Caring for children's teeth involves specific procedures designed to ensure long-term dental health. Below is a detailed guide on common pediatric dental procedures offered at Centennial Hills dental clinic.
Teeth Cleaning and Examinations
A pediatric dental cleaning and examination are crucial for maintaining oral health from an early age. During a typical visit to a Centennial Hills pediatric dentist, the procedure begins with a gentle but thorough cleaning of the child's teeth. This involves removing plaque and tartar that can build up even with regular brushing and flossing at home. The pediatric dentist or hygienist will use small, child-friendly tools to clean the teeth, which helps minimize discomfort.
Dental X-rays
Pediatric dental X-rays are a critical tool used by dentists in Centennial Hills to diagnose and monitor the health of a child's teeth and jaw. Concerning safety, modern dental X-rays are extremely safe with minimal radiation exposure, especially with the use of digital X-ray technology which reduces radiation levels significantly.
Fluoride Treatments
At a Centennial Hills dental clinic, a fluoride treatment typically involves applying a fluoride varnish, gel, or foam to the child's teeth. This fluoride application helps to strengthen the enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars in the mouth which can cause cavities.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a preventative measure taken to protect teeth from decay, especially the back molars which are harder to clean and more susceptible to cavities. In Centennial Hills, the application process involves cleaning and drying the tooth before applying an acidic gel that roughens the tooth surface. This helps the sealant, a clear or white liquid, bond effectively when it is painted on. Once applied, the sealant is hardened under a special light.
Cavity Filling and Tooth Repair
Detecting and filling cavities are common aspects of pediatric dental care. Once a cavity is identified, the decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the area is cleaned. Then, a filling material is placed in the tooth to restore its shape and function. Materials used for fillings in pediatric dentistry typically include dental amalgam or composite resins, chosen based on the location of the tooth and the extent of repair needed.
Orthodontic Referrals
A pediatric dentist in Centennial Hills will monitor the development of a child’s teeth and jaw alignment during regular visits. If potential orthodontic issues are observed, such as overcrowding, overbite, underbite, or aesthetic concerns, the dentist might refer the child to an orthodontist.
Centennial Hills pediatric dentists emphasize Proper aftercare aspects heavily to parents and caregivers.
Importance of Aftercare
Aftercare is essential following common dental procedures to prevent complications such as infections, to manage pain, and to ensure the effectiveness of treatments. For instance, after a cavity filling, proper aftercare can prevent the filling from failing and protect the integrity of the repaired tooth. Similarly, after procedures like tooth extractions or the placement of dental sealants, following the recommended aftercare guidelines is key to successful healing and function.
Pediatric dentists in Centennial Hills educate parents on specific aftercare instructions, which may include dietary recommendations, such as avoiding hard or sticky foods that can dislodge a new filling or sealant.
Follow-up Practices
Follow-up care is another vital aspect that Centennial Hills dentists stress. Regular follow-up visits allow dentists to monitor the progress and healing from recent procedures and to catch any early signs of issues before they become severe. For example, after fluoride treatments or the application of sealants, follow-up visits are used to assess how well the teeth are responding to the treatment and to plan future applications.
Centennial Hills pediatric dentists typically recommend a follow-up schedule based on the specific needs of the child and the type of procedure performed. Commonly, they might suggest a check-up every six months, but more frequent visits could be necessary if there are ongoing treatment needs or concerns.
Guidance on Follow-Up Practices
By following these aftercare and follow-up recommendations from Centennial Hills pediatric dentists, children can not only recover faster from dental procedures but also maintain optimal oral health as they grow.