When a tooth is aching, your child could be suffering from an untreated cavity. Without treatment, this could mean worsening pain and an infection. Which is why your little one may need a treatment with a dental filling. In today’s blog, your Shirley, NY, pediatric dentist and orthodontist talks about treating tooth decay in one visit.
The Warning Signs of Tooth Decay
Cavities form when harmful oral bacteria make contact with the inner dentin, the sensitive structure that makes up most of your tooth. Usually, the outer enamel prevents this from taking place. But poor oral hygiene habits and a diet high in sugar and starch could create plaque buildup that weakens and erodes the outer enamel, leading to the onset of tooth decay with symptoms like sensitivity and toothaches. Lack of treatment could allow the decay to grow more severe and the tooth to become infected, which could eventually impact stability. When your child reports discomfort, please bring him or her to us for an exam to see if treatment is necessary!
Treatment with Fillings
Once we diagnose the cause and severity of the decay, we can create a personalized treatment plan. Often, we provide care in one visit with a dental filling. Instead of using metal, we have a composite resin that is safe for all ages, and that can blend with the smile too. To begin, we will numb the tooth and for anxious kids, we can discuss sedation. Once your child is comfortable, we will remove the decay from the tooth and thoroughly clean it. Once we’re done with this portion, we will etch the outer surface and apply the shaded filling material in several layers. As we cure the composite resin under a light, we will sculpt and mold the tooth. The last step is to polish it thoroughly for a brighter appearance. In one visit, we stop discomfort and protect the tooth from painful infection!
Our Preventive Treatment Options
Our team can also offer special treatments to lower the risk of cavities in little smiles. When you bring your kids in for a checkup and cleaning visit, we can offer fluoride in a topical gel form to strengthen the outer enamel and fight cavities. Kids also have a hard time reaching the rear teeth, so we can provide dental sealants to safeguard the smile against the onset of tooth decay, preventing food particles from becoming stuck on or between these teeth. If you have any questions, then give our team a call today.
See Your Shirley, NY, Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist Today
We want to help your kids enjoy good oral health and a comfortable smile. To learn more about treating cavities in little smiles, then contact Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Shirley, NY, by calling (631) 399-1600.
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