Children start losing their baby teeth by the age of seven. They need to see a pediatric dentist more frequently than adults as their new teeth erupt. To ensure everything goes smoothly, you should take your child to a pediatric dentist Kansas City every now and then.
Children’s dental health differs from adults, as losing and developing adult teeth gradually affect their bite, jaw alignment, and overall health greatly.
While everyone knows basic dental hygiene, which involves brushing and flossing, a proper dental care routine is more than that. Children might need dental procedures for several reasons. They might need treatment for the cavity or gum diseases. Here’s a list of some common pediatric dental procedures for kids.
Regular Cleaning
Your child’s teeth are more prone to cavities and tooth decay from excess sugar consumption. As they eat many unhealthy and sweet foods, they are at a higher risk of developing dental issues that might require scaling. Deep cleaning happens at the dentist’s office.
The procedure helps remove the plaque build up, which will turn into tartar later when left unaddressed.
Cleaning should be scheduled every six months to ensure that your child’s teeth are clean and free of any stubborn build up that might weaken their gums or cause inflammation. Regular cleaning also protects your child from developing periodontal diseases.
Tooth Extractions
It might sound surprising, but many children require tooth extraction at a very young age. As mentioned earlier, children don’t notice the symptoms of cavities until it causes infection deep into the tooth’s pulp. The inflamed pulp can weaken the surrounding gums. The tooth might get loose and fall off eventually.
Regular pediatric dentist appointments in Kansas city ensure that your child’s teeth are in good condition. If necessary, they might extract the tooth that’s likely to infect the nearby tooth or cause any major inconvenience.
Tooth extractions might seem intimidating for children, but professional dentist knows what they are doing and will execute the extraction as smoothly as possible. They numb the gum to relieve pain during the process.
Fillings
Another common dental procedure that the dentist’s office frequently perform is filling. A dental filling is necessary when in case of a teeth infection or decay but not to the point that it needs extraction. That’s the purpose of regular oral check-ups.
During your dental visit, the dentist checks your teeth to detect the signs of cavities. They drill the affected tooth, remove the damaged parts, and fill the hole with the material of their choice. It can be ceramic porcelain or silver amalgam. Both materials are long-lasting and can be useful to fill your tooth and seal it.
The filling is usually ideal for the last molars that can suffer damage due to the cavity. The build up of plaque, tartar, and other stubborn debris can cause severe tooth infection, spreading to nearby teeth if left untreated.
Orthodontic Treatment
Children and adults can get orthodontic treatment to correct jaw alignment and for teeth straightening. Although the procedure is time-consuming and expensive, it offers many benefits.
In addition to improving your child’s smile and bringing a perfect alignment between their teeth, orthodontic treatment can correct underbite and overbite issues. It also strengthens your jawbone and boosts your confidence.
There’s no ideal age for getting orthodontic treatment, but the sooner you see a dentist, the better. If your child’s teeth are erupting incorrectly or you notice any alignment issues, you should see a dentist immediately. Orthodontic treatment is perfect for children with overlapping teeth or those affected by overbite and underbite issues.
Fortunately, there are dozens of options to choose from regarding braces. You can get traditional metallic braces if you have a small budget or need extraction first.
Or, you can go for Invisalign, the invisible aligner that discreetly corrects your teeth’ alignment. Invisible aligners are a bit expensive, but that’s a perfect way to get a proper teeth alignment without any discomfort. Unlike braces, aligners do not cut your gum. They don’t cause bruises and ulcers, either.
Crowns
A crown refers to the steel or porcelain cap used to restore the function and look of your original tooth. When the filling and scaling can’t fix an inflamed tooth, a crown might be necessary to protect the tooth and restore your smile. Dental crowns are highly useful in restoring tooth function.
Although there are other options, such as dental implants and veneers, a crown seems the most non-invasive and the least expensive to get your desired smile.
To learn more about pediatric dental care, visit a pediatric dentist in Kansas City and explore your options. It’s advisable to take your kid to the pediatric doctor regularly to keep their teeth in good condition.
