SAVING TINY SMILES IN CHILDREN: BETWEEN MYTHS AND REALITIES
A child’s smile plays a crucial role in their confidence, social development, and overall well-being. Managing severe early childhood caries (ECC) in preschool children demands precise diagnosis and informed decision-making to determine whether to extract or preserve damaged primary teeth. While traditional practices often favored extractions for badly decayed or abscessed teeth, advancements in materials, techniques, and disease understanding now support restorative-focused care that prioritizes saving primary teeth whenever feasible.
This interactive lecture will delve into modern, evidence-based strategies for managing severely compromised primary anterior teeth. Topics include the use of pulpectomy, intracanal posts for reinforcement, and pediatric zirconia crowns for aesthetic and functional restoration. Additionally, alternatives like pedi dentures for early tooth loss and hopless will be discussed.
Through real-life clinical cases showcasing both successes and failures, participants will gain practical insights and engage in dynamic discussions. This session challenges outdated myths and inspires pediatric dentists to move beyond extractions, adopting innovative, restorative techniques that safeguard children’s smiles and quality of life.