A dental filling helps treat cases of tooth decay, and are good for kids and adults alike. We offer a lifelike option that is safe for all ages, and helps prevent the complications of a cavity, such as pain or infection. In today’s blog, your Shirley, NY, pediatric dentist and orthodontist explains how we place a child’s filling.
When Fillings are Necessary
Dental fillings are designed to treat tooth decay. Treating a cavity is essential, as the decay will grow and spread throughout the tooth with time. This means worsening plain, and the onset of a dental infection. An infected tooth then needs more substantial restorative treatments, otherwise the tooth could become lost or require extraction to prevent infection from reaching other parts of the smile. Cavities could form due to poor oral hygiene habits, such as improper brushing and flossing and a diet high in sugar and starch. Other causes include injuries to the teeth or teeth grinding, which damages outer enamel and allows bacteria to reach the inner structure.
The Placement Process
If your child talks about an aching or sensitive teeth, bring him or her in for an exam. We will take a close look at the smile and determine if treatment is necessary. If so, we will start with detailed digital images, which allow us to identify the position and severity of the cavity. We then numb the smile and move forward with treatment, removing all decay and cleaning the tooth. We apply the filling material, which is metal-free and made from a composite resin. This is safe for all ages, and we can color-match it to blend with the rest of the smile. The tooth is reshaped and sculpted, and then material is cured under a light. We then polish the tooth for a brighter appearance! This only takes one visit to complete.
Taking Measures to Avoid Tooth Decay
You could help prevent your children from developing tooth decay too! This involves first cutting back on their consumption of sugary and starchy foods and drinks, as these leave behind particles that feed harmful bacteria. Daily brushing and flossing is vital too, as this removes the particles and limits the impact of plaque and tartar buildup. Finally, be sure you bring your kids to see us for a checkup and cleaning visit. If you have any questions about how we treat cavities, or how your kids can avoid them, then contact our team today.
Talk to Your Shirley, NY, Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist
We would like to help your child avoid infection and discomfort by treating tooth decay quickly. To learn more about restoring teeth and treating cavities, then contact Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Shirley, NY, by calling (631) 399-1600.
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