Pediatric Restorative Dentistry in Gaithersburg, MD

What is Pediatric Restorative Dentistry?

Pediatric restorative dentistry is a specialized branch of pediatric dentistry that focuses on restoring the health and function of a child’s teeth. It involves the use of various techniques and materials to repair or replace damaged or decayed teeth, ensuring that the child’s oral health is maintained and their smile is preserved. This field is essential in preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues that can affect a child’s overall health and well-being. By addressing these issues early, pediatric restorative dentistry helps children maintain healthy smiles and avoid more severe dental problems in the future.

Benefits of Pediatric Restorative Dentistry

Pediatric restorative dentistry offers numerous benefits for children, including:

• Prevention of Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: By addressing dental issues early, restorative treatments help prevent the progression of tooth decay and gum disease, ensuring long-term oral health.

• Restoration of Damaged or Decayed Teeth: Restorative procedures repair and strengthen teeth that have been compromised by decay or injury, allowing children to maintain proper function and aesthetics.

• Preservation of Healthy Dental Habits: Early intervention and treatment encourage children to develop and maintain healthy dental habits, setting the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.

• Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem: A healthy, beautiful smile can significantly enhance a child’s confidence and self-esteem, positively impacting their social interactions and overall well-being.

• Prevention of More Severe Oral Health Issues: Timely restorative treatments can prevent minor dental problems from escalating into more severe issues that require extensive and costly interventions.

• Foundation for Future Orthodontic Treatment: Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is crucial for successful orthodontic treatment in the future, ensuring that children can achieve optimal dental alignment and function.

Pediatric Restorative Dentistry in Gaithersburg, MD

Dream Smiles Pediatric Dentistry of Gaithersburg provides comprehensive pediatric dental care, including restorative dental treatments, for children in Gaithersburg, MD. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 301-327-1003.

We use restorative dental treatments to restore strength, function, and health to any teeth that have been damaged by decay or dental trauma. When tooth-colored materials are used, restorative procedures also improve the appearance of the affected tooth by blending in seamlessly with the rest of your child’s smile.

We believe that every child’s dream smile can come true and we’re here to help every step of the way!

Our restorative services include:

A pediatric dentist is a specialized dentist who has received advanced training in pediatric dentistry. They possess the expertise and experience to provide high-quality care to children, from infancy to adolescence. Pediatric dentists are adept at handling a wide range of pediatric dental issues, including restorative dentistry, sedation dentistry, and orthodontic treatment. Their training also includes child psychology, enabling them to communicate effectively with children and make them feel comfortable and at ease during dental appointments. This specialized approach ensures that pediatric patients receive the best possible care in a supportive and understanding environment.

Preventive care and maintenance are essential components of pediatric dentistry. Regular dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and good oral hygiene practices play a crucial role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Pediatric dentists provide guidance on healthy dental habits, such as proper brushing and flossing techniques, to help children develop good oral health habits from an early age. By emphasizing preventive care, pediatric dentists aim to ensure that children enjoy healthy smiles and avoid more severe oral health issues. Establishing these habits early on sets the stage for a lifetime of optimal oral health and well-being.

Composite fillings use a material carefully selected to match the rest of your child’s tooth for a natural appearance. The procedure involves removing areas of decay, then filling them in with the composite material, which is hardened using a specialized curing light.

When a significant portion of a tooth is damaged or decayed, we use dental crowns to restore function and strength. The damaged areas are removed, then the crown covers over the remaining healthy tooth structure. Options for crowns include:

These crowns are used to restore both primary and permanent molars that have deep decay or have had root canal treatment. Stainless steel crowns are mercury-free, durable, and easy to keep clean, making them an excellent choice for many patients.

All-composite strip crowns are often used if the affected tooth is visible when a child smiles because they’re made to match the rest of their teeth. A pre-formed clear shell is filled with a tooth-colored composite material, then placed over the tooth. After the composite has hardened, the shell is removed, leaving behind an esthetic “white” composite crown.

Often, a tooth can be saved with some type of restorative treatment, but on occasion, the only way to restore your child’s oral health is to remove a compromised tooth. We offer gentle tooth extractions right in our office using local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and/or mild sedation if needed.

When a cavity is deep enough to reach the pulp inside a tooth, it can cause pain and infection. Pulp treatment saves the tooth from needing to be extracted by removing the infected part of pulpal tissue, replacing it by mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), a BioActive, hydrophilic, non-toxic and 100% biocompatible material, which promotes healing. Aftwards, the remaining healthy tooth structure is restored with a dental crown until it's ready to fall out on its own.

During a pediatric restorative dentistry appointment, the pediatric dentist will assess the child’s oral health and determine the best course of treatment. The appointment may involve:

• A Thorough Examination: The dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination of the child’s teeth and gums to identify any issues that need to be addressed.

• X-rays: If necessary, X-rays will be taken to diagnose any underlying oral health issues that are not visible during the examination.

• Discussion of Treatment Options: The dentist will discuss the recommended treatment options with the parent or guardian, explaining the procedures and answering any questions.

• Sedation Dentistry: If the child is anxious or the procedure is complex, sedation dentistry may be administered to ensure the child’s comfort and cooperation.

• Restorative Treatment: The dentist will perform the necessary restorative treatment, such as a baby root canal or crown, to repair and restore the affected tooth.

• Follow-up Appointments: The dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the child’s progress and provide ongoing care to ensure the success of the treatment.

By understanding what to expect during a pediatric restorative dentistry appointment, parents can feel more confident and prepared, knowing that their child will receive compassionate and expert care.