Pedodontics (Pediatric Dentistry)

Comfortable, Painless, and Fear-Free Dental Treatment Is Possible For many people, dental treatment can be a source of anxiety and stress. In particular, children, individuals with disabilities, patients with developmental disorders, or those with severe dental phobia may not respond well to traditional treatment methods. In such cases, dental treatment under general anesthesia offers a more comfortable and safer solution for both the patient and the dentist. General anesthesia allows the patient to be fully asleep and unconscious during treatment, ensuring they feel no pain, sound, or discomfort. It is especially advantageous when multiple dental procedures need to be completed in a single session. When Is General Anesthesia Preferred? For individuals with severe dental anxiety or phobia For patients with mental or physical disabilities For young children who cannot cooperate during treatment For patients with low pain tolerance or resistance to local anesthesia When multiple dental treatments must be performed in one session Dental Treatments That Can Be Performed Under General Anesthesia Tooth extractions Root canal treatments Dental fillings Gum treatments Surgical procedures (impacted teeth, cyst removal, etc.) Prosthetic applications Pediatric dental treatments How Does the General Anesthesia Process Work? Pre-Examination and Consultation The patient’s overall health condition is evaluated. A consultation is held with the anesthesiologist, and necessary blood tests and examinations are performed. Hospital or Surgical Center Setting General anesthesia is administered in a fully equipped hospital or surgical center with maximum safety precautions. Treatment Phase The patient is completely asleep, and all necessary dental procedures are carried out. The process typically lasts between 1–2 hours. Recovery and Monitoring After treatment, the patient rests in a recovery room under observation and is usually discharged the same day. Advantages A completely painless and comfortable treatment experience High success rate in patients resistant to standard dental procedures Time efficiency — multiple treatments in one session Prevention of psychological trauma in children Safe intervention in complex dental cases Who Is Not Suitable for General Anesthesia? Patients with severe heart or respiratory diseases Individuals who are medically unsuitable for anesthesia Pregnant women in their first or last trimester Note: Each patient must undergo a thorough pre-assessment before the procedure. Frequently Asked Questions Is general anesthesia safe for dental treatments? Yes. When performed by experienced anesthesiologists in well-equipped facilities, it is very safe. What age group is suitable for this treatment? It can be safely performed on individuals over 3 years old who are medically eligible. How many teeth can be treated under general anesthesia? Depending on the patient’s condition, all necessary treatments can be completed in one session — this is one of its biggest advantages. Will there be pain after the procedure? No pain is felt during the procedure, and any mild discomfort afterward can be easily managed with prescribed medication. Is this procedure covered by insurance? In certain cases (e.g., patients with disabilities or specific medical conditions), coverage may be available. It is best to check with the Social Security Institution (SGK) for details.

A Small but Critical Helper in Protecting Children’s Dental Development Space maintainers are orthodontic devices used in children when a primary tooth is lost prematurely. Their purpose is to preserve the space for the permanent tooth to erupt in the correct position. This simple yet effective preventive treatment helps avoid future orthodontic problems such as crowding, impacted teeth, or misalignment. Primary teeth not only serve a chewing function but also act as “guides” for the permanent teeth underneath. When a primary tooth is lost early, the adjacent teeth may drift into the empty space, blocking the area where the permanent tooth should erupt. Space maintainers prevent this from happening, allowing healthy and natural dental development. What Is a Space Maintainer? A space maintainer is a fixed or removable appliance designed to hold the space after the premature loss of a baby tooth. It ensures that the permanent tooth erupts in its proper position. These appliances are usually made from metal or clear materials. Why Are Space Maintainers Used? Early loss of a primary tooth due to decay or trauma Delay in the eruption of the permanent tooth To prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into the gap To preserve jaw and tooth alignment To reduce the need for future orthodontic treatment Types of Space Maintainers Fixed Space Maintainers Bonded to the tooth and remain in place Can be used for single or multiple spaces Do not require removal by the child Removable Space Maintainers Can be inserted and removed like a small denture Preferred when multiple spaces are involved Require consistent cleaning and daily use When Should a Space Maintainer Be Placed? A space maintainer should be placed soon after the loss or extraction of a baby tooth, especially if the permanent tooth will not erupt for 6 months or more. This prevents the space from closing and supports healthy dental growth. Care Instructions for Space Maintainers Attend all dental check-ups as recommended Avoid hard or sticky foods if the device is fixed Clean removable devices daily and wear them regularly Maintain excellent oral hygiene Contact the dentist if discomfort, irritation, or damage occurs How Long Should a Space Maintainer Stay in Place? Space maintainers remain until the permanent tooth begins to erupt and naturally fills the space. This period typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the child’s dental development. Frequently Asked Questions Is the placement of a space maintainer painful? No. It is generally a painless procedure. If a baby tooth extraction is needed, it is done under local anesthesia, and the placement itself is simple. What happens if a space maintainer is not used? Neighboring teeth may shift into the empty space, leading to impacted or misaligned permanent teeth. Does a space maintainer look like braces? Fixed types are placed behind the teeth and are usually invisible from the outside. Removable ones resemble clear retainers or small dentures. Does every child need a space maintainer? No. They are only required when a baby tooth is lost earlier than normal eruption time. Do space maintainers have any side effects? When properly fitted and monitored, they are completely safe and actually prevent more serious orthodontic issues in the future.

Prevent Permanent Damage with Early Intervention Dental injuries in children are quite common, especially during preschool and primary school years. Falls, bumps, sports activities, or accidents during play can cause various types of trauma, such as fractures, displacement, or complete avulsion of baby or permanent teeth. These injuries affect not only aesthetics but also chewing, speech, and overall dental development. Quick and correct intervention significantly increases the chance of saving the tooth. Therefore, it is crucial for parents, teachers, and caregivers to be aware of how to handle dental injuries in children. Most Common Dental Injuries in Children Tooth Fracture: Cracks or breaks in the enamel or dentin layer of the tooth; sometimes the pulp (nerve tissue) may also be exposed. Tooth Displacement (Luxation): The tooth moves from its original position — forward, backward, or sideways — often causing damage to the surrounding tissues. Complete Tooth Avulsion: The tooth is completely knocked out of its socket and requires immediate emergency care. Tooth Intrusion: The tooth is pushed into the bone, usually seen in severe trauma. Injuries to Primary Teeth: Must be carefully evaluated, as they can affect the developing permanent tooth underneath. What to Do in an Emergency If there is a broken piece, keep it — ideally in milk or a clean cloth. If a tooth has been completely knocked out, hold it by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it with clean water, and try to reposition it. Then visit a dentist immediately. If it cannot be reinserted, store it in milk or saline solution and reach a dentist as quickly as possible. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with sterile gauze. Apply a cold compress for pain or swelling (do not place ice directly on the tooth). Treatment Methods Treatment depends on the child’s age, the type of tooth, and the severity of the trauma: Composite fillings or bonding of the fractured tooth fragment Root canal or pulp therapy (vital pulp treatment) Repositioning and splinting (stabilization) of the tooth Extraction and space maintainer placement if necessary For primary teeth, treatment is usually focused on maintaining function and aesthetics, whereas in permanent teeth, long-term preservation is the goal. Prevention Tips Children involved in sports should use custom-made mouthguards. Ensure safe environments at home and school; cover sharp corners and edges. Teach children not to play alone in high-risk areas. Schedule regular dental checkups to monitor tooth and jaw development. Frequently Asked Questions My child’s tooth broke — what should I do immediately? Keep the broken fragment clean, calm your child, and visit a dentist as soon as possible. Do injuries to baby teeth require treatment? Yes. Even baby tooth trauma can affect the developing permanent teeth and must be examined by a dentist. How soon should we visit the dentist if a tooth is completely knocked out? Ideally within 30 minutes — early intervention greatly increases the chance of saving the tooth. Can a reimplanted tooth remain permanently? Yes, especially for permanent teeth, success rates are high. However, age, type of trauma, and timing of intervention are critical factors. My child doesn’t feel pain but suffered a blow to the mouth. Should we still see a dentist? Absolutely. Even if there are no visible symptoms, internal damage may exist — an X-ray examination is essential.

Prevent Permanent Damage with Early Intervention Dental injuries in children are quite common, especially during the preschool and early school years. Falls, bumps, sports activities, or accidents during play can cause various types of dental trauma such as fractures, displacement, or complete tooth loss. These injuries can affect not only the child’s appearance but also their chewing ability, speech, and dental development. Quick and proper intervention greatly increases the chance of saving the tooth. Therefore, it is essential for parents, teachers, and caregivers to be aware of how to respond to dental trauma in children. Most Common Dental Injuries in Children Tooth Fracture: A crack or break in the enamel or dentin layer of the tooth. Sometimes, the pulp (nerve tissue) may also be exposed. Tooth Displacement (Luxation): The tooth moves from its original position — forward, backward, or sideways. Supporting tissues may also be damaged. Complete Tooth Avulsion: The tooth is completely knocked out of its socket. Immediate emergency care is required. Tooth Intrusion: The tooth is pushed into the bone, typically as a result of severe trauma. Primary Tooth Injuries: Should be carefully evaluated, as they can affect the developing permanent teeth. What to Do in an Emergency If a tooth fragment is broken, keep it safe — preferably in milk or a clean cloth. If a tooth has fallen out, hold it by the crown (not the root), gently rinse with clean water, and try to reposition it. Visit the dentist immediately. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, store it in milk or saline solution and reach the dentist as soon as possible. Apply light pressure with sterile gauze if there is bleeding. Use a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling — never apply ice directly to the tooth. Treatment Methods Treatment varies depending on the child’s age, the tooth involved, and the severity of the injury: Composite fillings or reattachment of the broken fragment Root canal or vital pulp therapy Repositioning and splinting (stabilizing) the tooth Extraction and space maintainer placement if necessary In primary teeth, treatment generally focuses on maintaining function and appearance, while in permanent teeth, long-term preservation is the priority. Prevention Methods Children engaged in sports should wear custom-made mouthguards. Create safe play environments at home and school; cover sharp corners and edges. Teach children not to play alone in high-risk or elevated areas. Schedule regular dental checkups to monitor tooth and jaw development. Frequently Asked Questions My child’s tooth broke — what should I do? Keep the broken fragment clean, calm your child, and visit a dentist as soon as possible. Do baby tooth injuries require treatment? Yes. Injuries to baby teeth can affect the developing permanent teeth underneath, so professional evaluation is essential. If a tooth is completely knocked out, how soon should we see a dentist? Within 30 minutes. The sooner you get professional help, the higher the chances of saving the tooth. Can a reimplanted tooth stay permanently? In permanent teeth, success rates are high, but age, type of trauma, and timing of intervention all play a role. My child’s tooth was injured, but they don’t feel pain — should I still take them to a dentist? Absolutely. Damage may not always cause immediate symptoms. An X-ray evaluation is important to rule out hidden trauma.