The future of Paediatric Dentistry is HERE!

To do away with the current struggle and challenges in paediatric dentistry, there have been some exciting recent advances in the field. Let’s take a look! ¹

1. Digital Fibre Optic Transillumination (DIFOTI)

• This is the first and only diagnostic imaging device in dentistry that is certified to diagnose incipient, frank and recurrent caries.
• Some studies have stated that the DIFOTI technology has higher sensitivity in detecting proximal, occlusal and smooth surface caries than the traditional radiographic method.

2. Digitainers: Futuristic Era of Digital Space Maintainers²

• Band loop retainers are the mainstay for space maintainers in paediatric patients.
• However, common disadvantages are solder failure, cement disintegration, long construction, and caries along the band margins.
• Digital space maintainers are fabricated using CAD-CAM and 3D printing technology with contemporary biomaterials that have stronger mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and dimensional and high-temperature stability.

3. Computer Controlled Local Anaesthesia Delivery (CCLAD) System

• No more painful pricks for little ones with the computer-controlled local anaesthesia delivery system (CCLAD).
• In this method, local anaesthesia is delivered at a controlled speed to reduce pain from tissue resistance and allows the drug to begin taking effect with the injection.
• Before choosing a system, always evaluate its design, weight, infection management, speed, and mode of drug injection.

4. The Futuristic Era of Behaviour-Shaping

• Dental phobia is widespread across all age groups and particularly amplified in children.
• Research states that strong-willed show uncooperative behaviour, often resulting in delayed treatment or therapy termination before completion.
• Thaumaturgy is a new-age novel strategy helpful in dealing with strong-willed children.
• This technique allows dentists to perform treatments by distracting and relaxing the child.
• Several softwares and mobile applications are now available to teach young children the importance of oral hygiene.
• Escape and Reward strategy in 3 to 6-year-olds with disruptive behaviour to execute restorations.

5. Nanomaterials
Nanodentistry is the future of dentistry, and it comes as no surprise that it has found immense use in paediatric dentistry. A few nanomaterials that are being used include:

• Addition of silver nanoparticles to composite resin: To prevent dental caries
• Nanoparticle-containing sealants: Could be used to monitor caries progression beneath sealants
• Nanosilver fluorides: Has antibacterial effect against Lactobacilli and S. mutans
• Nanohydroxyapatite-containing toothpaste: It contains hydroxyapatite crystals in size 20 to 50 nm, which enable them to plug dentinal tubules and reduce tooth sensitivity by blocking external stimuli.

6. New-Age Paediatric Crowns

• Pedo Jacket Crown: Made from tooth-coloured polyester material and filled with resin, these crowns are left on the tooth after polymerisation. They are cemented using resin cement.
• Pedo Pearl: These are metal crowns painted with epoxy resin to resemble natural tooth enamel with the strength and durability of SS crowns. Pedo Pearl crowns are fabricated from aluminium since epoxy coating adheres better to aluminium than stainless steel. These crowns are used as permanent crowns in paediatric patients. They are simple to cut and crimp without the need for chipping.³
• Artglass Crown: Also called Glastech, these anterior primary tooth restorations are made of art glass. Due to their highly cross-linked three-dimensional molecular networks, art glass crowns offer the longevity and aesthetics of porcelain with the bondability and feel of composites.
• Figaro Crown: Aesthetic crowns are composite resins covered in quartz filament, fibre, or fibreglass. The strength and biocompatibility of these crowns are comparable to those of natural tooth structures.

Upgrade your paediatric dentistry practice today!

To help you protect those happy little smiles,