Pediatric Dentistry

Child Management

1. Child Management

Why General Anaesthesia?

General Anaesthesia is a much accepted standard of care for situations involving children who have limited comprehension or children who are extremely uncooperative and require dental care that is technically difficult or sensitive to deliver. By giving general anaesthesia in the form of an injection or by inhalation of sedative gases during a dental procedure, there arise the possibility of a pain free surgery. It also helps to reduce stress and surgery related anxieties. We have highly trained board certified Paediatric dentistry providers here at Kannur Dental Care.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous Oxide is also known as the “laughing gas”. It is a very safe and mild sedative that will help your child remain relaxed during dental procedures. Your child’s dentist will give the sedation with the use of a “space mask,” which carries oxygen mixed with the medication. The sedation will take effect in about 5 minutes. The mask will remain in place until the procedure is done. Your child will be awake during the entire procedure and may have a “happy” feeling. When the procedure is complete, the nitrous oxide will be turned off and your child will breathe in pure oxygen for about 5 minutes to clear out any remaining gas. You should limit your child to a very light meal before this procedure. The effects of the nitrous oxide wear off very quickly, usually within a couple of hours for children.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation can be taken either through the mouth or nose, if your child is nervous. This will help to calm down and relax the child. Sometimes it will make your child feeling a little drowsy. If your child is to be sedated, he or she should have nothing to eat or drink after midnight, of the night before the appointment.

Restorative

2. Restorative

Teeth can lose structure from various causes such as caries or external trauma. Another reason can be during tooth preparation to improve the aesthetics or physical integrity of the intended restorative material. In these cases, dental restoration is needed. It can be done using white filling or the replacement of missing tooth structure that is supported by dental implants.

Procedure

In composite fillings, the dentist will remove decay as necessary while the tooth is numb. This procedure is usually done in one appointment. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. A special medication might be necessary if the decay is near the nerve of the root. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function. It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed but should be gone shortly after you tooth adapts to the new filling. You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.

Baby Teeth

3. Baby Teeth

As soon as an infant is born, his or her body, including the mouth, is thoroughly examined by a physician or a nurse. A new-born’s gums, tongue and soft palate are normally developed, but some variations may be seen in other cases such as:

Bohn’s nodules: These bumps or cysts are very similar with Epstein’s pearls but found on the sides of the gum ridge rather than the roof of the mouth.

Epstein’s pearls: These are small, pearl-like spots found on the roof of the mouth. These are harmless and will be cleared within a few weeks.

Inclusion cysts: Found along the crest of the gum ridge, these bumps are also considered harmless

Natal and neonatal teeth: Some infants are born with one or more teeth, called natal teeth.

Some babies will have teeth emerge into the mouth within the first 30 days of life, called neonatal teeth. Because these are primary (baby) teeth, and not extra teeth, it is a good idea to keep them if possible. However, sometimes, natal or neonatal teeth may have to be removed if they come loose, interfere with feeding or significantly irritate the tongue or lip.

Periodontics

4. Periodontics

Periodontal disease is most often caused by poor oral hygiene, dental plaque, smoking, genetic factors, stress, diet, age and illness. It is an ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and bone around your teeth that can lead to an inflammation under the gums. If left untreated, the inflammation can destroy the bone around your teeth resulting in tooth loss. The main symptoms are,

Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
Bad breath
Bleeding when brushing
Pus between your teeth and gums when you press down on the gums
Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
Red or swollen gums

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in dental plaque. Plaque is the sticky substance that forms on your teeth soon after you have brushed. In an effort to get rid of the bacteria, the cells of your immune system release substances that inflame and damage the gums, periodontal ligament or alveolar bone. This leads to swollen, bleeding gums, a sign of gingivitis (the earliest stage of periodontal disease). Damage from periodontal disease also can cause teeth to become loose. This is a sign of severe periodontitis (the advanced stage of disease).