Paediatric dentists promote the dental health of children as well as serve as educational resources for parents.
Sealants
A sealant is a hard coating that fills the grooves on back teeth (molars). This thin layer is placed on the chewing surfaces and keeps bacteria and food out of these grooves. The sealant is tooth colored and placement does not require drilling or local anesthesia. The tooth is cleaned and an etching gel is applied for a few seconds. After washing the tooth, it is dried and the sealant is applied. It is set with a special curing light. The child can eat immediately.
Nerve Treatment or Pulpotomy
The nerve is a sterile compartment inside the tooth. When decay enters this area, the nerve becomes infected. It is often desirable to save such teeth rather than remove them as they help with chewing and hold the proper space for the eruption of permanent teeth. In primary (baby) teeth, the infected part of the nerve is removed. The area is cleaned and medication is placed inside the tooth. In most cases, the tooth will heal and remain stable until it is lost several years later.
Surprisingly, this treatment can be quite comfortable for children. Usually, only local anesthesia is needed. Children do well with just over-the-counter pain medications after the treatment.
Crowns
When a primary (baby) tooth has a large cavity, a large crack, or has weak enamel, a crown is used to restore the tooth. In such cases, the primary tooth may not have enough strength to support a large filling. Crowns are restorations that completely cover the tooth. Stainless steel crowns {silver) or zirconium crowns (white) can be used in the posterior (back) teeth. White, plastic crowns are often used in the anterior (front) teeth.
Fluoride
When a primary (baby) tooth has a large cavity, a large crack, or has weak enamel, a crown is used to restore the tooth. In such cases, the primary tooth may not have enough strength to support a large filling. Crowns are restorations that completely cover the tooth. Stainless steel crowns {silver) or zirconium crowns (white) can be used in the posterior (back) teeth. White, plastic crowns are often used in the anterior (front) teeth