Even Baby Teeth Need Dental Fillings
Primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, can develop tooth decay just as our permanent ones do. While these teeth do fall out, failure to treat a cavity in the meantime could impact the entire smile in various negative ways. Which is why in today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist is talking about how we treat cavities in a child’s smile with a dental filling.
What a Cavity Does to Little Smiles
When a cavity forms in a child’s tooth, it will continue to grow and spread through the tooth structure. This not only means worsening toothaches, but could eventually cause an infection as the decay reaches the tooth’s inner pulp. This means the tooth is infected and may need a pulpotomy to stop it. Otherwise, the tooth could fall out or require removal to protect surrounding teeth. Losing teeth prematurely alters how the permanent teeth erupt, and could lead to misalignment, requiring orthodontic care in the future.
Creating Dental Fillings
Let us know if your child complains about toothaches and sensitivity, and we will examine the tooth to see if care is needed. If we discover a cavity, we can often provide relief in one sitting. To begin, we administer a local anesthetic to ensure your child is comfortable. We also have sedation to help them enter a calm state. We then carefully remove the decay from the tooth and clean it. Next, we apply the filling material. Instead of metal, we opt for a composite resin that blends glass-like and acrylic particles for a more natural appearance. The material is shaped and sculpted as we cure the composite resin underneath a special light. The last step is to polish the tooth for a brighter appearance. The entire process only takes one visit to finish!
Taking a Preventive Approach
You could also help your child avoid the onset of a cavity. To do so, make sure your little one is brushing and flossing each and every day, and try to limit their consumption of sugary foods and drinks. In addition, make time to see us for routine six-month checkups and cleanings too, so we can help them avoid cavities and if decay does form, catch it in the earliest stages to prevent discomfort. If you have any questions about how we treat cavities with a lifelike restoration, or how one can prevent them at home, then contact our team today.
Does Your Child Have a Toothache?
We’re here to help your little ones enjoy good oral health. If you have any questions about treating a cavity with a lifelike dental filling, then contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Restorations for Kids