Pediatric Dentistry (Pedodontics)

Pediatric Dentistry (Pedodontics) - Biruni University Dental Hospital

Why is pediatric dentistry a separate department?

Children's teeth, jaws and behavior are different from those of adults. Primary teeth have a thinner structure, decay progresses faster, and the jaws are still growing. Pediatric dentists are physicians who understand both this different anatomy and child psychology; treatment is planned according to the child's age and level of cooperation.

Our department serves children aged 0 to 14. The first dental check-up in infancy, preventive care in the preschool years, fillings and root canal treatments during the school years, and orthodontic evaluation before adolescence are all carried out in this department.

Preventive care

Preventing cavities before they form is always easier than treating them. Sealing the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of the molars with fissure sealants clearly reduces the risk of decay. Fluoride application strengthens the enamel and can stop early cavities.

At regular check-ups, oral hygiene education is given to the child and the family together, and topics such as eating habits, bottle feeding and thumb sucking are addressed. When a primary tooth is lost early, a space maintainer is made so that the permanent teeth do not erupt crowded.

Anxious children and children with special needs

For very young children who cannot cooperate with treatment, children who are afraid of the dentist, and our patients with special needs, we offer behavior guidance techniques, sedation and general anesthesia. Under general anesthesia, all treatments are completed in a single session in our hospital's operating room, in the presence of an anesthesiologist.

Treatments in This Department

First dental visit and infant oral care

A check-up and family education recommended when the first tooth erupts and no later than the age of 1.

Fissure sealants

Protecting the molars from decay by sealing their deep grooves with a flowable filling material.

Fluoride application

A protective gel or varnish that strengthens the enamel and stops early cavities.

Primary tooth fillings

Removal of decay and restoration with tooth-colored composite or glass ionomer fillings.

Primary tooth root canal treatment (pulpotomy)

Treatments that keep a primary tooth in the mouth until it is due to fall out when decay has reached the nerve.

Space maintainers

Preserving the space of a prematurely lost primary tooth until the permanent tooth erupts.

Pediatric crowns

Stainless steel or zirconia crowns for badly damaged primary teeth.

Trauma treatment

Emergency care for teeth that are fractured, displaced or knocked out in falls and collisions.

Treatment under general anesthesia

Completing all treatments in a single session for children who cannot cooperate and children with special needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?

When the first tooth erupts, or no later than the age of 1. An early check-up helps identify cavity risks and lets your child get used to the dentist in a positive setting.

Baby teeth fall out anyway. Do their cavities need treatment?

Yes. Primary teeth are needed for chewing and speaking, and they hold the space for the permanent teeth. Untreated cavities can lead to pain, infection and developmental problems in the permanent tooth underneath.

Is fluoride safe for children?

Fluoride applied under a dentist's supervision at an age-appropriate dose is safe and effective. It is recommended for cavity prevention by the World Health Organization and by dental associations.

My child is very afraid of the dentist. What can we do?

Our pediatric dentists use behavior guidance methods such as tell-show-do. The first appointment is usually limited to getting acquainted and an examination. If necessary, sedation or general anesthesia can be planned.

Is dental treatment under general anesthesia safe?

At our hospital, general anesthesia is administered by an anesthesiologist in a fully equipped operating room. The necessary tests are carried out beforehand, and the child is discharged the same day.