Our team knows that when a child complains about a toothache for more than a day or two, there is likely a cavity. With a dental filling, we can offer a safe and biocompatible method of treating tooth decay and keeping smiles intact. In today’s blog, your Shirley, NY, pediatric dentist and orthodontist talks about treating little smiles with a lifelike composite resin filling.
Toothaches and Tooth Decay
How do you know when your child needs a dental filling? If you bring them in for checkup and cleaning visits every six months, then we can likely catch the issue in the early stages, even before discomfort develops. Otherwise, you may not know until your little one complains about a toothache. When there is pain in a tooth that lasts for more than a day or two, this is likely a cavity. Our team will examine the tooth with digital x-rays to assess the position and severity of the cavity, so we can plan treatment in detail!
Placing a Dental Filling
Often, we will provide treatment for cavities with a dental filling, a process that only takes one sitting. Our team will first numb the tooth to ensure your child is comfortable as we remove the decay from the tooth. We then clean it thoroughly and may etch the outer surface. Next, we apply the filling material in several layers. The composite resin we use is metal-free and safe for all ages. We can also color-match it to ensure it blends with the tooth. As we shape and mold the material, the composite resin will be cured under a light. The last step is to polish the area for a brighter appearance. In one visit, we tackle tooth decay to bring relief and prevent infection!
Preventing Cavities
Our team can also discuss ways to help prevent cavities in little smiles. For example, make sure your kids brush and floss daily. Their toothpaste should contain fluoride to help strengthen the enamel. Make sure kids under the age of three only use a rice-sized amount, and kids over the age of three can use a pea-sized amount.
We can also offer a dental cleaning every six months to remove plaque and tartar that could otherwise weaken and erode the outer enamel. With fluoride treatments we can strengthen the outer enamel to fight cavities. We can also offer dental sealants to prevent food and drink particles from being caught between the hard-to-reach rear teeth.
Treating Cavities in Little Smiles in Shirley, NY
We want to provide a solution for cavities that will look natural too. To find out more about us, call Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Shirley, NY at 631.399.1600 today.
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