growth & development

The growth and development of a child’s mouth can be impacted by many things. Children can be far more complicated than adults to treat due to the amount of change that will occur. Healthy baby teeth are very important for the health development of the adult teeth. Some children also have orthodontic issues that require early treatment to avoid further damage from occurring.

 
 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Our paediatric dentists will monitor the growth and development of your child and will help provide you with information on any concerns you may have. They will also examine your child to ensure that their mouths can grow to the best potential.

 
 

Treatment under general anaesthesia

Some children have complicated treatment requirements and may be unable to tolerate dental treatment whilst awake. This is more common for young children and children with special needs. When it is safe and possible, we will attempt to avoid performing care under general anaesthesia. However, in some cases it is safer and we can perform better quality work when children are asleep.

 
 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

General anaesthesia is performed by specialists medical doctors, called anaesthetists, at private hospitals on the Sunshine Coast. The anaesthetists that we work with are experienced with children and will ensure the procedure goes as smoothly as possible.

Our paediatric dentists will answer any questions you may have regarding general anaesthesia. Rest assured that medical advancements in Australia and strict regulations mean that they are very safely performed.

 
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Restorative Treatment

Restorations, or fillings, are most commonly used to fix teeth that have developed cavities. There is a range of filling materials available, with the most appropriate material depending upon the situation. The materials most commonly used in children are:

  • Resin composite, a white plastic like material,

  • Glass ionomer cement, a white filling material that also releases fluoride,

  • A mixture of resin composite and glass ionomer cement,

  • Pre-formed stainless steel crowns,

  • Pre-formed zirconia crowns

For children, the most successful material are either stainless steel crowns or zirconia crowns. Both have their advantages with many parents now preferring the white crowns due to the better appearance

 
 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Dr Sarah and Dr Tim will always discuss with you what material they believe is the most appropriate for your child in order to achieve the best possible outcome.

 
 

Dental Trauma

Drs Sarah and Tim have over 8 years of experience in large (tertiary) hospitals dealing with children with dental traumas. We will ensure that we will manage your child’s dental trauma to achieve the best possible outcome.

Dental trauma is sadly one of the most common accidents that can occur. It affects 1 in 3 children under 6 and 1 in 4 school aged children. Urgent and proper management is very important in ensuring your child can get the best possible outcome.

 
 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

In the adult teeth, a dental trauma can have life-long consequences, particularly if not managed quickly and well. This is why Dr’s Sarah and Tim will ensure that they will see your child as quickly as possible after a dental accident.

If your child has suffered a dental accident, please call our reception as soon as possible. We may be able to give you advice for what to do so your child can get the best outcome. We know it is a scary time, but we will be here with you to help.

 
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Nerve Treatment

The nerves of baby and adult (permanent) teeth can become infected or die. The two main reasons for this is decay or trauma. It is very important to have this treated, otherwise your child can develop an infection in the tooth, or sometimes a large infection that can affect their face or body.

 
 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

When the nerve is infected in baby teeth, but still alive, the ‘infected portion’ can be removed, with the ‘healthy portion’ preserved and treated with special medications. This procedure has high success rates and usually means the baby tooth can be kept in the mouth. If the entire nerve has died, or become infected, sadly, this usually means the tooth needs to be removed.

In permanent teeth, there are also several nerve treatments that can be performed. The type of nerve treatment that is selected depends upon the situation. The aim of any nerve treatment in a young child’s permanent teeth is to try and keep the nerve alive to allow the tooth to continue to grow. If the nerve of an permanent tooth is in trouble, Dr’s Sarah or Tim will discuss with you the best treatment that can be performed.

 
 

Dental Surgery

Some children have complicated situations that require oral surgery. This can be for:

  • Complicated extractions,

  • Extra teeth,

  • Impacted teeth,

  • Unerupted teeth,

  • Oral pathology, and,

  • Gum conditions.

 
 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

These conditions can cause significant stress for parents and can impact the normal development of your child’s mouth. If your child requires oral surgery, Dr’s Sarah and/or Tim will discuss with you the procedure and how best to go about it.

 
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