Pediatric Dentist in Maltepe: Pedodontic Treatments and Preventive Care

Pediatric dentistry (pedodontics) encompasses treatment approaches and behavior management techniques appropriate to the child's age and developmental stage. The goal is to instill healthy oral hygiene habits without creating dental phobia.

Primary Tooth Fillings

Cavities in primary teeth should not be left untreated just because "they will fall out anyway." Decayed primary teeth can:

• Cause pain and infection in the child
• Negatively affect the development of underlying permanent teeth
• If lost prematurely, neighboring teeth shift to close the space, causing crowding

At our clinic, aesthetic composite fillings compatible with children's teeth are applied.

Primary Tooth Extraction

Extraction of severely decayed or overretained primary teeth is performed in a comfortable environment with appropriate anesthesia methods for the child.

Fissure Sealants (Pit and Fissure Sealants)

The deep grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of posterior teeth are the most cavity-prone areas. Fissure sealant application:

• A thin protective layer is applied to the grooves on the tooth surface
• The procedure is painless and quick (5-10 minutes per tooth)
• Reduces cavity formation by 60-90%
• Especially recommended for newly erupted permanent molars in children aged 6-12

Fluoride Application

A preventive treatment that strengthens the mineral structure of teeth and increases resistance to decay.

• Recommended every 6 months
• Fluoride gel or varnish is applied to the tooth surface
• The procedure takes only a few minutes and is painless
• Can be applied from age 3 onward

Space Maintainers

Appliances used to preserve the space left by prematurely lost primary teeth. Space maintainers:

• Prevent neighboring teeth from drifting into the space
• Ensure space is reserved for the permanent tooth
• Can reduce the need for future orthodontic treatment

Root Canal Treatment in Children

In cases of nerve inflammation in primary teeth:

• Pulpotomy: Removal of only the upper portion of the nerve (single session)
• Pulpectomy: Complete cleaning of the nerve (root canal treatment)

These procedures are performed with child-appropriate materials, ensuring the tooth remains in the mouth until its natural exfoliation time.

When the first tooth erupts or by age 1 at the latest, the first dental check-up is recommended. This early visit:

• Allows the dentist to evaluate the child's oral development
• Provides parents with correct oral care and nutrition guidance
• Helps the child become familiar with the clinical environment

Regular check-ups every 6 months should continue afterward.

Dental anxiety (fear of the dentist) is very common in children. At our clinic, we manage this through:

• "Tell-Show-Do" method: The procedure is first explained to the child, then demonstrated, then performed
• Positive reinforcement: Positive feedback is given to the child after treatment
• Gradual desensitization: Initial sessions may involve only examination and getting acquainted
• Distraction techniques: Helping the child relax during treatment
• Conscious sedation: Medical sedation may be applied in cases of severe anxiety

Note for parents: Avoid using words like "pain," "needle," or "extraction" around your child. Do not present the dentist as a "scary place."

Tooth Brushing

• Ages 0-3: Twice daily by the parent using a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
• Ages 3-6: Under parental supervision, with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
• Ages 6+: Children can brush on their own, but parents should check
• Electric toothbrushes can be used from age 3 onward

Nutrition

• Limit sugary and acidic beverages (including fruit juice)
• Avoid sticky candies
• Consume sweets with meals rather than as snacks
• Milk and water are the best beverage choices
• Avoid putting children to sleep with a bottle (baby bottle tooth decay risk)

Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers

• Considered normal until age 2
• If continued after age 4, it can negatively affect jaw and tooth structure
• Positive redirection is preferred over forced cessation

Differences between a general dentist and a pediatric dentist (pedodontist):

Dt. Gaye Ustuner provides pediatric dental services at Derya Dental Clinic. With her child-friendly approach and calm treatment environment, she ensures that children come to the clinic with confidence.

Dt. Gaye Ustuner profile page ->

Derya Dental Clinic — Maltepe Findikli 📍 Findikli Mah. Gazi Mustafa Kemal Cad. No:17-19/21, 34854 Maltepe/Istanbul 📞 0507 245 03 05 💬 Book via WhatsApp

Schedule an examination appointment today.

• Dentist in Findikli — Treatments
• Dentist in Icerenkoy — Treatments
• Emergency Dentist in Maltepe
• Dental Fillings in Maltepe
• Dentist in Maltepe
• Implant Prices in Maltepe 2026
• Root Canal Treatment in Maltepe

This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a specialist for decisions about your oral and dental health.