In 2017, about 84% of children aged 2-17 visited the dentist. Many of these visits are for routine cleanings, which are essential for preventative care. However, sometimes children need to undergo dental procedures.
Whether it’s children’s dental surgery or more routine procedures, the dental work can help eliminate lasting damage and pain. Consider the most common types of dental procedures for kids and the benefits of each.
1. Interceptive Orthodontics
Interceptive orthodontics is a common procedure that can help prevent oral surgery for children. Dentists and orthodontists can guide abnormal bites and crooked teeth from a young age to help improve their future oral health. If you need a reliable one, simply visit https://www.tysonswestortho.com/.
Instead of a full set of braces, early interceptive orthodontics might include retainers, space maintainers, and other appliances. Depending on your child’s needs, the appliances may be fixed or removable.
Most interceptive appliances are small and unobtrusive, and children usually adjust within a matter of days. As with any dental appliance, it’s important to make sure your child implements proper oral hygiene and care.
2. Wisdom Teeth Extraction
One form of kids’ dental surgery that you may need to plan for is wisdom teeth removal. Wisdom teeth begin growing in around age 10, and usually need to be monitored starting around age 15.
Since wisdom teeth sit in the very back of the mouth, they can cause crowding and severely affect other teeth. Common issues from wisdom teeth include crooked teeth, pain, infections, and more.
Wisdom teeth extraction requires proper care before and after surgery, or you could risk additional problems like infections.
3. Root Canals
If your young child needs a root canal, don’t worry. Since baby teeth only have partial nerve treatment, the process is usually a lot quicker and less painful than it is for adults.
If your child has a tooth infection, it’s much better to use a root canal than extract the tooth altogether. Especially if your child still has their baby teeth, removing them can impact jaw function and their overall bite.
Root canals are less-invasive child dental surgery that can protect your child’s oral health.
4. Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is a great option for child dental procedures because it’s minimally invasive and just as effective. The Benefits of Laser Dentistry for kids include less noise, stress, and pain. Often, using a laser procedure also helps speed up the healing time.
Dentists can use lasers for both hard and soft tissue procedures. Some conditions treated include tooth decay, gum disease, cavity fillings, and more.
How to Move Forward With Children’s Dental Surgery
If you’re considering children’s dental surgery, the best place to start is consulting with several different dentists and oral surgeons. Get a recommendation from your primary dentist, but be sure to see if you also have referrals from family and friends.
Depending on the procedure, you may be able to use your primary dentist. However, you can find pediatric dental surgery experts that specialize in different procedures. Be sure to ask all your questions and communicate with your child as well so they’re comfortable.
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