Children’s Care
protection for little smiles
Dental sealants and fluoride treatment in Edmonton
Dental sealants are excellent preventative measures for children to avoid tooth decay before it starts. Made of plastic composite material, sealants are typically placed over the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, protecting against bacteria that can ultimately cause cavities and decay. Sealants can sometimes last for a lifetime and help to avoid further dental problems down the road.
Fluoride treatments are just as important in adulthood as they are in elementary school. Helping to fight cavities and ward off tooth decay, fluoride treatments after a routine teeth cleaning can help you maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
preserving your child's smile
Space maintainers near you
If a baby tooth is knocked-out in an accident or falls out due to decay, a space maintainer may be required to preserve your child’s dental health until their permanent tooth erupts. Space maintainers prevent surrounding teeth from shifting toward the empty socket where your child’s primary tooth used to be, ensuring that their adult tooth erupts properly. They are usually made of metal or acrylic, and they can be fixed or removable. Sometimes a space maintainer is shaped like a tooth itself as it holds the space open for the growing tooth.
Types of space maintainers
There are a few different kinds of fixed space maintainers:
- Unilateral: This type is used for one tooth. One side wraps around the side of the tooth for security, and there’s a metal loop to maintain space in the mouth.
- Distal shoe: This one is for a permanent adult molar that has not yet erupted. It’s a little more complicated because at times one end needs to be inserted into the gum line to ensure that the space doesn’t close.
- Lingual: This device is used when a child has lost multiple teeth. The sides of the contraption will attach to the molars and it can be bilateral.
- Crown and loop: This one is exactly what it sounds like – a crown used to cover the tooth and a loop next to it to maintain the space.
For more information about space maintainers, or if you are concerned that your child might be a candidate for a space maintainer due to premature tooth loss, contact Summit Dental today. One of our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you make informed decisions about your child’s oral health.
