Placing Your Child’s Filling In One Visit
When your little one complains about an aching tooth, this could mean a cavity. Without treatment, you risk a minor cavity becoming an infection that could threaten the stability of your child’s tooth. But we can help with a dental filling. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about how we place a lifelike filling in only one visit.
When to See Us for Care
We urge parents to bring their children in for a checkup once every six months starting at age two. With routine visits, we can closely monitor your child’s smile and catch possible problems in the earliest stages, often before they develop tooth decay that hurts. Otherwise, you may not know your little one needs a dental filling until the cavity is at a more advanced stage. The tooth hurts and without treatment the risk of infection and the potential for tooth loss is much easier. Don’t ignore warning signs, bring your little one in for an appointment right away if they complain about an aching tooth!
Placing Dental Fillings
Our team will take a close look at the smile using advanced imaging, including digital x-rays, which use 90% less radiation and provide images that allow us to diagnose a tooth with precision. If we find a cavity, we can then plan treatment with a restoration. Our team will first numb the tooth and then remove any decay from it, so your little one remains comfortable throughout the procedure. If your child has anxiety or special needs, we could also discuss sedation to help them enter a deep state of calm. We will then apply the filling material in multiple layers. Instead of metal, we will use composite resin which better blends with the tooth and can stay in place for years to come. This material is also safe for kids of all ages!
Avoiding Tooth Decay
Once we place the restoration, we will sculpt and mold the tooth as the composite cures beneath a special light. We then polish the tooth for a more lifelike appearance. Afterward, you can help your little one steer clear of cavities with better brushing and flossing habits, a diet lower in sugar and starch, and routine cavities for exams and cleanings. If you have any questions about how we treat tooth decay with a filling, or about helping kids avoid tooth decay, then contact our team today to learn more.
Talk to Our Team About Treating Cavities
If you have questions about how our team will stop tooth decay in only one visit, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with our team, call your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, at (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Children's Dental Services