Pedodontics

PEDODONTİCS

Pedodontics is a Latin word that refers to “children’s teeth”.

It aims to protect the milk teeth and permanent teeth of the children aged between 0-13 and their function as well as to resolve any problems in the teeth caused by the cavities, physical trauma, genetic or congenital factors.

Pedodontics is an extensive dentistry branch that involves all dental treatments and administers these in a way suitable for children.

Baby teeth start to come through the gums at about 6 months and all the teeth have usually appeared by the time the baby is 2 to 3 years old. This process is called teething. The teeth will fall out at various times during childhood. This period is called as mixed dentition. Regular dental check-ups are very important during these periods as children display different growth-development characteristics than adults such as fast metabolism. Similarly, the structures of the milk teeth and newly erupted permanent teeth are quite different from the teeth of an adult. Therefore, pedodontists have the most extensive knowledge about children’s oral health.

Pedodontists are the first dentist who meet with your children. Pedodontists may administer all kinds of dental treatment to a child patient. They turn dental treatment into a game for children by applying the most suitable examination and treatment techniques. As a result, the children do not have any dental fear. They determine the cavity risk group and apply preventive-protective procedures (fissure sealant, local flouride administration) accordingly. Also they follow up the teething process and chin development during development-growth period and prevent malocclusion of teeth with preventive orthodontic treatment.

Fissure Sealant

Fissure sealants are thin coatings placed over the grooves or pits and fissures of back teeth to help form a protective layer. It stops the food from getting in the tiny grooves in the teeth and thereby, reduces the risk of tooth decay.

Local Flouride Administration

Professionally applied fluorides can be used for both primary and secondary prevention of caries. These fluoride gels have a high concentration of fluoride ions.  Fluoride ions make the enamel stronger and prevent the caries formation. Fluoride gels are applied by dental professionals using trays that retain the material on the teeth for several minutes. After removal of trays, patients must spit out the residual gel.