A pediatric dentist treats patients ranging from infants to teenagers. They will provide preventive care and emergency care. They also advise parents of small children on how to take better care of their child’s teeth.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry describes a variety of treatments used to keep a child calm and relaxed during a dental procedure. The pediatric dentist in Oak Lawn may recommend it if the child is extremely fearful, has a strong gag reflex, or is undergoing a long and complicated procedure. They may also recommend it if the child has certain disabilities or medical conditions.
The dentist may use nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or general anesthesia.
What Are Sealants?
Dental sealants are plastic coatings used to protect teeth from the bacteria that cause decay. The dentist will usually treat just the back teeth with a sealant, for children have more trouble cleaning them properly than they do the front teeth. The dentist will usually recommend sealants for children who are between six and twelve years old.
When Do a Child’s Teeth Emerge?
Baby teeth usually start to emerge when the child is about six months old. Children usually have all of their baby teeth by the time they are three years old.
Adult teeth start to grow in when a child is six years old, and most of them have emerged by the time a child is in their early teens. The wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge, and they grow in when the patient is in their late teens or early 20s.
Contact Chicago kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist in Oak Lawn.