The most common pediatric dentistry procedures include dental X-rays, routine dental cleaning procedures, fluoride treatment, dental sealants, dental fillings, crowns, and early orthodontic care. Of course, all pediatric dentists offer their unique set of services, so it is important to ensure a pediatric dentist provides the service your child needs before visiting their office. However, most top pediatric dentists offer all or most of these services.
It can help to understand pediatric dental procedures before your child’s first visit. Here is a closer look at each service.
Pediatric dental X-rays are performed on the first visit with a pediatric dentist. There are various dental X-ray types, each of which provides a unique view of the patient’s teeth and periodontal health. The most common types of pediatric dental X-rays include bitewing, panoramic, periapical, and orthodontic. They can reveal several oral health concerns (and potential concerns), including dental cavities, impacted teeth, overcrowding, jaw complications, and more.
Routine dental cleanings are usually part of check-up visits. Dentists primarily perform them for preventive purposes. During a routine dental cleaning, teeth are scaled to remove plaque and tartar accumulation, which can develop even with the right oral care routine at home. The dentist will also clean the gum line to help prevent gum disease and other periodontal problems.
Pediatric dentists offer fluoride and dental sealants as preventive services. Much like dental cleanings, they help protect teeth enamel—the outermost layer of teeth. Fluoride, in particular, can help remineralize enamel after acidic attacks weaken it. Dental sealants similarly protect teeth. They are plastic coatings placed over the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars. (These are vulnerable areas of teeth.)
A tooth-colored dental filling is a way to repair dental cavities (caries). Cavities form when enamel decays and leaves a small hole on one or more teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are minimally invasive and safe. They simply restore the morphology of the tooth and help protect against further decay and associated discomfort. Tooth-colored fillings are made of either a ceramic or amalgam material, providing the perfect balance between natural, aesthetic appeal, and strength. For further protection, silver fillings may also be an option.
Dental crowns or caps cover a damaged tooth on all sides for the best protection possible. Top pediatric dentists may recommend dental crowns for severe cavities that a filling alone cannot treat. They may also be used after a baby root canal procedure (see below).
Perhaps more commonly, crowns repair chipped and cracked teeth. There are a variety of crown material options. Most notably, the material types include ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and metal-alloy. The location of the tooth and the severity of the damage may dictate which material your pediatric dentist recommends.
A pediatric dentist may need to perform a baby root canal to treat severe decay or damage that extends to the root of a tooth. Also, this procedure treats severe tooth infections and dental abscesses. This procedure involves drilling toward the tooth’s root, removing damaged, decayed, or infected dental pulp, sanitizing the tooth, and filling it. As mentioned, a dental crown may be placed after a baby root canal procedure. Although more invasive, a baby root canal can often help prevent worsening concerns and prolonged tooth discomfort.
Many top pediatric dentists also offer early orthodontic treatment, also called phase 1 orthodontics. This includes orthodontic services before all permanent teeth emerge fully. Common early orthodontic care treatments include space maintainers and palatal expanders. Early orthodontic care can help reduce the extent to which orthodontic care (i.e. braces, clear aligners) are needed later.
When choosing a pediatric dentist in Reston for your child, consider their services. In addition, to gain more information, read the online reviews from former clients to gain a better sense of the overall experience. It can also help to ask family members and friends that you trust about their experience with pediatric dentists in the local area.
You can schedule a visit with our pediatric dentist in Reston by calling us or sending us a message today. We can answer your initial questions about treatment and find the right time for you and your child to visit our dentist and staff. We look forward to serving you.
Request an appointment here: https://www.orthodonticprecision.com or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at (703) 391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Reston, VA.
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