Conservative and Endodontic Treatments

Dental health is important from an early age. Dental decay that occurs as a combination of unhealthy eating habits and inadequate oral hygiene can cause discomfort for your child, even disrupting their daily comfort during early childhood. Finding a reputable pediatric dentist in Istanbul is crucial for early intervention and preventative care, especially if your child requires conservative treatments like fillings or more extensive endodontic procedures such as root canals.

Initially, toothaches may occur during meals, but if neglected, it can lead to spontaneous and long-lasting pain throughout the day. At this point, intervention on the tooth becomes a necessity. In cases where tooth decay and tooth loss are more common in children, fillings (conservative treatment) or root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) can be performed.

However, the most effective approach is prevention. Regular dental check-ups from an early age can identify and address potential problems before they escalate. Pedodontists (pediatric dentists) play a crucial role here, educating parents and children on proper oral hygiene routines and dietary choices. Early intervention, such as fluoride treatments and sealants, can significantly reduce the risk of cavities and other dental issues. By establishing healthy habits early on, children can enjoy a lifetime of good oral health, free from discomfort and the need for extensive dental procedures.

Fillings (Conservative Treatment)

After removing the decay, filling material is applied to the primary tooth, which has lost its functionality due to decay. The aim is to stop the progression of decay, alleviate sensitivity, and restore chewing function, thereby prolonging the lifespan of the primary tooth. It can be performed under local anesthesia, according to the dentist’s recommendation.

Various dental clinics offer fillings for primary teeth, utilizing different types of filling materials such as composite resins, glass ionomers, or amalgam. The choice of material depends on the extent of decay, the child’s age, and any allergies they might have. Experienced pediatric dentists in Istanbul prioritize a child-friendly approach, ensuring the filling procedure is as comfortable and stress-free as possible for young patients.

In Which Cases Is Filling Done on Primary Teeth?

Pediatric dentists typically recommend fillings for primary teeth in various situations. These include visible cavities or holes in the teeth, discoloration or dark spots, complaints of tooth sensitivity or pain, and difficulty chewing or biting. Since young children may struggle to articulate dental discomfort, parents should be vigilant about any changes in their eating habits, sleep patterns, or overall mood, as these could be indicative of dental problems requiring fillings.

It is important to observe whether your child has any dental issues. Your child may have difficulty expressing a toothache. You need to pay attention:

• Smell your child’s breath from time to time.
• If there is a change in tooth color, consult a doctor.
• Observe if he constantly touches his cheeks and complains of pain.
• If he/she smiles or speaks abnormally, it may be related to a tooth problem.
• Observe if your child chews their food properly during meals.
• Oral odor can also be a sign of dental problems. Especially if there are decayed teeth. In such cases, it is beneficial to consult a dentist.

What Happens If Decayed Primary Teeth Are Not Filled?

Untreated decay in primary teeth can lead to a cascade of problems that extend beyond simple discomfort. As the decay progresses, it can reach the tooth’s pulp, causing infection and severe pain. This can disrupt a child’s sleep, eating habits, and overall quality of life. In severe cases, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues, potentially leading to abscesses and even systemic health issues. Moreover, premature loss of primary teeth due to decay can affect the alignment of permanent teeth, leading to orthodontic problems down the line.

Primary teeth should not be underestimated just because they are temporary. Otherwise:

• They can damage permanent teeth.
• They can cause infection and abscess pain.
• They can hinder the healthy eruption of permanent teeth.
• More problems may arise in later years.

Decay can progress and reach the nerve endings of the tooth. Which can cause severe pain.

Root Canal (Endodontic Treatment)

Root canal treatment in children is a sensitive issue that requires expertise. The progression of decay in primary teeth, which are rooted like permanent teeth, can cause problems such as nighttime pain, sensitivity to cold, and swelling. In such cases, root canal treatment is recommended for primary teeth.

Tooth decay, which is determined by factors such as nutrition, oral structure, and dental care, is more common in children compared to adults. Root canal treatment, which prevents early tooth loss, is a treatment applied not only to primary teeth but also to permanent teeth. The main situations where root canal treatment can be preferred to prevent tooth loss are as follows:

• Presence of tooth abscess
• Infected teeth
• Teeth damaged due to accidents or trauma
• Tooth loss that may lead to functional loss in the jaw and tongue
• Tooth loss that may cause speech problems or eating disorders

In the majority of the population, it is believed that the lost tooth will be replaced by a new tooth; however, if primary teeth are lost early due to reasons such as infection, decay, or severe trauma, it can lead to various developmental problems in children. These problems include:

• Disturbances in speech
• Chewing and grinding deficiencies

Misalignment of permanent teeth, resulting in crooked or overlapping teeth

What Are the Stages of Root Canal Treatment in Children?

Pulp Treatment in Children

This approach is preferred when the damage to the pulp is mild. It can be beneficial if the infection is in its early stages and has not yet caused extensive damage to the tooth. In such cases, the pediatric dentist will repair the damaged tooth without directly interfering with the pulp, apply antibiotics, and cover the tooth. The direct application of antibiotics to the pulp can prevent the progression of infection.

Pediatric dentists in Istanbul, Turkey prioritize pulp treatment in children as a conservative approach to preserving natural teeth whenever possible. They use advanced diagnostic tools like digital X-rays to assess the extent of pulp damage and determine the most suitable treatment plan. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure the child’s comfort, and the dentist will carefully monitor the tooth’s progress during follow-up appointments to ensure successful healing and prevent further complications.

Pulpotomy in Children

Pulpotomy, also known as partial root canal treatment, is one of the most popular approaches to root canal treatment in children. If the X-ray shows that the infection is localized in the upper part of the tooth, a pulpotomy is a good choice.

It is important to only remove the infected pulp without interfering with the healthy pulp in order to preserve and stabilize the tooth. Antibiotic treatment and tooth sealing methods are also applied in pulpotomy.

Pulpectomy in Children

Pulpectomy is a comprehensive procedure in which root canal treatment is fully implemented. This procedure requires sensitivity and expertise. The tooth is first disinfected, and then the canals are shaped and advanced. In the final stage, the tooth is sealed.

Local anesthesia is a common protocol for all treatment approaches. Local anesthesia relaxes the child mentally and physically and ensures that the procedure is painless.