Pediatric dentistry focuses on children's oral health from infancy through the teen years. Proper dental care during this developmental period is crucial, as it lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. A skilled Fairfax dentist can help your kids. Here, we explore some of pediatric dentistry's most common dental procedures.

Dental Exams and Cleanings

Regular dental exams and cleanings are fundamental to maintaining oral health. A pediatric dentist checks for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues during a routine exam. Cleanings involve removing plaque and tartar buildup, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease. These visits also educate children and parents about proper oral hygiene practices.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments are essential for preventing tooth decay. Fluoride, a mineral, strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth. During a fluoride treatment, the dentist applies a concentrated fluoride solution, which can come as a gel, foam, or varnish, to the child's teeth. This treatment is quick, painless, and highly effective in protecting young teeth.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a preventive measure to protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) from cavities. These teeth have grooves and pits where food particles and bacteria can get trapped, leading to decay. Sealants are a thin plastic coating applied to these surfaces, creating a barrier that prevents cavities. The procedure is simple and painless and can provide protection for several years.

Fillings

Despite preventive measures, cavities can still occur. When they do, fillings restore the tooth's structure and function. Pediatric dentists often use tooth-colored fillings made of composite resin, which blend in with the natural tooth color. The procedure involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the cavity with the resin, which is then hardened with a special light.

Crowns

A crown may be necessary for severely decayed or damaged teeth. Crowns are caps placed over teeth to restore their shape, size, and function. For pediatric patients, stainless steel crowns are commonly used on primary teeth because they are durable and cost-effective. They protect the tooth until it naturally falls out to make way for the permanent tooth.

Extractions

Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary in pediatric dentistry. This can be due to severe decay, infection, or orthodontic reasons, such as creating space for proper alignment of permanent teeth. Pediatric dentists ensure the procedure is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, often using local anesthesia and sedation if needed.

Space Maintainers

When a primary tooth is lost prematurely, a space maintainer may hold the space open until the permanent tooth erupts. This prevents adjacent teeth from shifting into the vacant spot, which can cause alignment issues. Space maintainers are custom-made devices that can be either fixed or removable.

Pulp Therapy

Pulp therapy, often called a "baby root canal," is performed when the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels) becomes infected or injured. The procedure involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and filling it with a biocompatible material. This helps save the tooth and prevent further infection.

Orthodontic Evaluations

Early orthodontic evaluations are crucial for identifying and addressing potential alignment issues. Pediatric dentistry in Fairfax assesses the child's bite and alignment and can provide early intervention treatments if necessary. This can include appliances like braces or expanders to guide proper jaw development and teeth alignment. 

Pediatric dentistry encompasses a wide range of procedures to maintain and improve children's oral health. Regular visits to a pediatric dentist ensure that children receive the preventive and restorative care they need, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Parents can better support their children's dental health journey by understanding these standard procedures.