to decay or an infection in the mouth. An extraction may sometimes be needed when a baby tooth has roots that are too long, preventing it from falling out so the permanent tooth can take its place. It is also done in cases where there is an overcrowding of teeth that has an impact on tooth alignment.
Dental X-rays are images that are taken of the teeth to evaluate the state of a patient’s oral health. They are usually recommended once per year but may be done more frequently with pediatric patients, especially if there is a dental issue that needs monitoring. Patients need to wear a lead apron as X-rays have a small amount of radiation. The X-ray machine is placed beside the mouth and pictures are then taken.
It is important for parents to be aware of common pediatric dental procedures and what they entail. Knowing the procedures and what to expect can help make dental visits go smoother and easier.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
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