Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry

Pediatric and adolescent dentistry is a specialized branch of dental care focused on the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. Dentists in this field undergo additional training to understand the unique dental needs of growing patients and to provide care that is comfortable, educational, and tailored to their developmental stages.

Pediatric dentists not only provide routine dental care but also focus on preventive measures to ensure proper oral health habits. As children grow into teenagers, they face different dental challenges, such as orthodontic problems, which are addressed in adolescent dentistry. 

Importance of Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry in La Jolla and Scripps Ranch

Regular visits to the dentist from an early age are crucial in preventing dental problems and establishing a positive attitude toward oral health. Pediatric and adolescent dentistry focuses on the following:

• Prevention: Preventive care is at the heart of pediatric dentistry. By identifying potential problems early and educating children and parents on proper oral hygiene habits, dentists can prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues before they become serious.
• Education: Teaching children about proper brushing, flossing, and dietary habits is essential for maintaining oral health. Pediatric dentists take the time to explain these concepts in a way that's engaging and understandable for young patients.
• Early intervention: Early diagnosis and treatment of dental issues can prevent complications later in life. Pediatric dentists monitor the development of children's teeth and jaws, ensuring that any abnormalities are addressed promptly.
• Orthodontic care: As children transition into adolescence, orthodontic care becomes an important aspect of dental health. Early orthodontic evaluations and treatments can correct bite issues and misaligned teeth, improving both oral function and aesthetics.
• Comfort and confidence: Pediatric dentists create a comfortable and welcoming environment to ease any anxiety children may have about visiting the dentist. Establishing a positive dental experience early in life can reduce fear and build confidence in maintaining oral health.

The Difference Between Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry

While pediatric dentistry focuses on children from infancy through early childhood, adolescent dentistry addresses the needs of teenagers as they mature into adulthood. Both age groups require specialized care, but the dental concerns differ at each stage:

• Infants and young children: Pediatric dentists care for developing teeth, monitor oral habits (such as thumb sucking and pacifier use), and provide fluoride treatments and dental sealants to protect against cavities.
• Adolescents: Teenage patients often require orthodontic treatment to correct misalignments, wisdom teeth evaluations, and education on how oral health impacts their overall health.

Both pediatric and adolescent dentistry aim to support the development of strong, healthy teeth and encourage lifelong oral hygiene habits. 

Services Provided in Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry in La Jolla and Scripps Ranch

At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we offer a wide range of dental services tailored to the unique needs of children and adolescents. These services include:

Preventive Dentistry

Preventive care is the cornerstone of pediatric dentistry. Regular checkups and cleanings are essential for keeping teeth and gums healthy. Some of the preventive services we offer include: 

• Dental cleanings: Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that can lead to cavities and gum disease. We recommend cleanings every six months for most patients.
• Fluoride treatments: Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel, making teeth more resistant to decay. Our pediatric dentists may perform fluoride treatments during routine visits to provide an added layer of protection.
• Dental sealants: Sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars. They act as a barrier against food particles and bacteria, significantly reducing the risk of cavities in the deep grooves of the back teeth.
• Oral health education: Teaching children and their families about the importance of good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily, is a critical aspect of preventive dentistry. Call us to learn more.

Restorative Dentistry

Despite preventive measures, cavities and other dental issues can still occur. Our pediatric dentists are skilled in providing gentle and effective restorative treatments to repair and protect young smiles: 

• Fillings: If a cavity forms, we use tooth-colored fillings to restore the tooth's function and appearance. These fillings blend with the natural tooth, making them aesthetically pleasing and durable.
• Crowns: In cases of severe decay or damage, a dental crown may be necessary to protect and restore the tooth. Crowns are typically made from stainless steel for pediatric patients, but we also offer tooth-colored options when needed.
• Pulp therapy: If a cavity reaches the nerve of the tooth, we may perform a pulpotomy or pulp therapy to remove the infected tissue and preserve the natural tooth.

Space Maintainers

When a child loses a baby tooth prematurely, the surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space, potentially causing alignment problems for the incoming permanent teeth. Space maintainers are custom-made devices used to hold the space open until the permanent tooth erupts. This ensures that the teeth stay properly aligned, reducing the need for future orthodontic treatment.

Early Orthodontic Intervention

Our team at Seaside Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics also specializes in early orthodontic intervention. This includes identifying potential bite issues and misalignments that may require treatment as the child grows.

• Phase one orthodontics: This early phase of treatment typically begins between the ages of 7 and 9. It aims to correct jaw growth discrepancies and create space for incoming permanent teeth. By addressing these issues early, we can often prevent more extensive orthodontic treatment later.
• Traditional braces: For adolescents, traditional metal braces or clear ceramic braces may be recommended to align the teeth and correct bite issues.
• Invisalign® Teen: Clear aligners are a popular option among teenagers who want to straighten their teeth discreetly. Invisalign® Teen provides effective orthodontic treatment without the use of traditional metal braces.

Management of Oral Habits

Oral habits, such as thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use, can have a negative impact on dental development. Pediatric dentists are trained to help parents and children manage these habits to prevent long-term issues, such as misaligned teeth or improper jaw growth. We offer advice and guidance on how to break these habits, and in some cases, appliances can be used to discourage them. 

Emergency Dental Care

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and our team is prepared to provide prompt and compassionate care when accidents occur. Common dental emergencies we handle include:

• Knocked-out teeth
• Fractured or chipped teeth
• Severe toothaches
• Soft tissue injuries

Special Needs Dentistry

At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we are committed to providing exceptional care for children with special needs. We understand that some children may require additional attention, time, or sedation to feel comfortable during dental visits. Our team is experienced in creating a safe, welcoming environment that ensures all children receive the dental care they need.

Sedation Dentistry

Some children experience anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist. To ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience, we offer various sedation options, including:

• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): A mild sedative that helps children relax during treatment while remaining conscious.
• Oral sedation: For more anxious patients, oral sedation can be administered to help them feel calm and at ease.
• General anesthesia: In rare cases, such as extensive dental work or for children with special needs, general anesthesia may be recommended to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient during treatment.

Importance of Early Dental Visits in La Jolla and Scripps Ranch

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. Early dental visits allow pediatric dentists to monitor the development of the child's teeth and jaws and address any potential issues early. 

Benefits of Early Dental Visits

• Prevention of early childhood caries: Baby teeth are susceptible to cavities, even before they fully emerge. Early dental visits allow dentists to provide preventive care and advice on maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home.
• Monitoring of oral development: Pediatric dentists track the growth and development of the child's teeth, gums, and jaw to ensure everything is progressing normally. If any abnormalities are detected, early intervention can prevent more serious issues in the future.
• Building a positive relationship with the dentist: Introducing children to the dentist early on helps build a positive relationship and reduces dental anxiety. A child who is comfortable with the dentist is more likely to maintain regular dental visits throughout their life.

Oral Health Challenges in Adolescence

As children grow into adolescence, they face new challenges related to their oral health. Hormonal changes, dietary habits, and increased independence in oral hygiene practices can all impact dental health. Here are some common dental concerns for adolescents:

Orthodontic Issues

Many teenagers require orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned teeth or bite issues. Early orthodontic evaluation allows our team to determine the best course of treatment, whether it involves braces or clear aligners like Invisalign® Teen.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically begin to erupt in the late teenage years. In some cases, these teeth may become impacted or cause crowding, leading to the need for extraction. Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor the development of wisdom teeth and determine whether extraction is necessary. 

Sports Injuries

Active teens who participate in sports are at a higher risk for dental injuries, such as chipped or knocked-out teeth. We recommend custom-fitted mouthguards to protect the teeth and gums during contact sports.

Conclusion

At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality dental care for children and adolescents. By focusing on prevention, early intervention, and education, we help our young patients develop healthy oral habits that will last a lifetime. Whether it's a routine checkup, orthodontic treatment, or emergency care, our team is here to ensure your child's smile remains bright and healthy.

At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we are committed to providing gentle, expert dental care. With two convenient locations at 875 Prospect St #202, La Jolla, CA 92037, and 10549 Scripps Poway Pkwy Suite E, San Diego, CA 92131, we make it easy to schedule an appointment that fits your family's busy lifestyle. Call us today at (858) 551-9700 for our La Jolla office or (858) 271-4200 for our San Diego location to book your next visit!