Pedodontics
Pediatric dentistry is a field that deals with the treatment of children’s teeth. A pediatric dentist, or more precisely a specialist in pediatric dentistry, after graduating from the faculty of dentistry, obtains a specialization in the field of pediatric dentistry and can perform many procedures, such as root canal treatment in children. Many different medical procedures can be performed on children, such as fluoride application or fissure sealing. It is particularly important and necessary for children whose jaws and teeth are still developing to undergo pediatric dental check-ups, even if they do not have any problems.
Pediatric dentistry in Istanbul is a specialty that can be found in many healthcare facilities in cities with developed healthcare services. To make an appointment with a pediatric dentist, you can choose one of the pediatric dentistry clinics in Istanbul, such as Dentaliva. In these types of facilities, pedodontics fees are determined according to the child’s dental problems, and comprehensive services are provided at the most affordable prices for pediatric dental services. In addition, you can contact us for information on specific topics, such as the cost of baby teeth, or to make an appointment with a pediatric dentist. With the safe and effective pediatric dentistry treatments offered by Dentaliva, you can take care of your children’s dental health.
The importance and goals of pediatric dentistry
Pediatric dentistry is, unfortunately, a field whose importance is not fully understood and which is overlooked by many people. The main reason for this is that check-ups for children carried out as part of pediatric dentistry or treatment tailored to children’s needs seem irrelevant or unnecessary. In reality, however, pediatric dentistry is a field that guarantees children healthy and aesthetic teeth during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
Pediatric dentistry is very important not only from the point of view of performing procedures such as milk tooth treatment, but also from the point of view of checking the overall health of the child’s mouth and teeth, and even getting the child used to proper dental care. In addition, the costs of treating children, such as the cost of treating baby teeth, are significantly lower than the costs of treatment that a child will face as an adult, which is why it is very important to attach importance to the treatment and dental check-ups of children from a financial point of view.
Who is covered by pediatric dentistry?
As the name suggests, pediatric dentistry deals with the treatment of children. However, since tooth development in children usually ends at the age of 12-13, this department mainly treats children under the age of 12. The age groups covered by the pediatric dentistry department and the general oral and dental health of these age groups can be described in a few points.
Baby teeth period (0-6 years)
In the pediatric dentistry department, the most frequently treated patients are children aged 0 to 6. The period from 0 to 6 years is when children’s baby teeth grow in and permanent teeth are already present in the jaw. Between the ages of 0 and 6, crooked teeth, tooth decay, and hypersensitivity are very common in children. In particular, infants aged 4–7 months who are teething, still breastfeeding, and have already started eating complementary foods can be observed to have many different conditions covered by pediatric dentistry. Although it may sound interesting, even young children around the age of 2 can benefit from various methods of infant dental treatment at healthcare facilities such as Dentaliva, which is one of the options for pediatric dentistry clinics in Istanbul, in order to protect the health of children’s teeth.
Mixed dentition period (6-12 years)
The dental health of children aged 6-12, which is one of the periods when problems are most common, also falls within the scope of pediatric dentistry. During this period, problems such as crooked teeth, decay of baby teeth, looseness, and tooth loss may occur. Permanent teeth may begin to erupt during this period, and their protection is very important and necessary so that the child does not require root canal treatment or dentures in the future.
Prevention in pediatric dentistry
There are many different preventive methods in pediatric dentistry. For example, medical materials such as space maintainers can be used to protect the area where a baby tooth has fallen out and make room for permanent teeth. Children who do not want to develop crooked teeth should especially benefit from this type of treatment. Preventive treatments in pediatric dentistry can be divided into several categories.
Fluoride treatments and fissure sealants
Fluoride treatments are particularly beneficial for children after their permanent teeth have erupted. Fluoridation strengthens the enamel of the teeth, which the child will use throughout their life. The fluoridation procedure is very minimal and involves the dentist applying a mixture of fluoride-containing medications to the tooth enamel.
Cavity treatment, as the name suggests, involves covering the cavities in teeth that are most vulnerable to decay with a filling material. Covering these areas with a filling material is particularly important for children who are not yet in the habit of brushing their teeth and do not pay attention to nutrition issues. Fluoridation and fissure sealing treatments are priced accordingly, taking into account the costs of pediatric dental services.
Regular checkups and early diagnosis
Many specialists in pediatric dentistry say that children should undergo dental check-ups even if they have no dental problems. Thanks to regular dental check-ups in children, many problems, such as tooth decay, can be diagnosed and treated early. In this way, beneficial results can be achieved in the long term.
Treatment methods in pediatric dentistry
In pediatric dentistry, as in adult dentistry, a variety of treatment methods can be used. Treatment methods in pediatric dentistry can be divided into several categories.
Special fillings and root canal treatment in children
Many people believe that fillings and root canal treatment are only used in adults. However, special fillings and root canal treatment can also be used in children. Children in particular, in whom it is desirable to avoid dental disease in the future and achieve favorable results through early diagnosis, should be treated with methods such as special fillings for children.
Tooth extractions and orthodontic appliances
Tooth extraction and orthodontic appliances are very often used in pediatric dentistry. In particular, children whose baby teeth do not fall out on their own, are prone to tooth decay, and do not have enough space for permanent teeth to erupt after they fall out, often undergo tooth extraction and orthodontic treatment.
Care after pediatric dental procedures and parents’ responsibilities
Care after pediatric dental procedures and protection of the child’s overall oral health are primarily the responsibility of the parents. If, as a parent, you want your child to adopt proper dental care habits after pediatric dental procedures, you may want to consider a few tips, which will be discussed in the following points.
- Pay attention to your child’s diet
Paying attention to children’s diets, both after pediatric dental procedures and regardless of whether they have undergone any procedures, can mean taking care of their overall oral health. Children may be much more likely to consume products containing excessive amounts of sugar than adults. These types of products directly threaten the health of your child’s teeth. Therefore, you should make sure that your child eats foods that are beneficial to dental health after dental treatment and on a daily basis.
- To help your child develop the habit of taking care of their teeth, use rewards rather than punishments
Many parents try to instill the habit of taking care of their teeth in their children by using a system of punishments. However, in reality, the most effective method of teaching children habits related to such behaviors is to use rewards rather than punishments. Playing games with your child related to brushing their teeth or preparing an interesting chart reflecting routine oral hygiene activities can make dental care a habit for your child.
How much does dental treatment for children cost?
The prices of pediatric dental treatment, or more specifically, the prices of a pediatric dentist, vary depending on the situation. The costs of many different procedures, from milk tooth treatment to orthodontic treatment, can vary significantly. Pediatric dentistry fees vary depending on the child’s dental health problems. The prices of pediatric dental treatment are determined based on the child’s dental health problems, so the treatment method that the pediatric dentist deems appropriate for the child has a very large impact on the price.
Although costs such as the cost of treating baby teeth may seem unnecessary and expensive at first, considering that the child may incur much higher costs related to dental problems in the future, it is important to cover these costs. Among the options for pediatric dentistry clinics in Istanbul are clinics such as Dentaliva, where you can take advantage of affordable pediatric dentistry prices under the supervision of a professional pediatric dentist. Therefore, if you are concerned about the prices of pediatric dentistry treatments, you should make the right choice from among the pediatric dentistry clinic options in Istanbul and plan your treatment at an affordable price with a pediatric dentistry specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pediatric dentistry deal with?
Pediatric dentistry is a field that deals with the overall oral and dental health of children. In this regard, pediatric dentistry deals with many health problems, from gum disease to tooth decay. A pediatric dentist not only treats children’s teeth but also performs routine checkups. Each of these procedures helps children throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood to have an aesthetic appearance and healthy teeth. Therefore, children should be taken for regular dental check-ups.
Are pediatric dental procedures painful?
Most pediatric dental procedures are not painful. In particular, procedures such as filling cavities do not cause any pain in children. However, procedures such as root canal treatment in children may cause minimal pain. In such situations, local anesthesia appropriate for the child’s age and general health can be used in pediatric dentistry. Thanks to local anesthesia methods, the child can be treated without pain.
How to overcome children's fear of the dentist?
Children’s fear of the dentist can vary depending on the reasons why the child is afraid of dentists and dental treatment. Unfortunately, some children may become afraid of dentists and dental procedures due to the inappropriate behavior and attitude of an unprofessional pediatric dentist. In such situations, it may be necessary to seek the help of a pediatrician and have the child treated at a medical facility such as Dentaliva, which employs pediatric dentists who use the right approach.
How to get children into the habit of brushing their teeth?
Teaching children to brush their teeth is not as difficult as it seems. However, delays by parents in teaching children to brush their teeth or the use of inappropriate methods can make it difficult for children to acquire this habit. Children’s teeth should be brushed from the age of 2 at the latest. At first, you should help your child brush their teeth and use their ability to imitate by showing them your own toothbrushing habits. This will help your child develop the habit of brushing their teeth in the healthiest way possible.
Are baby teeth unimportant?
One of the most common misconceptions about children’s dental health is that baby teeth are unimportant. Contrary to popular belief, baby teeth are not unimportant, and many pediatric dentistry specialists use various methods to protect baby teeth and help them stay healthy for as long as they remain in the mouth. Damage to baby teeth can lead to chewing problems in young children and even speech problems.
How is a dental examination of children performed?
Dental examinations of children are performed in different ways, depending on the situation. Pediatric dentistry specialists also undergo pedagogical training to be able to provide health services. Pedagogical training helps them gain knowledge on many topics, such as the behavioral development of children. Therefore, pediatric dentistry specialists approach children not only from a medical point of view, but also from a behavioral one, adopting the right attitudes. During a pediatric dental examination, depending on the situation, appropriate behaviors are used so that the child is not afraid of dentists and dental treatment. In addition, depending on the situation, the examination may be supplemented with procedures such as taking an X-ray of the teeth.
