Pediatric Dentistry

The First Examination

Pedodontists aim at preserving the primary and permanent teeth of children who are under 13 and solve the problems caused by tooth decay, traumas, genetic and similar factors. WHO (World Health Organization) and American Association of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that the first examination should be done after the first teeth grew (usually between 6 months and 1 year).

During the examination, all teeth of the child are checked with the instrument of a mirror and a light. All needed dental fillings, root canal treatments and amputations are administered. Parents are informed about diet and preventative actions, which are of utmost importance. While these preventative and therapeutic administrations are carried out, it is highly important that the child has no fear, worry or pain at that moment. Additionally, the child’s general state of dental and maxillofacial health is observed along with the growth of the child.

Preventative Administrations

It is really important to teach both the family and the child about dental health and diet when we talk about preventative administrations. In our clinic, tooth brushing techniques are taught practically. Superficial fluoride and fissure applications are also among preventative applications.

Fluoride Application

Fluoride helps preventing tooth decay by making teeth more resistant to the acid attacks caused by bacteria and sugar. Fluoride is present in many foods and water. It is a certain fact that applying fluoride varnish twice per year prevents tooth decay when highly confidential current research results are analyzed. Fluoride may be also applied through fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash.

Fluoride varnish is helpful to the protection against tooth decay along with slowing and stopping it. It also causes a long-term and a slow fluoride emission in the mouth. Varnishes enable fluoride to cling to the surface of tooth enamel and be stored inside and around teeth with being emitted slowly. The frequency of appliance is based on the risk of tooth decay.

Fissure Sealant, Preventive Filling

Fissures on the chewing surfaces of molar teeth are anatomical formations which have a risk of causing tooth decay.

Cleaning tooth surface by brushing might not be adequate. The purpose of fissure sealant is filling the deep pits and fractures with a liquid inlay with the intention of making tooth cleansing easier, thus, preventing tooth decays and decrease the possibility of being in need of dental fillings for the patient. It is accepted as an efficient preventive dental treatment among dental professionals. It may be recommended to use fluoride varnish at the same time in order to strengthen and protect the teeth.

• Fissure sealants can protect molar teeth.
• The appliance is fast and simple. It takes a few minutes for each tooth. It doesn’t require local anesthesia.
• Fissure sealants serve as a physical barrier against the acids produced in bacteria plaque.
• Fissure sealants are applied to the children who are between 6 and 13.
• Fissure sealant is proven to be a highly effective method for all age groups which carry risks for tooth decay.

Dental Traumas

One of the most important problems during childhood is dental traumas. The treatment is administered considering the age of the patient, the grade and the zone of the injury, the related tissue and the general state of health of the patient.

Space Maintainers

In case of the early loss of milk teeth, appliances called space maintainers are used with intent to maintain the space of the adult tooth, which will grow from beneath. Space maintainers are appliances which hinder the adjacent teeth from moving toward the tooth hole and thus hinder the adult tooth from staying impacted or growing from a different space. Therefore, they prevent orthodontic disorders.