When You Should Bring Your Child In For A Filling
When a child has a cavity, you should let us know! Even if this forms in a baby tooth, months or years could elapse before that tooth falls out, which means the decay could worsen and even cause infection. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about when to bring your child in for a filling placement.
The Causes of Tooth Decay
The outside of your child’s tooth is coated in tooth enamel, a strong material that protects the sensitive inner structures from exposure to harmful oral bacteria. However, poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugar and starch could create plaque buildup that weakens and erodes the enamel. Injury and teeth grinding could also compromise this protective layer. When that happens, the tooth is vulnerable to tooth decay and infection. If you bring your child in for checkups and cleanings every few months, then we will likely identify decay in the early stages, before symptoms arise.
The Warning Signs of a Cavity
If your little one doesn’t undergo regular checkup visits, then you may not now they need treatment until the cavity reaches a more advanced stage. At this point, your kid may report tooth sensitivity when he or she eats and drinks anything, and a toothache could form that doesn’t subside after a day or two. Don’t ignore this pain, as that risks the cavity becoming an infection that not only worsens discomfort, but could lead to premature tooth loss and an increased risk of dental misalignment! Let us know so we can examine the smile and assess the extent of the decay, so we can choose the best treatment option.
Placing a Dental Filling
Our team could place a filling in only one visit to treat the cavity and bring relief. We use composite resin because this is metal-free and safe for kids of all ages. The material offers a more lifelike appearance than metal, and blends with the tooth better. Our team will numb the tooth to keep your child comfortable as we remove decay and clean it, before we prepare and place the filling material. We then sculpt the tooth as the composite resin cures beneath a light. We then polish the tooth! In one visit, we offer relief for your child. We can also discuss treatments like fluoride or dental sealants to help lower the risk for future cavities. If you have any questions, give us a call!
Do You Have Questions About Our Dental Fillings?
Don’t let a cavity cause an infection and a lost tooth, see us at the first reports of discomfort! To learn more about how we stop cavities and safeguard little smiles, then please contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Restorations for Kids