At Washington Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that some children may experience anxiety or fear during dental procedures, which is why we offer nitrous oxide as a safe and effective sedation option.
Our team of experienced pediatric dentists is trained in the use of nitrous oxide. It takes all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and comfort of our young patients. Nitrous oxide is administered through a small mask placed over the child’s nose, and the effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed.
An abscess or infection is a painful condition caused by bacterial growth from an untreated cavity. It requires dental intervention as it can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.
Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness of the face, and pus drainage. Treatment involves tooth extraction, surgical drainage, root canal, and antibiotics.
Prevention measures include good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and prompt treatment of cavities.
Extractions may be necessary for children due to severe decay, infection, crowding, or trauma. At Washington Pediatric Dentistry, we provide gentle and compassionate care using local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation if needed. Our goal is to ensure the safety and comfort of our young patients and provide proper care instructions for healing after an extraction.
Fillings are a common procedure used to treat cavities in children. At Washington Pediatric Dentistry, we use tooth-colored composite fillings for a natural look and take necessary precautions to ensure safety and comfort. We also provide instructions for proper care to prevent future cavities and help children maintain healthy smiles.
Crowns are a restorative dentistry procedure used to repair children’s severely damaged or decayed teeth. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring function and appearance.
At Washington Pediatric Dentistry, we use stainless steel crowns for baby teeth and tooth-colored zirconia crowns for permanent teeth.
Stainless steel crowns are commonly used in pediatric dentistry for baby teeth due to their durability and affordability. They provide long-lasting protection against further decay and damage – and require minimal tooth preparation. Additionally, they can be used to maintain space for permanent teeth and prevent crowding or misalignment.
What are cavities?
Cavities, also known as dental caries, are areas of decay in the teeth caused by bacterial growth. They occur when bacteria produce acid that erodes the tooth enamel, resulting in a hole or “cavity” in the tooth. If left untreated, cavities can lead to more serious dental problems and tooth loss.
What causes cavities in children?
Cavities in children are most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing or flossing regularly. Other factors that contribute to cavities in children include a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates, a lack of fluoride in drinking water, and genetics.
Signs and symptoms of cavities in children
Some common signs and symptoms of cavities in children include tooth sensitivity, pain or discomfort when biting or eating sweets, visible holes or pits in the teeth, and discoloration or staining on the tooth surface.
Preventing cavities in children
The best way to prevent cavities in children is to encourage good oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing, flossing, and limiting sugary and starchy foods and drinks. Fluoride treatments and sealants can also be effective in preventing cavities. It is also important for children to have regular dental check-ups and cleanings to detect and treat cavities early.
Treating cavities in children
If a cavity is detected in a child’s tooth, it is important to have it treated as soon as possible. Treatment options include fillings, crowns, and root canal therapy, depending on the severity of the decay. In some cases, extraction may be necessary. The goal is to restore the tooth’s function and appearance, prevent further decay, and maintain the child’s overall oral health.
Over-retained baby teeth occur when a baby tooth fails to fall out naturally, and the permanent tooth grows behind it. This can cause problems with bite alignment, tooth crowding, and other dental issues. Treatment options include extraction, orthodontic treatment, or a combination of both. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent future dental problems.
After your child undergoes a dental procedure with a local anesthetic, it is important to take certain steps to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. Here are some tips for caring for your child after a dental procedure with local anesthetic:
- Monitor your child for any signs of complications after the procedure
- Provide pain relief as needed
- Encourage rest and limit physical activity
- Stick to soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy, or hot foods and drinks
- Follow the post-procedure instructions provided by your child’s dentist
