Every parent wants the best for their children, and that includes their oral health. Taking your child to the dentist regularly is an important part of maintaining their overall health and well-being. But what happens when your child needs more than a routine cleaning? There are a variety of pediatric dental procedures that can be performed to address specific issues. Here are four of the most common procedures:
1. Fillings
Cavities, also known as dental caries, are one of the most common childhood dental problems. A cavity is a hole in the tooth that is caused by decay. If left untreated, cavities can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss. Fillings are used to restore decayed teeth and prevent further damage. The dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the cavity with a composite material, which is tooth-colored and blends in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
2. Extractions
Sometimes, a tooth may need to be extracted, or pulled, if it is severely decayed, infected, or damaged. This is typically done as a last resort, but it is sometimes necessary to prevent further problems. Extractions are usually performed under local anesthesia, so your child will not feel any pain during the procedure. After the tooth is extracted, the dentist may place stitches to close the wound.
3. Pulpotomies
A pulpotomy is a procedure that is performed when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth, becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen due to deep decay or trauma. During a pulpotomy, the dentist will remove the infected portion of the pulp and place a filling over the remaining pulp. This helps to preserve the tooth and prevents the need for an extraction.
4. Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are appliances that are used to hold the space open for a permanent tooth that has not yet erupted. This is typically done when a baby tooth is lost prematurely due to decay or trauma. Space maintainers help to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting into the empty space, which can cause alignment problems later on.
These are just a few of the many pediatric dental procedures that are available. If you are concerned about your child's oral health, be sure to talk to their dentist. They can assess your child's individual needs and recommend the best course of treatment.
Dentist Pembroke Pines, FL | Everglades Family Dental At Everglades Family Dental we want our patients to maintain healthy, bright, beautiful smiles, and make you feel comfortable. Everglades Family Dental - Dr. Thomas Crowgey, 16024 Pines Blvd, Suite 106, Pembroke Pines, FL 33027 + (754) 764-0465 + evergladesfamilydental.com + 6/23/2025 + Tags: dentist Pembroke Pines +