Pediatric dentistry is the branch of dentistry that deals with children’s teeth. This dentistry focuses on a wide spectrum of conditions affecting dental development in children. Most common pediatric dental services include fillings, extractions and preventative treatments.
How is children’s dentistry different to general dentistry?
– Children have fewer and smaller teeth which are constantly changing
– Access to smaller mouths is more difficult
– Children have a shorter attention span
A specialist has an advanced understanding on the most suitable treatments for tooth preservation, restoration depending on the age and stage of tooth development and how it has an effect on adult dentition. Removing a tooth too early, or delaying the removal of a tooth that requires removal can lead to a risk of damage to the adult teeth growing beneath.
– Loss of space causing increased risk of malocclusion/misalignment of teeth
– Decreased ability to eat normally
– Speech development can be impacted
– Child may lose self-confidence
Our specialists understand the importance of making children feel safe and comfortable about coming to the dentist. We understand the importance of slowly introducing children to dentistry to make them feel comfortable, whilst gaining an understanding to the importance of oral hygiene. We value the importance of a multidisciplinary team, and if required the specialist can easily refer to an orthodontist.
Developing the correct oral hygiene habits at a young age, means that the adult teeth are better protected against caries and gum disease.
Our primary aim is to make the child feel comfortable to accept dentistry, however alternative methods are also available if required, e.g., inhalation sedation.
When we use inhalation sedation, the patient will initially feel a sense of light-headedness, followed by a tingling sensation, especially in the arms and legs. This is followed by a ‘warm’ feeling and then a sense of well-being, euphoria or floating. You are able to speak and communicate with the dentist throughout the procedure. The dentist will be regularly asking you ‘how do you feel?’ If at any time you experience unpleasantness, you are able to inform the dentist and the concentrations can be adjusted.
This is a very safe procedure and suitable for children over the age of 5 years, young adults, and adults who are anxious about dentistry.
