Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry is the dental specialty responsible for the comprehensive oral health care of children and adolescents, including patients with special needs. Its focus is not only curative but also preventive and educational, accompanying oral and dental development from childhood to adolescence.
A child should go to the dentist by their first birthday.
A child should visit the dentist for the first time upon turning one year old or within six months of their first tooth erupting, whichever comes first.
Reasons for an early visit
- Prevention The pediatric dentist can guide parents on oral hygiene, diet, and the use of bottles or pacifiers.
- Early detection Problems are identified such as early childhood caries, bite abnormalities, or harmful habits (digit sucking, oral breathing).
- Adaptation The child becomes familiar with the dental environment from a young age, reducing future fears.
• Growth tracking The dentist monitors the development of teeth and jaws at each stage.
How to prevent cavities in children?
To prevent cavities in children, it is essential to combine good hygiene habits, a healthy diet, and regular dental check-ups.
What treatments are common in children?
In pediatric dentistry, the most common treatments in children aim to prevent, arrest, or treat oral problems in a way that is adapted to their age and developmental level.
Preventive treatments
- Dental prophylaxis (Professional Cleaning): Plaque and stain removal to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
- Topical application of fluorideVarnishes or gels that strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.
- Sealants for pits and fissures: Protective sealants that cover the grooves of molars (primary and permanent) to prevent plaque buildup.
Restorative treatments
- Fillings (Fillings): To repair teeth with small or moderate cavities, using composite resin (tooth-colored material).
- Pulpal treatment in primary teeth:
- PulpotomyOnly the affected part of the pulp (nerve) is removed, and the vitality of the root is preserved.
- PulpectomyAll the pulp is removed from the deciduous tooth when the decay has advanced significantly.
- Pediatric crowns (Stainless steel or aesthetic): For severely damaged baby teeth or teeth treated with pulpectomy.
Orthodontic and functional treatments
- Space maintainersAppliances that prevent adjacent teeth from moving when a primary tooth is lost prematurely.
- Interceptal orthodonticsSimple appliances to correct habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrust) or guide jaw growth.
How much does a pediatric dentist appointment cost?
The price of a pediatric dentistry consultation can vary depending on the number of teeth to be treated and the severity of each case.
Recovery time:
In pediatric dentistry, recovery time depends on the type of procedure performed on the child. In most cases, it is much shorter than for adult treatments, as children's tissues heal quickly.
Most pediatric dentistry procedures have almost immediate or a few days' recovery. Only more invasive treatments (like extractions or pulpotomies) might need up to a week for complete healing, but the child usually resumes normal activities the same day.