What is Pediatric Dentistry
As a parent in Los Angeles, finding quality dental care for your children is a top priority. Pediatric dentistry plays a crucial role in setting the foundation for your child’s lifelong oral health. I’m Dr. Nikki, a dedicated dentist serving the Los Angeles community, and today I’m sharing my insights on pediatric dentistry and why it matters for your family.
Understanding Pediatric Dentistry: More Than Just Baby Teeth
Pediatric dentistry is a specialized branch of dental care focused exclusively on children from infancy through adolescence.
It’s not just about treating baby teeth—it’s about establishing healthy habits that last a lifetime.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), children who receive proper dental care early in life are 40% less likely to develop severe dental problems as adults.
As someone who’s performed thousands of pediatric procedures, I can tell you firsthand: what happens in those early years shapes your child’s dental future.
Our popular procedures
- Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the deep grooves and pits of children’s molars to prevent cavity-causing bacteria from settling in these hard-to-clean areas, often applied as soon as permanent molars erupt.
- Professional fluoride treatments involve applying concentrated fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to acid attacks, significantly reducing the risk of decay in both primary and permanent teeth.
- Pulpotomies, commonly known as “baby root canals,” involve removing infected pulp tissue from the crown portion of a primary tooth while preserving the vital root pulp, allowing the tooth to remain functional until natural exfoliation.
- Stainless steel crowns and tooth-colored zirconia crowns provide full-coverage protection for severely decayed or fractured primary teeth, restoring function and preventing further deterioration until permanent teeth emerge.
- Space maintainers are custom-fitted appliances designed to preserve the gap left by prematurely lost baby teeth, preventing adjacent teeth from drifting and ensuring proper eruption paths for permanent teeth.
- Gentle preventive cleanings performed by pediatric dental specialists remove plaque and tartar buildup while introducing children to dental care in a positive, age-appropriate manner that helps establish lifelong oral health habits.
Explore the world of Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry is a specialized field of dental care dedicated to the oral health of infants, children, and adolescents. It focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental issues in young patients, ensuring they develop healthy smiles for life.
A pediatric dentist undergoes additional training beyond dental school to understand the unique needs of children. They specialize in treating baby teeth, managing dental development, and addressing issues like cavities, gum disease, and misaligned teeth. Their expertise extends to handling anxious children, making visits to the dentist a positive experience through child-friendly environments and gentle approaches.
Preventive care is a major aspect of pediatric dentistry. Regular check-ups, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and education on proper brushing and flossing help prevent tooth decay. Early orthodontic evaluations can also identify potential alignment problems before they worsen.
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