Preventive Treatments and Cavity Care

A healthy smile from an early age is the foundation of lifelong oral health. Regular dental check-ups and preventive treatments help prevent cavities and more serious dental complications. Early prevention allows problems to be detected in their initial stages, avoiding complex procedures and discomfort for the child.

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Diagnostics

Cavity treatment

Fluoride application

Endodontic treatment of primary teeth
Diagnostics

Cavity treatment

Fluoride application

Endodontic treatment of primary teeth
Diagnostics

Cavity treatment

Fluoride application

Endodontic treatment of primary teeth
Diagnostics

Cavity treatment

Fluoride application

Endodontic treatment of primary teeth
Diagnostics

Cavity treatment

Fluoride application

Endodontic treatment of primary teeth
Diagnostics

Cavity treatment

Fluoride application

Endodontic treatment of primary teeth
Diagnostics

Cavity treatment

Fluoride application

Endodontic treatment of primary teeth
Diagnostics

Cavity treatment

Fluoride application

Endodontic treatment of primary teeth
Diagnostics

Cavity treatment

Fluoride application

Endodontic treatment of primary teeth
Diagnostics

Cavity treatment

Fluoride application

Endodontic treatment of primary teeth
Diagnostics

Cavity treatment

Fluoride application

Endodontic treatment of primary teeth
Diagnostics

Cavity treatment

Fluoride application

Endodontic treatment of primary teeth
Diagnostics

Cavity treatment

Fluoride application

Endodontic treatment of primary teeth
Diagnostics

Cavity treatment

Fluoride application

Endodontic treatment of primary teeth
Diagnostics

Cavity treatment

Fluoride application

Endodontic treatment of primary teeth

What Are the Most Common Causes of Cavities in Children?

Unfortunately, cavities are not uncommon in children. The enamel on primary teeth is very thin, making them especially vulnerable to acids (produced during eating by bacteria). Children often consume foods high in sugar, which promote the production of acids and the growth of harmful bacteria. Without proper oral hygiene, bacteria build up in the mouth and eventually cause tooth decay.

Factors that influence cavity development in children:

Inadequate oral hygiene and plaque buildup
Frequent consumption of sweet and acidic foods and carbonated drinks
Prolonged bottle or pacifier use before sleep
Composition and amount of saliva
Genetics

Early Signs of Cavities

Toothache
Bad breath
Inflamed gums
Sensitivity to hot and cold
Discomfort while eating
Changes in tooth color and appearance

If your child experiences tooth pain, it is important to seek dental care as soon as possible.

If you cannot visit the dentist immediately, there are ways to temporarily relieve pain: avoid sweet foods if pain occurs only during meals, and use pain relievers for stronger or spontaneous pain. However, if pain persists at night or despite medication, an urgent dental appointment is required.

Do not postpone a dental visit – cavities do not heal on their own. Delaying treatment only increases the risk of complications that require more intensive care. If you suspect your child has a cavity, schedule a dental check-up today.

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Head of the Pediatric Department

Pediatric dentistry at IMED Polyclinic is based on trust, play, and smiles. Our goal is to create a positive experience for both children and parents through professional care and a friendly approach, led by our pediatric dentistry specialist Dr. Sarah Turjanski.

How Is Cavity Treatment Performed in Children?

Once cavities are diagnosed, treatment begins to preserve the tooth and prevent further complications. The procedure includes:

Diagnostics – the dentist examines the teeth and assesses the extent of damage
Cavity cleaning – removing the decayed portion of the tooth to stop progression
Filling – placing an aesthetic or composite material to restore function and protect the tooth
Fluoride application – a treatment to strengthen enamel and provide additional protection

For primary teeth, we often use materials with remineralization components to prevent cavity progression and new decay. For permanent teeth, aesthetic (composite) materials are used to meet the highest functional and cosmetic standards.

Atraumatic Treatment Approaches

The main goal of atraumatic approaches is to make children feel as comfortable as possible so they can cooperate without fear. The use of rotating instruments (a common source of fear) is minimized, and fillings are usually temporary.

The purpose of this method is to stop the cavity and gradually help the child adapt to longer procedures, leading to more permanent restorations.

ITR

Used for very young or uncooperative children. Temporary restorations are placed and later replaced once the child can cooperate better.

ART & Modified ART

Partial removal of decayed tissue with hand instruments, sometimes with minimal drilling, followed by placement of remineralizing cements.

SMART

A technique using silver diamine fluoride applied directly to the cavity. It can completely stop decay but causes black staining of the tooth. A modern version with potassium iodide minimizes discoloration.

Imed Lijecenje Karijesa Dijete Pedodoncija

Endodontics of Primary Teeth

If caries progresses to the pulp, it can cause infection and inflammation of the dental nerve. In such cases, an endodontic procedure, i.e., root canal treatment, is performed.

The most common reasons for endodontic treatment of primary teeth include deep caries that has reached the dental pulp, trauma (tooth impact or fracture), and the presence of an abscess or gum swelling. The goal of the therapy is to eliminate the infection, reduce pain, and allow the tooth to remain in place until the permanent tooth erupts, thereby maintaining proper bite and jaw development.

Pulp treatment of primary teeth can be a highly complex procedure considering the duration and the child's cooperation. Various pulpotomy methods are most commonly applied, and if there is recurrent inflammation, pulpectomy and root canal instrumentation are performed, as with permanent teeth.

With timely intervention, we can prevent long-term consequences and the need for invasive dental procedures. Book a preventive dental check-up for your child and secure them a healthy, happy smile!

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