How Do We Place Dental Fillings In Little Smiles?
When a child has an aching tooth, this could mean the presence of tooth decay. Without care, this could cause an infected or even a lost tooth! To help treat tooth decay and preserve the tooth, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist could treat the issue with a dental filling, one that just takes one appointment to place!
The Presence of Cavities
When children have a cavity, they may talk about tooth sensitivity when they eat or drink, or could complain about a toothache for more than a day. At this point, the decay is advanced so treatment is especially crucial to avoid an infection. Our team will carefully examine the smile to assess the position and severity of the cavity. The decay could be brought on by a diet high in sugar and starch, which creates the plaque buildup that weakens and erodes the outer enamel. Improper brushing or flossing, and infrequent visits for cleaning, could allow the buildup to grow in severity and the decay to do so as well. Fortunately, we can bring relief in one visit.
The Placement of Dental Fillings
Our team will first make sure your child is comfortable by administering a local anesthetic to numb the tooth. Once your little one is comfortable, we will then remove all decay from the tooth and thoroughly clean it. Next, we apply the composite resin filling material. This blend of glass-like and acrylic particles is metal-free and safe for all ages. This material can also be color-matched to blend with the rest of the tooth. We apply this in several layers, sculpting the composite resin as it cures beneath a special light. The last step is to polish the tooth for a smoother finish and brighter appearance.
Taking Preventive Actions
You can also help your child avoid the onset of tooth decay. To do so, limit their consumption of sugary foods and drinks, or foods high in starch. In addition, help them brush in the morning and again at night for at least two minutes, and make sure they use a fluoride toothpaste. Kids three and younger need a rice sized amount, kids older than that need a pea sized amount. Children also need to floss every evening to remove what a toothbrush cannot reach. Finally, all kids two and older benefit from a checkup and cleaning every six months, so we can watch for signs of trouble and remove harmful buildup from the surfaces of the teeth.
Schedule Your Child’s Next Dental Appointment
Our team wants to help kids avoid the complications of untreated cavities, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, we invite you to contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Restorations for Kids