The most common dental procedures in children are cleaning teeth and scaling them. Scaling removes tartar and plaque that builds up on teeth over time. The procedure may also include the removal of deep pockets surrounding the teeth; which, if not treated, can lead to a more serious form of tooth decay, cavities.
Toothaches are also very common in children because their mouths are still growing and changing. This is when it is important for parents to take their child to the dentist as soon as possible before pain cuts off food or sleep from their diet, which can affect their immune system or cause other problems with growth.
Regular Cleaning
It is important for parents to make sure their children are visiting the dentist regularly to avoid any major problems. A regular cleaning, which removes tartar and plaque from the teeth, can go a long way in preventing tooth decay and cavities. It is also important for parents to examine their child’s mouth for any signs of pain or tooth eruption before it becomes unmanageable. The earlier a problem with a child’s teeth is addressed, the more likely it will be treated without complication.
Braces
A type of orthodontic appliance that is used to align teeth and jaws. This type of procedure is not always necessary, but it is often used to correct crooked or crowded teeth, make bite issues better, or fix jaw problems such as underbites and overbites. Although common, this type of procedure is not always needed. It can often be helpful for those with unique dental issues or those who want to fix natural tooth problems that are only seen by the dentist.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are made of plastic or resin and cover the surface of children’s teeth to protect them from tooth decay and cavities. These are recommended for anyone with a high risk of cavities. The most common reasons for needing a sealant are if the child has dental plaque build-up around their teeth that can fall out of their mouth and cause cavities.
Dental Crowns
A type of dental restoration that is used to protect a tooth from further problems. Dental Crowns are used to fix teeth that have deep cavities or have had large pieces removed. During this procedure, the affected portion of a tooth is covered by a cap made of ceramics or metal.
Retainer
A retainer is a removable dental appliance made of wire or plastic that is inserted onto the outside of teeth to hold them in place and prevent shifting. Retainers are mostly used for children with braces to help keep their teeth straight.
If braces are not an option, retainers can be used as a temporary fix to straighten teeth temporarily before they become permanent set-in place. This process can take up to two years and will require the child to wear it while they sleep, so they do not feel like their teeth are moving while they sleep. Retainers must be worn constantly for at least 16 hours during the day and night unless the doctor approves otherwise or if the child becomes active at night that could break it or damage the teeth.
Dental Bridge
A bridge is a removable dental appliance used to cover the gap between two missing teeth. A bridge can help to make the missing areas of teeth look very similar to original teeth, which then makes it more difficult for your child’s dentist to see if there is a problem with the replacements. Bridges are usually used along with braces.