When a child has a cavity, this could eventually lead to pain for them, as well as an increased risk of infection and other complications. To offer treatment, we can provide a filling that is metal-free and blends with the color of the tooth. In today’s blog, your Shirley, NY, pediatric dentist and orthodontist talks about treating a child’s smile with a filling.
Cavities in Little Smiles
When children don’t brush and floss daily, and eat a diet high in sugar, this is a recipe for tooth decay. The resulting plaque buildup begins to weaken and erode the outer enamel, allowing bacteria to reach the inner structures and cause cavities. Without treatment, this could lead to worsening toothaches and sensitivity, as well as the risk of infection and premature tooth loss. Which is why treating cavities, even in baby teeth, is so important. Otherwise, your kids could be more vulnerable to decay, misalignment, infection, and even missing teeth. To offer relief and protect the smile, we could place a dental filling in only one visit.
Our Dental Fillings
A dental filling is a unique restoration designed to treat the decayed portions of a tooth. We begin by using advanced imaging to assess the cause and extent of the decay. We then numb the tooth to ensure your child is comfortable. Next, we need to remove decay for the tooth and thoroughly clean it too. We prepare the restoration material, a metal-free blend of glass-like and acrylic materials that can shade to blend with the tooth. We apply it in several layers, and then as it cures under alight, we sculpt and mold the tooth. Finally, we polish the tooth for a brighter appearance too. This helps treat the cavity and preserve your child’s smile!
Avoiding Tooth Decay
In one visit we can treat cavities, but you and your children can take steps to help avoid the need for fillings completely. Make sure your children brush twice a day and use a fluoride toothpaste when they do. Kids three and under need a rice sized amount, kids over three use a pea-sized amount. Then be sure they floss every evening as well. Try to limit their access to sugary foods and drinks and be sure they see us for a cleaning every six months too, so we can remove all plaque and tartar buildup. If you have any questions, then give us a call.
Talk to Your Shirley, NY, Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist
We want to help protect little smiles from discomfort and oral health complications. To learn more about treating a case of tooth decay with a dental restoration, then contact Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Shirley, NY, by calling (631) 399-1600.
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