Children’s Dentistry in Long Beach, CA
Children’s dentistry, also known as pediatric dentistry, is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on providing dental care for infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric dentists undergo additional training beyond dental school to learn how to address children’s unique oral health needs. At Dr. Nashed’s office, our pediatric dentists monitor the growth and development of children’s teeth and jaws. If they detect orthodontic issues, they may refer the child to an orthodontist who specializes in correcting bite misalignments, malocclusions, and jaw irregularities using braces, retainers, or other orthodontic appliances.
What Services Do Pediatric Dentists Provide?
Dental Examinations
Pediatric dentists perform comprehensive dental examinations to assess the overall oral health of children. This includes evaluating the teeth, gums, bite alignment, jaw development, and any potential issues or abnormalities.
Dental Fillings
Pediatric dentists can perform dental fillings to restore the affected tooth if a child develops a cavity or tooth decay. They may use tooth-colored composite resin materials that match the tooth’s natural color, ensuring a more aesthetically pleasing result.
Pulp Therapy
Pediatric dentists may perform pulp therapy in cases where tooth decay has affected the pulp (the inner part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels). This involves removing the infected pulp and filling the space with a suitable material to preserve the tooth.
Space Maintainers
When a child loses a primary tooth prematurely, a pediatric dentist may place a space maintainer to hold the space until the permanent tooth erupts. This helps prevent dental crowding and alignment issues.
Orthodontic Treatments
Pediatric dentists monitor the growth and development of children’s teeth and jaws. If they detect orthodontic issues, they may refer the child to an orthodontist who specializes in correcting bite misalignments, malocclusions, and jaw irregularities using braces, retainers, or other orthodontic appliances.
The Benefits of Pediatric Dentistry
Preventive Care and Education
Pediatric dentists focus on preventive care to maintain good oral health in children. They educate parents and children about proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and a healthy diet. By emphasizing preventive measures such as regular check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants, they help children develop lifelong habits that prevent dental problems.
Early Detection and Intervention
Regular dental check-ups with a pediatric dentist in Long Beach, CA, allow for early detection of dental issues. Pediatric dentists are trained to identify problems like tooth decay, gum disease, developmental abnormalities, and improper tooth alignment at an early stage. Early intervention can prevent further damage, reduce the need for extensive treatments, and save the child from discomfort and pain.
Emergency Dental Care
Accidents can happen, and children may experience dental emergencies such as tooth fractures, dislodged teeth, or severe toothaches. Pediatric dentists are trained to handle emergencies and provide immediate care to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
Pediatric dentistry offers specialized care, preventive measures, early detection, and a child-friendly approach to promote optimal oral health in children. For the best dental care, visit Orthodontist in Arcadia CA or Orthodontist in Long Beach, CA – Dr. Nashed’s office at 4200 E Pacific Coast Highway Suite 100, Long Beach, CA 90804. You may also call us at (562) 498-5788.