Paediatric dentistry is more than just “dentistry for kids” – it’s a specialized field focused on the unique dental needs of infants, children, adolescents, and those with special healthcare needs. Paediatric dentists complete additional years of training beyond dental school to become experts in:

• Growth & Development: Understanding how teeth, jaws, and faces develop
• Child Psychology: Creating positive dental experiences that build lifelong healthy habits
• Preventive Care: Focusing on stopping problems before they start
• Behavior Management: Using techniques to help children feel safe and comfortable
• Specialized Treatments: Procedures designed specifically for growing smiles

Why Baby Teeth Matter: Many parents wonder why we treat baby teeth that will eventually fall out. Primary teeth are essential for proper chewing, speech development, self-esteem, and most importantly – they hold space for permanent teeth. Early loss from decay can cause alignment problems that require extensive orthodontic treatment later.

Our Specialized Paediatric Treatments

Root Canal Treatment for Children (Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy)

What it is: A specialized, gentler version of adult root canal therapy designed to save a severely infected or injured baby tooth.

When it’s needed:

• Deep cavities reaching the tooth’s nerve
• Tooth trauma from falls or accidents
• Infection or abscess in a baby tooth
• Persistent toothache or sensitivity

Our approach:
Unlike adult root canals, pediatric root canals often involve removing only the infected portion of the nerve (pulpotomy) while leaving healthy tissue intact. We then place a medicated filling and usually protect the tooth with a crown. The entire process is performed with child-friendly language, gentle techniques, and appropriate anesthesia to ensure comfort.

Benefits:

• Eliminates pain and infection
• Preserves the natural tooth structure
• Maintains proper spacing for permanent teeth
• Prevents premature tooth loss
• Restores normal chewing function

Aftercare:
The treated tooth will naturally fall out when the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, having served its important role in your child’s development.

Stainless Steel Crowns (SSCs)

What they are: Prefabricated, durable metal crowns specifically designed for children’s primary teeth.

When they’re needed:

• Teeth with extensive decay too large for fillings
• After root canal treatment on baby teeth
• Teeth with developmental defects
• Fractured or broken teeth
• For children at high risk for cavities

Why stainless steel?
These “silver caps” are the gold standard in pediatric dentistry because they:

• Withstand extreme biting forces of childhood chewing
• Provide complete coverage protecting all remaining tooth structure
• Require only one appointment unlike custom-made crowns
• Are cost-effective and durable enough to last until the tooth naturally exfoliates
• Have proven success rates over decades of use

The process:
We remove decay, shape the tooth, and cement the crown in place – all in one comfortable visit. The crown fits snugly at the gum line to prevent new cavities from forming underneath.

Aesthetics:
While stainless steel crowns are silver-colored, they’re typically placed on back teeth where they’re less visible. For front teeth, we offer tooth-colored alternatives that provide both strength and natural appearance.

Space Maintainers

What they are: Custom-made dental appliances that hold space for permanent teeth when a baby tooth is lost prematurely.

When they’re needed:

• Early loss of baby molars due to decay or trauma
• Congenitally missing teeth
• Premature extraction of infected teeth

How they work:
Space maintainers prevent adjacent teeth from drifting into the empty space, which can cause:

• Crowding of permanent teeth
• Impaction (teeth getting stuck)
• Misalignment requiring braces
• Uneven jaw development

Types we offer:

• Fixed maintainers: Cemented in place (unilateral or bilateral)

• Removable maintainers: Similar to orthodontic retainers

• Band-and-loop: Most common for single tooth spaces

• Distal shoe: For premature loss of baby molars before 6-year molars erupt

Monitoring:
We regularly check space maintainers to ensure they’re functioning properly and remove them once the permanent tooth begins to erupt.

Early Orthodontic Treatments (Interceptive Orthodontics)

What it is: Proactive orthodontic care that addresses developing problems in children ages 6-10, before all permanent teeth have erupted.

When it’s beneficial:

• Crossbites (upper teeth fitting inside lower teeth)
• Severe crowding or spacing issues
• Protruding front teeth at risk for trauma
• Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrust habits affecting bite
• Jaw growth discrepancies
• Difficulty chewing or speaking

Common appliances & treatments:

• Palatal expanders: Widen narrow upper jaws to improve airway and create space
• Partial braces: Correct specific tooth alignment issues
• Space regaining: Reclaim space lost due to early tooth loss
• Habit breakers: Help stop thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting
• Functional appliances: Guide jaw growth during development windows

Advantages of early intervention:

1. Utilizes growth: We guide jaw development while your child is still growing
2. Simplifies treatment: Often reduces or eliminates need for extensive braces later
3. Prevents worsening: Stops minor issues from becoming major problems
4. Protects teeth: Reduces risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
5. Improves function: Enhances chewing, speech, and breathing

Two-phase approach:

1. Phase 1 (ages 6-10): Addresses jaw growth and major alignment issues
2. Monitoring period: Allows remaining permanent teeth to erupt
3. Phase 2 (ages 12-14): Final alignment with full braces if needed (often shorter and simpler due to Phase 1)