What Are Common Pediatric Dental Procedures?

Pediatric dental procedures differ slightly from adult dental procedures, but they are relatively similar. Children’s dentist appointments tend to be more frequent because their teeth are still developing. It is crucial for their growth to be monitored by a pediatric dentist to ensure that everything is going smoothly. 

While there is a belief that the baby teeth do not matter as much as the health of the adult teeth, this is a common misconception. The health of the baby teeth is just as important because they lay the foundation for the adult teeth. Due to this importance, it is vital to ensure the good health of pediatric patients. 

Taking children to visit pediatric dentists is a great way to do so. They are experienced dental professionals who can provide routine care so children can maintain good oral health from the start of their lives to adulthood. In this article, we go over the standard procedures that are done in a pediatric dental office. This information may be beneficial to parents preparing to take their children to the dentist. 

What are common pediatric dental procedures?

Here are a few pediatric dental procedures, including the most common ones for children. Read on to find out more!

Fillings

One of the most common dental procedures that pediatric dentists perform is dental fillings. Children’s teeth are prone to decay, which can result in cavities. Most of the time, cavities can be treated with a quick and simple dental filling procedure.

The pediatric dentist will numb the infected tooth and remove any areas that are damaged. After dental drilling is done, the tooth will be filled with a material of the dentist and parent’s choice. Standard materials are silver amalgam, gold, dental glass, composite resin, and ceramic porcelain, all of which are durable and can seal the tooth effectively.

Typically, dental fillings for children do not have to be replaced or repaired, except in extreme cases. Most of the time, a baby tooth that has been filled will eventually fall out and be replaced by an adult tooth.

Dental cleanings

Having a child visit a dental hygienist for regular cleanings is another common and important pediatric dental procedure. Routine cleanings are essential because children’s teeth are more susceptible to cavities due to excessive sugar consumption and a lack of oral hygiene.

Dental cleanings are typically straightforward and enable the hygienist and pediatric dentist to remove any built-up plaque that could later turn into tartar. Following a dental cleaning, the pediatric dentist typically administers a fluoride application, which is a crucial part of maintaining good oral health. Fluoride helps mineralize the surfaces of the teeth, keeping them strong.  

Extractions

Another standard pediatric dental procedure is a tooth extraction. As surprising as it may sound, many children require tooth extractions. When teeth get overly infected or if there is not enough room in the mouth, a pediatric dentist may recommend that a tooth be pulled. While this can sound frightening, it is important to know that over the years, extractions have become quite modernized. There is less pain, for one thing, which means the patient is more comfortable during and after the procedure. 

Extractions can be intimidating for children, but pediatric dentists are well experienced in performing this procedure on children. Also, localized numbing is done, so the child is less likely to feel any pain.

It is also important to know that extractions tend to be a last resort. Pediatric dentists will not recommend the procedure unless it is absolutely necessary. 

Dental crowns

When a tooth is severely infected, the pediatric dentist may recommend that a dental crown be placed. This is one of the most common pediatric dental procedures done today. Dental crowns can restore and renew teeth that are damaged.

In pediatrics, dental crowns are typically made of composite resin, gold, silver amalgam, or porcelain materials. Composite resin is typically recommended when the tooth is close to falling out and being replaced by an adult tooth. Ultimately, it is up to the dentist's discretion. 

Get started today!

Do you want to know more about pediatric dental care? Our team of dentists can help you. We are experienced and ready to help your children undergo the procedures that they need. Give us a call or stop by our office today so we can be of assistance! We can answer any questions that you may have about pediatric dental care or any other dental procedures.

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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