Pedodontics

Pedodontics (Pediatric Dentistry): Healthy Dental Development and Preventive Applications for Young Patients

Pedodontics is a special branch of dentistry applied to protect and treat children's oral and dental health and to support their developmental processes. With pediatric dental treatments, preventive applications and oral hygiene education, healthy dental development and lasting oral health of the little patients are aimed for.

1. Pediatric Dental Treatments (Filling, Canal etc.)

Pediatric dental treatments are applied to protect primary teeth and young permanent teeth damaged as a result of tooth decay, infections or trauma occurring at an early age. These treatments are based on the principle of repairing the tooth without extraction and preserving its healthy function.

1.1 Primary Tooth Root Canal Treatment

• Features:Eliminating the pulp infection occurring in primary teeth or post-trauma damage.
• Root canal treatment is applied so that the natural primary tooth can maintain its function without extraction.
• Advantages:Supports the natural development of the child's oral structure.
• Prevents the gaps that may arise due to primary tooth loss and the shifting of the subsequent permanent teeth.

1.2 Pulpotomy / Pulpectomy

• Features:Pulpotomy: Partially removing the infected pulp tissue and preserving the vitality of the tooth.
• Pulpectomy: Cleaning the tooth completely of its pulp tissue and making it suitable for root canal treatment.
• Advantages:By offering treatment without extraction, it ensures that the child does not experience tooth loss.
• Contributes to the tooth remaining functional for a long time.

1.3 Space Maintainers

• Features:Temporary space maintainers used after primary tooth treatments to fill the gap of prematurely lost teeth.
• Applied to prevent functional and aesthetic loss.
• Advantages:Supports the child's chewing function and speech development.
• Prepares the ground for the proper positioning of the future permanent teeth.

2. Preventive Applications (Fissure Sealant, Fluoride etc.)

Preventive applications cover regular care and interventions starting at an early age to prevent children's tooth decay and gum diseases.

2.1 Fissure Sealant

• Features:Closing the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of the teeth against decay formation.
• It is usually applied using ceramic or composite materials.
• Advantages:Significantly reduces the risk of decay in children's teeth.
• Helps preserve the tooth structure in the long term.

2.2 Fluoride Application

• Features:Fluoride treatment to strengthen the tooth enamel and prevent decay formation.
• Supported by professional applications or through toothpastes and gels.
• Advantages:The tooth enamel is strengthened, the risk of decay decreases.
• Children are enabled to attain dental health at an early age.

2.3 Dental Development Monitoring

• Features:Monitoring children's dental development at regular intervals.
• Monitoring the development process with radiographic examinations and clinical evaluations.
• Advantages:Preventing problems in dental and jaw development with early intervention.
• Planning is done for the proper positioning of the future permanent teeth.

3. Oral Hygiene Education

Ensuring oral hygiene in children plays a critical role in preserving dental health and preventing tooth decay. Families and children learning oral care habits supports them in having healthy teeth for life.

3.1 Tooth Brushing Education

• Features:Teaching correct tooth brushing techniques.
• Providing information about toothbrush selection, duration and frequency of use.
• Advantages:Children gaining the habit of protecting their own oral hygiene.
• Prevention of tooth decay and gum problems.

3.2 Dietary Advice

• Features:Balanced diet recommendations that support dental health in children.
• The importance of reducing sugar consumption, healthy snacks and regular meals.
• Advantages:Limiting the foods that cause tooth decay.
• Support of general oral and body health.