Pedodontics, is a dental specialty that deals with the care of children’s teeth.The pedodontist is extensively concerned with prevention, which includes instruction in proper diet, use of fluoride, and practice of oral hygiene.
The pedodontist’s routine practice deals basically with caries (tooth decay) but includes influencing tooth alignment. Lengthy treatment may be required to correct incipient abnormalities in tooth position. Braces or other correctional devices may be used. The pedodontist needs patience and a basic knowledge of children’s behavioral patterns, as well as knowledge of the effects on the mouth of physical and mental diseases. In the United States a two-year postgraduate course leads to a certificate in pedodontics.
Treatments
Scaling
Scaling and root planning, otherwise known as conventional periodontal therapy, non-surgical periodontal therapy, or deep cleaning, is the process of removing or eliminating the etiologic agents – dental plaque, its products, and calculus – which cause inflammation, thus helping to establish a periodontium that is free of disease.
Crown
A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. They are typically bonded to the tooth using a dental cement. Crowns can be made from many materials, which are usually fabricated using indirect methods. Crowns are often used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth. While inarguably beneficial to dental health, the procedure and materials can be relatively expensive.
GIC Filling
Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is a dental restorative material used in dentistry for filling teeth and luting cements. These materials are based on the reaction of silicate glass powder and poly-alkenoic acid. These tooth-coloured materials were introduced in 1972 for use as restorative materials for anterior teeth (particularly for eroded areas, Class III and V cavities).
Composite Filling
A composite filling is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.
Pit & Fissure Sealant
A fissure sealant is a material that is placed in the pits and fissures of teeth in order to prevent or arrest the development of dental caries.
Apexification/Apexogenesis
Trauma causing various degrees of suffering of tooth is one of the disturbing conditions for children and parents. Consideration of various factors that decide the final outcomes in a positive way is of prime importance. For children incompletely formed apex poses a significant problem during management. As a choice apexification and apexogenesis are the indispensable treatment modalities.
Space Maintainer
Dental space maintainers can help keep the space for an adult tooth open if the baby tooth has been lost too early.
Face Mask
Facemask or reverse-pull headgear is an orthodontic appliance typically used in growing patients to correct under bites (technically termed Class-III orthodontic problems) by pulling forward and assisting the growth of the upper jaw (maxilla), allowing it to catch up to the size of the lower jaw (mandible). Facemasks or reverse-pull headgear needs to be worn approximately 14 to 24 hours per day to be truly effective in correcting the under bite, usually anywhere from 12 to 18 months depending on the severity of the bite and how much a patient is growing.
Habit Breaking Appliance
Oral habits are learnt behaviour that involves repetitive muscular contractions, which could interfere with facial growth with possibility of dentoalveolar deformation in the long-term. Habits could sometimes be discouraged by reminding and/or rewarding the child to stop the habit with the help of parents. However, despite the efforts to stop the habit, it is sometimes necessary to consider using habit appliances. Habit breaking appliances are recommended for the below mentioned habits; THUMB SUCKING LIP SUCKING LIP BITING TONGUE THRUSTING NIGHT GRINDING.
Conscious Sedation
Conscious sedation is a management technique that uses medications to assist the child to cope with fear and anxiety and cooperate with dental treatment.
Head Gear
Orthodontic headgear is a type of orthodontic appliance attached to dental braces or a palatal expander that aids in correcting severe bite problems.
An orthodontic chin cup is used when patients have excess lower jaw growth or deficient upper jaw growth and your orthodontist’s goal is to align the jaws.
