Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral health of infants, children, and adolescents. It encompasses preventive care, such as regular dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants to protect young teeth from decay. Our pediatric dentist in Sandy, UT, also provides early intervention and treatment for issues like cavities, gum disease, and developmental abnormalities. He emphasizes educating children and parents on proper oral hygiene practices to establish good habits early on and ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Additionally, our pediatric dentist creates a welcoming and child-friendly environment to help children feel comfortable during dental visits, fostering positive experiences that promote long-term dental health.  

The Importance of Early Dental Care 

Prevention of Dental Problems

Early dental visits allow our pediatric dentist in Sandy, UT, to monitor the growth and development of a child's teeth and jaws. Regular check-ups enable early detection of issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and developmental abnormalities. By identifying problems early, our dentist can intervene promptly, preventing them from progressing into more severe conditions that may require extensive treatment. 

Establishing Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Early dental care instills proper oral hygiene practices from a young age. Our dentist educates children and parents on the correct techniques for brushing and flossing, the importance of regular dental visits, and the role of a balanced diet in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. These habits lay the groundwork for a lifetime of good oral health and reduce the risk of dental problems in adulthood.  

Monitoring Dental Growth and Development

Children's teeth and jaws undergo significant changes as they grow. Regular dental visits allow our dentist to monitor the eruption of primary (baby) teeth and the transition to permanent teeth. The dentist can assess dental alignment and bite development, identifying early signs of orthodontic issues or the need for interventions such as dental sealants or fluoride treatments to prevent cavities. Contact us today to learn more.

Essential Treatments in Pediatric Dentistry

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments are integral to pediatric dentistry in strengthening tooth enamel and preventing decay. Applied in the form of varnish, gel, or foam, fluoride treatments help remineralize areas of teeth that show signs of early decay. This process makes the enamel more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars in the mouth, effectively reducing the risk of cavities.

Fluoride treatments are safe, painless, and quick to apply, making them an essential part of preventive dental care for children. Regular application during dental visits helps to maintain optimal oral health and protect primary and permanent teeth from decay. 

Benefits:

• Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. 

• Fluoride treatments can reverse the early stages of tooth decay by enhancing the remineralization process. This process repairs minor decay before it requires more invasive treatment, like fillings. 

• Applied topically in gel, foam, or varnish by a pediatric dentist, fluoride treatments are safe and have been proven effective in reducing cavities in children. 

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. These back teeth have deep pits and grooves where food particles and bacteria can quickly accumulate, leading to cavities. Sealants act as a physical barrier that seals off these vulnerable areas, preventing bacteria and food debris from settling in and causing decay.

The application of sealants is a painless and non-invasive process that involves cleaning the teeth, applying the sealant material, and curing it with a special light to bond it securely to the tooth surface. Sealants are highly effective in reducing the incidence of cavities in children, especially during cavity-prone adolescence. 

Benefits:

• Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth where decay often begins. They seal off the grooves and pits of teeth, preventing food and bacteria from getting trapped and causing cavities. 

• Sealants can last several years with proper care and maintenance, providing ongoing protection during cavity-prone childhood and adolescence. 

• Applying sealants is quick, painless, and non-invasive, making it an ideal preventive measure for children apprehensive about dental procedures. 

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are essential for restoring affected teeth and preventing further decay when cavities occur. Our pediatric dentist uses tooth-colored composite fillings that match the natural color of teeth, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits. These fillings are made from a durable resin material that bonds directly to the tooth, preserving its structure and integrity.

By removing decayed material and filling the cavity, our pediatric dentist restores the tooth's function for chewing and speaking. Dental fillings also help to maintain the proper alignment of teeth and prevent complications that could arise from untreated cavities, such as toothaches or infections.  

Benefits:

• Dental fillings repair teeth that have cavities or minor damage due to decay or trauma. They restore the tooth's function and prevent further decay. 

• Pediatric dentists often use tooth-colored composite fillings that blend in with natural teeth, providing aesthetic benefits compared to traditional silver amalgam fillings. 

• Fillings in baby teeth are crucial for maintaining proper chewing function, speech development, and guiding permanent teeth into their correct positions. 

Pulp Therapy (Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy)

Pulp therapy is performed when a tooth's pulp (inner tissues and nerves) becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay or trauma. There are two main types of pulp therapy: pulpotomy and pulpectomy.

A pulpotomy involves removing the infected portion of the pulp while leaving the healthy pulp intact. This procedure is typically performed on baby teeth to preserve them until they naturally fall out and make way for permanent teeth. In more severe cases, a pulpectomy may be necessary. It involves removing the entire pulp, disinfecting the root canal, and filling it with dental material to maintain the tooth's structure. Pulp therapy alleviates pain, prevents further infection, and allows children to retain their primary teeth for proper chewing function and speech development. 

Benefits:

• Pulp therapy is performed when a tooth's pulp (inner tissues and nerves) becomes infected due to deep decay or trauma. 

• Pulpotomy or pulpectomy procedures can save the affected baby tooth from extraction by removing infected pulp tissue and disinfecting the root canal space. 

• These treatments alleviate pain, reduce the risk of abscess formation, and maintain the tooth's integrity until it naturally falls out to make way for the permanent tooth. 

Pediatric dentistry focuses on providing comprehensive care that treats dental issues and emphasizes preventive measures and patient education. Visit Granite View Dental at 1030 E 11400 S, Suite 2, Sandy, UT 84094, or call (801) 255-2100 to give your child the gift of excellent oral health and a confident smile.