About Pediatric Dentistry
Wylie, Texas
Pediatric dentistry encompasses the study, practice, teaching, and research of oral care treatments and preventions in children. The practice recommends children visit their pediatric dentist twice yearly, with the first appointment scheduled within six months of the child's first tooth eruption or by age 12 months.
Pediatric Dental Procedures
Restorative treatments address oral disease when home hygiene proves insufficient. These include:
- Tooth fillings: Address cavities and enamel erosion, typically resulting from acidic diets and inadequate hygiene.
- Pediatric pulp therapy: A baby root canal treating the tooth's pulp to save or restore it.
- Crowns: Stainless steel crowns protect baby molars with formation issues or severe decay.
- Tooth extractions: Removal becomes necessary for trauma, disease, overcrowding, or decay.
- Space maintainers: Placed after extraction to ensure proper permanent tooth eruption.
Preventive Pediatric Dental Treatments
Preventive options include:
- Sealants: A thin coating placed on deep pits and grooves to protect teeth.
- Fluoride treatment: Proven to decrease the progression of cavities. Fluoride may be administered through dietary
supplements (tablet or liquid form) or topical therapy and is recommended for children ages three to six.
