Pedodontics (Pediatric Dentistry)

Pedodontics, also known as pediatric dentistry, is the branch of dentistry that examines and resolves oral and dental health problems from birth to the end of adolescence. Pediatric dentistry aims to preserve the healthy structure of both primary (baby) teeth and permanent (adult) teeth of children.

What is Pedodontics? What Age Group Does it Treat?

Pedodontics, also known as pediatric dentistry, is a branch of dentistry aimed at preserving the healthy condition of primary and permanent teeth of children aged 0-18 years. It focuses on addressing issues such as decay, trauma, genetic factors, and other similar factors that affect these teeth. Pediatric dentistry involves the treatment of cavities in primary and permanent teeth from the eruption of primary teeth until the eruption of permanent teeth. It also includes the use of fixed and removable space maintainers to preserve spaces created by early tooth loss, as well as the use of prosthetics for genetic tooth deficiencies, among other different practices.

Pediatric dental treatment aims to ensure the healthy eruption of primary teeth, which typically emerge around 5-6 months of age, and the subsequent healthy eruption of permanent teeth to replace them.

What is the Importance of Baby Teeth in Children?

The baby teeth, which begin to emerge around the 6th month after a child’s birth, are typically completed by around the age of 2.5 years. During the first six months of infancy, baby teeth are present until permanent teeth take their place in the mouth. In this regard, baby teeth are important both during the developmental period and for shaping the permanent teeth. By maintaining baby teeth in a healthy condition in the mouth, permanent teeth are properly positioned, and an aesthetic alignment of teeth is achieved. However, if baby teeth are lost prematurely, other teeth may shift towards the space created by the missing tooth, resulting in a disruption of dental alignment. The permanent teeth that follow may also not be properly positioned under these conditions, leading to a loss of overall dental aesthetics. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies may occur in the individual, affecting their development.

What are the frequency and causes of cavities in children?

We can say that the frequency of cavities in children is approximately between 80-90%. Among the reasons for this are factors such as incorrect dietary habits and lack of attention to oral hygiene. Additionally, factors such as giving nighttime milk to infants and giving pacifiers dipped in sweet substances like honey or jam contribute to the development of cavities when they occur early.

Dental Treatment Under Sedation and General Anesthesia

In cases where there is fear of the dentist, widespread dental decay, and in small children who cannot tolerate treatment, in adults with mental or physical disabilities, and in patients with excessive gag reflex, dental treatments can be performed under sedation and general anesthesia in a hospital setting or in an appropriate clinical environment by specialist dentists.

At our clinic, general anesthesia is performed in an affiliated hospital. You can obtain information about these methods from our dentists.