Pediatric Dentistry (Pedodontics)

Pediatric Dentistry (Pedodontics)

Pediatric dentistry is a specialty that focuses on the oral and dental health of infants and children aged 0–14. It addresses problems in the development of baby (primary) and permanent teeth, monitors the development of the jaws and face and takes the necessary precautions, and covers the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that may arise. It makes it possible to ensure healthy development throughout the period from the eruption of the first baby teeth to the appearance of the permanent teeth.

Baby teeth contain more organic material than permanent teeth, so they can decay more easily and more quickly. It is very important that these teeth are checked regularly and that children visit the dentist for a checkup roughly every six months.

The first step in pediatric dentistry is building communication with both the child and the parents. In the clinical step that follows, the patient's medical and dental history is assessed, and the process is completed with the radiographic stage. The patient and family are informed in detail at every stage of diagnosis and treatment.

Early diagnosis and treatment have a positive effect on, and support, children's physical and emotional development.

Preventive and restorative care in pediatric dentistry may include:

• Dietary advice for oral and dental care
• Corrective measures and treatments for harmful oral habits such as thumb sucking, nail biting and lip biting
• Monitoring and prevention of tooth eruption disorders
• Measures to protect baby and permanent teeth against decay
• In cases of decay in baby or permanent teeth, taking the necessary measures to manage gaps caused by early tooth loss and to prevent later problems in the alignment of the teeth
• Restorative treatments (fillings) for baby teeth and young permanent teeth
• Root canal treatment and pulp amputation (pulpotomy) procedures,
• Protective and preventive treatments against tooth decay
• Pediatric dentures
• Tooth extraction
• Treatment of dental trauma
• Fluoride treatments
• Space maintainers
• Fissure sealants

and more.

During all of these procedures, the priorities are to ease patients' fears and anxieties, to keep pain to a minimum and to keep the family informed. Children with disabilities and children with systemic diseases may also need these treatments. For these patient groups, who have special circumstances and need special care, treatment may need to be carried out in the operating room under sedation or general anesthesia.