Pediatric dentistry is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses exclusively on the oral health care of infants, children, adolescents, individuals with special needs, and medically compromised children.
The two fundamental principles of pediatric dentistry are:
- The study of dental fear.
- The implementation of preventive dental care.
Pediatric dentists undergo specialized training to thoroughly understand children’s psychology in the dental chair and learn behavioral techniques to manage dental anxiety. Additionally, their training emphasizes the prevention and treatment of oral diseases.
Even children with disabilities can receive dental care from a pediatric dentist using appropriate approaches that ensure cooperation and minimize the need for sedation or general anesthesia.
The use of special psychological techniques, along with a child-friendly vocabulary to describe dental procedures, makes the treatment process simple, understandable, and acceptable, allowing procedures to be performed comfortably in a dental office setting.
Use of General Anesthesia in Severe Cases
For children with severe dental anxiety who cannot cooperate in a dental office environment, general anesthesia may be an option.
This typically applies to:
- Very young children, with or without underlying medical conditions, who require extensive or complex dental treatment.
- Patients with special needs who cannot undergo treatment in a regular dental setting. In these cases, hospital-based dental treatment is recommended, with the presence of an anesthesiologist to ensure safe administration of general anesthesia.
Specialized Pediatric Dental Care
Specialized pediatric dental care is based on the latest scientific advancements in pediatric dentistry and follows established treatment protocols.
The methodology used in pediatric dental treatment, including behavioral techniques and parental guidance, adheres to the protocols set by:
- The Hellenic Society of Pediatric Dentistry (H.S.P.D.) – www.hspd.gr
- The European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (E.A.P.D.) – www.eapd.gr
- The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (A.A.P.D.) – www.aapd.org
Comprehensive Treatment Approach
For every case, a structured protocol is followed, which includes:
- Detailed medical and dental history review.
- Radiographic examination, if necessary.
- Treatment planning, which may involve a wide range of procedures, including:
- Simple to complex fillings.
- Specialized pulp treatments.
- Temporary crowns for restoration.
- Tooth extractions.
- Other advanced dental procedures as needed.
Dr. Maria Gkaveli
Pediatric Dentist, D.D.S., M.DSc.