What to Consider if Your Child Needs a Tooth Filling

Posted May 28, 2020

The good thing about modern dental care for children is that most of the concerns they might face are much simpler to overcome than you might expect. That includes cavities, which are the number one chronic concern with children’s and adults’ teeth. When detected and treated early, your child’s cavity may be addressed conservatively with a biocompatible, tooth-colored filling. A custom-designed filling can do a lot to stop your child’s cavity from growing and becoming a bigger threat to their smile. However, the success of a tooth filling depends on addressing the cavity in your child’s tooth before it has a chance to become more severe.

The nature of your child’s cavity

The most important thing to consider about your child’s need for a tooth filling is the specific cause for it. Cavities are a threat because they form when healthy, natural tooth structure is eroded by tooth decay. This is a progressive concern, and the longer the cavity remains untreated, the more of your child’s tooth structure will become decayed. The progressively worse nature of tooth decay makes treating your child’s cavity as soon as possible paramount to their oral health. If the tooth is a primary tooth, it may also impact the permanent tooth structure that is still developing underneath it.

The consequences of ignoring it

When your child’s tooth decay is allowed to grow worse, there is still a chance of saving the tooth structure and, if applicable, the permanent structure still developing. However, because of the progressive nature of the decay, treating it could be more complex than a conservative tooth filling procedure. In more severe cases of tooth decay, your child’s tooth could become internally infected. This may require a pulpotomy (a child’s version of root canal therapy) to preserve what still remains of the healthy tooth structure.

The benefit of conservative fillings

In a worst-case scenario, a child’s tooth that has become extremely decayed may need to be extracted to prevent further complications with their oral health. This may also lead to additional treatments and measures to preserve their smiles and promote healthy, natural development of their other teeth and oral structures. One of the most important benefits of treating a cavity with a conservative tooth filling is helping your child avoid the need for more extensive treatment, and in severe cases, potentially losing the tooth.

Save your child’s tooth with a filling

If your child has a cavity, then the right tooth filling could be key to saving the tooth and their long-term oral health. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX today at 214-321-4880. We proudly serve patients who live around Casa Linda and all surrounding Dallas communities.