Placing Fillings That Are Safe For Kids
When your little one complains about an aching tooth, or if we find the early stages of decay in a checkup visit, then a filling could be necessary to prevent an infection. Fortunately, we can offer an option that blends with a tooth and is safe for all ages. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about placing safe dental fillings.
An Alternative to Metal
Metal fillings are effective, but they tend to stand out and could cause a patient to feel self-conscious. They also expand with time, which could mean the risk of future decay and many may be recommended for very young children. Which is why we’re so glad to offer composite resin fillings! With this option, we use a metal-free blend of glass and acrylic-like materials. This is safe for all ages and can be color-matched to better blend with the tooth, offering a more lifelike repair for minor or more severe cases of tooth decay.
The Benefits of Treatment
Without treatment, a cavity will grow and spread through the tooth, eventually causing an infection. This infection could require a pulpotomy to treat, or if too severe, an extraction. Which is why we urge treatment, even in baby teeth. After all, months to years could elapse before a decayed baby tooth falls out on schedule, so this means the risk of infection and premature tooth loss. A prematurely lost tooth impacts how the permanent teeth erupt and could lead to dental misalignment, which requires the use of orthodontics to treat in the future! Not to mention the worsening discomfort your little one will experience, which complicates everything from eating to speaking. When your little one complains about aching teeth, bring him or her to see us right away!
Placing Your Dental Restoration
We always take care to ensure the process is a comfortable one. We know how to help kids feel comfortable and at ease, and we also administer a local numbing agent before moving forward. If your child has anxiety or other complications that make undergoing treatment difficult, we could also discuss dental sedation. When your child is ready, we will remove decay from the tooth and then clean it. We next apply the shaded composite resin in several layers, sculpting the tooth as the material cures under a light. Finally, we polish the tooth for a more lifelike and brighter appearance. The entire process only takes one visit to complete, and helps protect your child’s smile!
Your Dallas, TX, Pediatric Dentist can Treat Cavities
Our team is ready to treat your child’s cavity in one visit with a lifelike dental restoration. Set up an appointment with us by contacting your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Restorations for Kids