Paediatric

Paedodontics is the branch of dentistry that specialises in the care and management of children’s teeth. Also known as paediatric dentistry, it treats patients from birth until adolescence. Its goal is two-fold: to care for children’s teeth and educate patients on proper dental hygiene and maintenance for their young children. The success of paediatric dentistry lies in early oral examinations that can lead to early detection of dental problems, which can help prevent major and lasting damage to children’s teeth.

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.