Pedodontics

Pedodontics, also known as pediatric dentistry, is a dental specialty that focuses on the oral health of children from infancy through adolescence.

What is Pedodontics?

Pedodontics, also known as pediatric dentistry, is a dental specialty that focuses on the oral health of children from infancy through adolescence. Pediatric dentistry is especially important, as dental problems and treatments can be frightening for children. Since primary (baby) teeth have a different structure from permanent teeth, they may require a different approach in both diagnosis and treatment. In this respect, pediatric dentistry plays a vital role.

What Kind of Treatment Methods Do Pedodontists Use?

Pedodontists begin with a comprehensive dental examination. During this process, they use child-friendly techniques such as gamification to help reduce dental anxiety and make the experience more enjoyable for children.

As part of the examination, they:

Assess the risk of tooth decay and diagnose any oral diseases.

Provide oral hygiene education and preventive care recommendations.

Use dental X-rays to detect and diagnose problems that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Monitor the development of teeth and jaws in infants and children, informing parents of any concerns.

Diagnose and treat teething issues in babies.

Detect malocclusion (misalignment of teeth or bite) and refer for or provide appropriate orthodontic treatment.

Depending on the diagnosis, pedodontists may perform procedures such as fillings, crowns, or tooth extractions. If a primary tooth is extracted, they may place a space maintainer to prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the gap, which helps avoid future alignment issues.
Additional services include:

Professional dental cleaning and fluoride applications to help prevent cavities.

Treatment for harmful oral habits like thumb sucking, nail biting, or prolonged pacifier and bottle use.

Care for dental trauma, such as injuries to gum tissue or broken teeth.

Management of pediatric gum diseases, which are relatively common in children.

Use of sedation (minimal, moderate, or deep) or general anesthesia when necessary, especially for children with high anxiety or special needs.

Pedodontists are specially trained to meet the unique needs of children’s dental health. Choosing a pedodontist can help prevent oral health problems that might otherwise continue into adulthood.