Category Pulp And Dental Sealants

Pulp Therapy

A tooth’s “pulp” is invisible to the naked eye. It’s a complex network of nerves, tissues, and blood vessels that carries nutrients and oxygen to and from the tooth’s centre. The pulp can be harmed in a variety of ways. The painfully exposed pulp and inflammation most commonly occur in children as a result of cavities or other traumatic injuries

Root canal, pulpotomy, pulpectomy, and nerve treatment are all terms that refer to paediatric pulp therapy, which is also called paediatric pulp therapy. Treatment, restoration, and preservation of the tooth are the primary goals of pulp therapy.

Pulp therapy is done by paediatric dentists on baby and permanent teeth. While baby teeth eventually fall out, they are essential for speech production, chewing, and proper alignment of the permanent teeth, all of which are delayed until then.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention If You Suspect Pulp Infection Or Lesions?

Pulp swelling or injury is excruciatingly painful. Regardless of whether the cause of the child’s discomfort is visible, the need for a paediatric dentist is obvious.

Additionally, Keep An Eye Out For The Following Signs:

Constant and unexplained pain

Pains in the evenings Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures

Pain and swelling around the tooth that’s been knocked out

Unexpected tooth sensitivity or resiliency

When is pulp therapy appropriate for a child?

Every circumstance is distinct. Before recommending tooth extraction or pulp therapy, the paediatric dentist will examine the child’s mouth, the tooth’s position, and the child’s age and general health.

Premature tooth extraction or tooth loss can have a number of negative consequences.

The arc’s length can be reduced.

It’s possible that permanent teeth won’t be able to erupt properly if the baby teeth fall out.

Teeth on either side of the one you want can develop or be removed.

An impact on the premolars can be excruciating.

The remaining teeth may be able to “move” to take up the void left by the extracted tooth.

If the tongue is located in an unusual place, this could be problematic.

What is pulp therapy, and why would you want it?

An x-ray and visual examination of the affected areas will be conducted by the paediatric dentist first. The type of treatment will be determined by the extent and location of the pulp damage. Even though there are numerous other options, paediatric pulpotomies and pulpectomies are among the most frequently used procedures.

Pediatric dentists have the option of performing a pulpotomy, which leaves the healthy pulp intact while removing the affected pulp and the cavities around it. This procedure is used when the root of the pulp does not have any lesions or cavities, meaning the problem is only in the tip of the pulp. The resulting cavity is filled with a biocompatible therapeutic substance that fights infection while also softening the pulp root. After treatment, it’s not uncommon for a crown to be placed on the tooth. The crown reinforces the tooth’s structure, reducing the chance of fracture in the future.

Pulpotomy is a treatment that can be used in a wide variety of situations. Baby teeth and permanent teeth can have it done as a stand-alone procedure, or as the first step in a root canal treatment.

If a cavity or bump is severe enough, the entire pulp of the tooth may need to be removed (including the root canals). This is when the paediatric dentist will have to remove the pulp, clean the root canals, and use a biocompatible material to seal the space. This procedure is usually carried out over the course of several office visits.

When it comes to filling baby teeth, resorbable materials are commonly used, while non-resorbable materials are preferred for use in permanent teeth. A crown is usually placed on the tooth at the end of treatment to reinforce it and give it more structural support. If the child prefers, the crown can be made to look more natural by painting it that colour.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealant application has become more popular over the last two decades as people have become more aware of its benefits. Many parents, on the other hand, who did not have the procedure performed on them when they were younger must be educated in order to feel comfortable performing it on their own children. Specific questions about sealants should be directed to your paediatric dentist or dental hygiene professional, but understanding their purpose and how they protect teeth can help you make an educated decision.

Dental Sealants: What Is The Difference?

Children’s teeth are protected with a dental sealant, which acts as a barrier against food particles and bacteria that can lead to cavities. AAPD reports that “the placement of a sealant in children and adolescents has shown a reduction in the incidence of cavities of 86% after one year and 58% after four years.” Additionally, fluoride treatments and a well-balanced diet help keep teeth healthy when used in conjunction with a comprehensive dental care regimen that includes sealants. Sealants protect tooth grooves known as pit and fissure cavities in addition to brushing and flossing, which are essential parts of any dental hygiene regimen.

Dental sealants, more commonly known as sealants, are protective coatings applied to the back teeth, particularly the molars and premolars, where cavities are most likely to form. Dental sealants are applied as a liquid and cured with a special light. They are made of strong synthetic resin. When a child’s first molars appear to be protecting their teeth from decay, dental sealants are typically applied. Cavities are most common in the mouth’s teeth. Dental sealants, on the other hand, can be applied to any child’s tooth as long as it is healthy and natural.

Dental sealants can be applied quickly and easily in a single step. Usually, sealants are applied by a dental hygienist, but a dentist can also do it. Dental sealants are most commonly used on the back teeth because of the small pits and grooves that can be missed even with regular brushing and flossing.

Clean, dry teeth are prepared for the application of dental sealants. To make a permanent seal, a liquid sealant is applied, allowed to flow over the teeth, and then curried to harden. In some cases, dental sealants will cure on their own, but in other cases, a special light inserted into the mouth and pointed at the tooth is used to cure the material. Patients can immediately eat and drink after getting dental sealants because they won’t harm the newly protected teeth.

As a relatively new concept in dentistry, dental sealants have been found to last for many years with good oral hygiene. To get the most out of their dental kittens, patients should avoid chewing on hard candy and other abrasive items like pencils. Following the application of dental sealants, a dentist will check for signs of wear during routine dental examinations. Dental sealants, particularly in children, can significantly reduce the risk of cavities in teeth that are difficult to clean. Dental sealants vary in price depending on location and practise, but they are considered low-cost in comparison to other dental procedures like fillings and repairs.

What Teeth Should Be Sealed When And Which Teeth Should Not Be Sealed?

The number of teeth your child will need sealed is determined by how often he or she gets cavities. Primary penetrating teeth, or molars that erupt between the ages of 6 and 12, should be sealed, according to the ADA. However, tooth decay can affect any tooth. Dental sealants should be applied as soon as the permanent tooth erupts for maximum protection. Most children are around 6 years old at this point.

Who is the person responsible for applying dental sealants?

Dentists (dental hygienists) apply dental sealants while patients are in the chair. It is necessary to thoroughly clean and examine the teeth prior to use. Drying the tooth is the first step. Once the material has been applied to the tooth, it is rinsed and dried once more. As soon as that’s done, a special light is shone on the tooth so that the sealant hardens. This is a quick and painless procedure, and the child will only be required to stay in the office for the appointment itself.