What is pediatric dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry utilizes regular checkups and preventive screenings to ensure good oral health in children and teens.
Routine visits to a pediatric dentist significantly lower the risk of potentially serious oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and crowding. Pediatric dentistry also presents an opportunity to educate your child about the benefits of good oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing.
What services does pediatric dentistry offer?
At Comfort Dentistry, Dr. Agrawal offers a variety of pediatric dentistry services, including:
Oral exams
An oral exam is a routine checkup that assesses your child’s dental health. During an exam, Dr. Agrawal uses a mirror to observe your child’s teeth, tongue, and gums. If she detects any issues, like a cavity or abscess, she can order additional testing.
Dental X-rays
Dental X-rays provide detailed images of your child’s jaw, tooth roots, and alveolar bone. These images can pinpoint problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye, like damaged tooth pulp. In addition, X-rays help guide certain dental procedures like extractions or the placement of restorations.
Professional teeth cleaning
Professional teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar from beneath your child’s gum line and the surfaces of their teeth. Following the cleaning, Dr. Agrawal polishes your child’s teeth with gritty toothpaste and applies a fluoride treatment, which helps protect against tooth decay.
Sealants
If your child regularly experiences cavities, Dr. Agrawal might recommend sealants. Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to your child’s molars or premolars (the teeth at the back of their mouth). They prevent plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria from building up, ensuring your child’s teeth remain free of decay.
Restorative dentistry
Restorative dentistry uses appliances like crowns, bridges, or fillings to repair tooth damage or decay. If your child cracks a tooth while playing sports, or they develop a cavity, restorations can prevent further issues and restore their smile.
Extractions
Dental extractions are a type of oral surgery used to remove one (or multiple) teeth. Dr. Agrawal always tries to avoid extractions, but sometimes that isn’t possible. That’s especially true if your child has impacted teeth or teeth unable to break through the gum line.
Sedation dentistry for anxiety
Many children experience dental anxiety. To help them remain calm, Dr. Agrawal offers nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to make appointments more relaxing and comfortable.
When should I make a pediatric dentistry appointment?
At Comfort Dentistry, Dr. Agrawal recommends scheduling a pediatric dentistry appointment for your child at least twice a year. Routine exams can catch potentially serious problems early on when they’re most responsive to treatment.
Don’t wait to schedule a pediatric dentistry appointment for your child at Comfort Dentistry. Call to speak with a member of the administrative team or click the online booking tool.
