Why Should Your Child See a Paediatric Dentist?
Dentists, like doctors, can specialise in different fields. Paediatric dentists are the paediatricians of dentistry, with a minimum of an additional three years of specialty training beyond dental school. Paediatric dentists are the experts in oral care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs.
Paediatric dental surgery covers a vast array of procedures designed specifically for children’s dental needs, ranging from straightforward tooth extractions to more intricate surgical interventions.
It refers to a specialised area of dentistry that focuses on the treatment of dental conditions in children. This field is not just about performing dental procedures; it’s about understanding and managing the unique dental needs of children from infancy through adolescence. Paediatric dental surgery encompasses a variety of procedures, each tailored to address specific issues within a child’s developing mouth.
The scope of paediatric dental surgery is quite broad, ranging from routine to complex procedures. It includes treatments like tooth fillings and tooth extractions, including removal of baby teeth that have overstayed or are causing problems for emerging permanent teeth. It covers management of specific developmental conditions affecting the number of teeth (hypodontia or extra/ supernumerary teeth), or the size and quality of the teeth (small or hypo plastic/ hypo mineralised teeth). It also covers more advanced procedures such as the treatment of dental injuries, correction of developmental anomalies, and surgeries to support orthodontic treatments.
Paediatric dentists undergo extensive training in managing the dental fear and anxiety in children and adolescents. Within the realm of specialist paediatric dentistry, behaviour management techniques are the tools that shape smiles and nurture comfort. These techniques acknowledge the unique emotional landscapes of children and adapt to their individual needs. From the “Tell-Show-Do“ approach that builds familiarity to positive reinforcement that instills confidence, these techniques forge positive associations with dental visits. Parental involvement becomes a collaborative effort, reinforcing the child's sense of security.
In the hands of skilled pediatric dentists, these behaviour management techniques not only create successful dental visits but also shape a child's perception of oral health for a lifetime. As children grow, so do their smiles – healthy and confident.
Finally, specialist paediatric dentist are in the best position to assess and recommend the most appropriate pharmacological behaviour management technique for each patient and their specific needs. Local anaesthetic with inhalation sedation or treatment under general anaesthetic are available and safe methods for carrying out extensive or complex dental treatments. A paediatric dentist with experience in these methods will be able to discuss with the parents all the relevant risks and benefits so everyone can feel comfortable with the proposed treatment plan and confident the right choice has been made for the child.