Pediatric Dentistry

A child’s smile is priceless, and ensuring it remains healthy and vibrant is a top priority for parents and caregivers. When oral disease occurs in children, it distorts their smile and results in pain and infections that make it difficult for them to eat, speak, play or learn. Dental caries (or cavities) are the most common chronic disease that affects children’s oral health and obscures their overall well-being. Pediatric dentists, also called pedodontists, are dental professionals who are trained to diagnose and manage dental problems in infants, young children and teens. They focus on the particular dental conditions that can arise in the teeth, gums and jaw as your child grows and undergoes developmental changes. 

Understanding Your Child’s Dental Journey 

Within the first six months of life, children begin to develop their first set of teeth, called the primary teeth. The upper two incisors erupt first, followed by the two lower incisors, the canines and then the first molars. At about six or seven years, the primary teeth begin to fall out and are gradually replaced by adult or secondary teeth. 

Though the primary teeth fall out as children age, taking care of these first teeth is critical to ensuring that your child enjoys good oral health in adulthood. This is because the primary teeth hold the space into which permanent (adult) teeth will erupt, guiding the eruption of these new teeth. The primary teeth also assist with biting and chewing for the first six years of life, making them prone to decay, which may become a lifetime burden. 

Your Child’s First Dental Appointment With Us in Pittsburgh, PA 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a pedodontist by their first birthday for a general oral checkup. Early childhood caries can advance rapidly, progressing from the outer enamel layer of a tooth into the inner dentin in less than six months. Also, issues with teething, misalignment or malocclusions are better managed when detected early. When you schedule your child’s first dental appointment with us, you can be sure your child will receive the best service and care. Our professionals are committed to making the journey enjoyable and stress-free, setting your child on course for a lifetime of a healthy and beautiful smile.  

Our Services in Pittsburgh, PA 

At our pediatric dentistry clinic, we offer a variety of dental treatments to prevent tooth decay in children or to save or repair teeth. They include:

Topical Fluoride Treatment 

Fluoride serves to strengthen teeth and enhance their resistance to decay. While there is minimal fluoride content in toothpaste and in some drinking water, we provide a professional application of higher concentration for your child’s optimal protection.

Dental Sealants

Sealants are thin layers of resin-based or plastic material that are applied to prevent cavities by sealing the chewing surfaces of teeth. They are easy to fix and harden almost immediately after they are applied, offering lasting protection. 

Tooth Bonding

Children often experience chips and minor fractures in their front teeth. This can be effectively repaired using tooth-colored bonding materials.

Teeth Cleaning

During your routine appointment, we will gently and thoroughly clean your child’s teeth to remove adhering plagues. This helps to prevent cavities and promote good oral health. 

Tooth Extractions

When a tooth is affected by decay, disease or trauma or poses an obstacle to normal oral development, removing it may be the best option. We perform painless tooth extractions and offer restorative treatment to improve the appearance of your child’s smile. 

Root Canal Treatment

We may recommend a root canal treatment if the decay has severely damaged the tooth and its nerve. The affected area of the tooth and the damaged nerve are removed, and the gap is filled with a biocompatible material. After that, a crown will be placed over the exposed portion of the tooth. 

Tooth-Colored Fillings

When necessary, we employ composite fillings with a resin that matches the natural color of the tooth to address cavities, ensuring a seamless appearance.

Dental Emergencies

If you are uncertain about whether your child’s discomfort requires immediate attention, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Healthy Oral Habits

We educate your children, parents and caregivers on oral health habits with a focus on prevention to ensure their smile stays healthy. We aim to help children develop consistent oral hygiene practices.

Schedule Your Child’s Appointment Today!

Visiting the dentist can be intimidating for children, and that’s why we have created a warm and welcoming environment at our practice. Our waiting area is designed to be child-friendly, and our staff is trained to be patient and gentle with young patients. We use child-friendly language to explain procedures, helping your child feel at ease during their visit. Contact Eglash Dental Studio today to schedule your child’s appointment.