When your child develops a painful cavity, we want to not only offer relief, but a restoration that looks natural too. In today’s blog, your Shirley, NY, dentist explains how our composite resin dental fillings offer a lifelike and durable solution to most cases of tooth decay, and in only one visit.
The Causes and Warning Signs of Cavities
When you notice pain or sensitivity when you eat or speak, or a toothache that doesn’t subside after a day, this could be a sign of a cavity. Once you experience this much discomfort, the decay could be in an advanced state, and treatment necessary to prevent infection. Cavities form when harmful oral bacteria make contact with the dentin, the layers that make up most of your tooth structure. Typically, the enamel prevents this, but poor oral hygiene or injury could weaken and erode the enamel, exposing the dentin. Cavities don’t just impact adults, kids are just as susceptible and could also suffer from infection or premature tooth loss without proper treatment.
Creating Your Child’s Filling
We begin with a thorough exam using digital x-rays and intraoral cameras. The exam allows us to identify the cavity and assess the severity. If a filling is the right choice, we will numb the area and then remove all decay from the tooth. We then clean the tooth and apply the composite resin filling material. This material is metal-free, is safe for kids of all ages, and can be shaded to blend with the tooth. The dentist will sculpt and mold the tooth to ensure an attractive appearance and balanced bite. We then cure it under a light, and polish the tooth for a brighter appearance. In one visit we can offer a lifelike solution to tooth decay.
Cavity Prevention
During your child’s appointment, we will offer fluoride gel to strengthen the outer enamel and protect the teeth. We also have dental sealants, an acrylic coating we add to the hard-to-reach rear teeth, where decay often forms in little smiles. This lowers the risk of cavities for years to come! A routine cleaning every six months will help too, as will proper brushing and flossing at home. Be sure you also help your child find healthy foods, snacks, and drinks, as too much sugar and starch are a recipe for cavities. If you have any questions about how we treat and prevent tooth decay, then contact our team today.
Talk to Your Shirley, NY, Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist Today
Our team wants to offer repair that looks natural and prevents the onset of an infection. To learn more about repairing serious issues with little smiles, then contact Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Shirley, NY, by calling (631) 399-1600.
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