Children's Braces and Dentistry

Sometimes, a dental extraction is necessary for pediatric dental patients. An extraction is the complete removal of a tooth by a pediatric dentist. Extractions can be necessary if:

• A primary tooth (also known as “baby tooth”) is preventing the normal eruption of a permanent tooth. This is the most common reason for tooth extraction in our pediatric dental practice, as most of our patients are young and in the process of losing their primary teeth to make room for their permanent teeth.
• A tooth has suffered extensive tooth decay or trauma that cannot be repaired. This is less common in younger children because their teeth have not been worn down for such a long period of time. However, this level of decay can result from significant cavities or poor oral hygiene. Tooth damage from accidents that can occur during activities like contact sports and bike rides and result in emergency trips to the kids dentist can also lead to your child requiring an extraction procedure.
• A tooth is impacted – this is usually the case with wisdom teeth, as they typically erupt years after the other teeth and often have insufficient room in the jaw. Usually, wisdom teeth are not extracted until the late teens or early twenties. Orthodontic patients in their late teens or later are often advised or required to have their wisdom teeth extracted before they get their braces on.

What is a pulpectomy?

A pulpotomy and a pulpectomy are very similar, but they are not exactly the same thing. In a pulpotomy, the pediatric dentist only removes the pulp in the tooth’s crown, leaving the pulp in the roots. In a pulpectomy, the dentist removes all of the pulp and replaces the pulp in the roots with a strengthened filler, like cement. In a pulpectomy, the canal usually has to be reshaped as well.

Dental crowns are nothing to be afraid of! It is more common for adults to have to get dental crowns, but that does not mean that children may not also need them. Our pediatric dentist in El Cajon wants to discuss what dental crowns are and why children may need them. At Children’s Braces and Dentistry, we provide dental crown services to our children and teen patients who may require this particular service to save their teeth.

Invisalign isn’t just for adults anymore! The orthodontic appliance has soared in popularity with teens in recent years. With Teen Invisalign, kids are no longer limited to only having metal braces. They can straighten their teeth just as effectively with the incredible technology of clear aligners, too just like dental crowns.

At Children’s Braces and Dentistry, we provide Invisalign to teens who prefer a more discreet, flexible orthodontic treatment. It is a comfortable, convenient way to realign teeth while maintaining the appearance of a braceless smile. Many patients prefer Invisalign because it is virtually undetectable, yet it is just as effective at realigning teeth.

Orthodontics does much more than simply enhance one’s appearance. Straight teeth are much easier to clean, reducing the risk of dental decay and gum disease. Having a balanced bite can also prevent health problems later down the line, such as temporomandibular joint disorder, teeth grinding, and sleep obstruction. Getting braces early on can also be more effective because the jaws and teeth are easier to move when they’re still growing.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children receive their first orthodontic screening around the age of 7, so they can receive early orthodontic treatment if necessary. Early orthodontic treatment is also known as phase 1 of two-phase treatment. This comprehensive approach to orthodontics is focused on creating the ideal facial and skeletal structure for a balanced bite and straight teeth.

At Children’s Braces and Dentistry, Dr. Surillo is both an orthodontist and pediatric dentist, so he has an extensive understanding of children’s dentofacial development and how orthodontics can help. When our patients begin their dental exams between the ages of 1-2, we are evaluating their dentition and oral health as well as the growth and development of their jaws, face, and supporting structures. Our dentists will monitor and diagnose whether there is any significant variation from normal development, so we can correct any issues early on. Our dual specialties can provide your child with an accurate diagnosis, tooth guidance, and appropriate orthodontic intervention for a beautiful, functional smile.