How We Restore Children’s Teeth
Should your child develop a cracked or chipped tooth, or develop decay or even dental infection, then treatment is crucial. With restorative dentistry, we can repair little teeth and protect kids from uncomfortable symptoms and complications. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about how we restore little smiles!
When Children Need Dental Restorations
If your little one complains about a toothache, then this could mean the potential presence of a cavity. Likewise, if your little one chips or cracks a tooth, this needs attention as well. Dental restorations are designed to address concerns that could otherwise lead to infection or the risk of tooth loss. We take care to use materials safe for kids of all ages, and that the placement procedure is a comfortable and welcoming experience for kids.
Planning Treatment and Sedation
To get started, we will talk to your child about their discomfort and their oral health habits. Next, we will examine the tooth in question to assess the cause and severity of the present issue. To ensure the diagnosis is done in a precise and accurate manner, we will employ advanced imaging technology. We then plan the treatment in detail. To ensure your little one is comfortable, our team will administer a local numbing agent to the tooth. If your child has a fear of the dentist, special needs, or is undergoing a more involved procedure, such as a tooth extraction, we can discuss sedation options. With dental sedation, kids enter a deep state of calm and relaxation, often with little memory of the procedure despite staying conscious.
Dental Fillings
When a tooth develops a cavity, we place a filling to repair it and prevent the onset of an infection. The procedure only takes one visit, and stops discomfort while protecting the tooth. Instead of metal, we opt for composite resin, which is safe for all ages. This metal-free material can also be shaded to blend with the smile better than metal options. Since composite resin is biocompatible, it also bonds with the tooth and lasts for years to come.
We begin by numbing the tooth. We then remove the decay and may etch the surfaces. We apply the filling material and then sculpt and mold the tooth as the composite resin cures beneath a light. The last step is to polish the tooth for a brighter appearance.
Dental Crowns
Restorative dentistry can also offer a more substantial dental restoration in the form of a dental crown. The restoration is designed to fit over the tooth, capping it to address issues like advanced decay or even cracked or chipped structure too severe for a filling. The placement process involves numbing the tooth so we can gently remove structure and make room for the crown. We then take detailed images and measurements to aid in preparing the crown, and attach it with a powerful bonding agent. For the side and rear teeth we usually employ stainless steel. For the more visible teeth, we may opt for NuSmile zirconia, which is more natural in appearance.
Pulpotomy Treatment
What if your child has an infected tooth? In this situation, restorative dentistry is crucial for preventing tooth loss. We will use a root canal alternative known as a pulpotomy to bring relief and preserve the tooth. Again, we will numb the tooth being treated. We open the tooth and remove portions of the infected tissues from within. We add a special emaciated filling to the area and cure it. For more substantial infections, we could cap the tooth afterward with a crown. This brings relief and prevents the tooth from being lost. Remember, when cavities or injuries form in baby teeth, treatment is still needed. While they fall out on their own, this could happen months or even years later, so lack of care could mean premature tooth loss and complications like dental misalignment.
If you have any questions about how our team will use restorative dentistry to repair smiles and offer relief from discomfort, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help your children enjoy good oral health, bright smiles, and proper bite function for years to come.
Schedule Your Little One’s Restorative Dental Treatment Today!
We can help little smiles stay bright and beautiful, and avoid infection and tooth loss with our dental restorations and advanced technology. To learn more about our approach to restoratives dentistry and safeguarding little smiles, then please contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Restorations for Kids