Sometimes, a child develops a cavity in a baby tooth, and parents assume treatment isn’t necessary since the tooth is going to fall out anyway. However, this line of thinking could lead to serious discomfort, infection, and even misalignment! In today’s blog, your Shirley, NY, pediatric dentist and orthodontist talks about treating baby teeth with fillings.
Baby Teeth and Cavities
Even though baby teeth do fall out, they actually fall out on a specific schedule, as the teeth on either side will help guide the permanent ones into proper positions. Which means losing one prematurely to advanced decay and infection could impact how these permanent ones erupt, leading to misalignment and bite imbalance, two factors linked to esthetic issues and increased risks of discomfort. So, when your child complains about a toothache, let us know right away! Don’t let the decay worsen and threaten the stability and alignment of the smile.
Placing a Dental Filling
If your little one complains about an aching tooth or if we identify a cavity during a routine checkup, treatment is crucial to preserve the health, stability, and beauty of your child’s smile. Treatment involves placing a lifelike filling in only one sitting. To begin, our team will use digital imaging technology to diagnose and assess the cavity. We then administer a local anesthetic to keep your child comfortable. Next, we remove the decay from the tooth and then gently clean it. Afterward, we apply the filling material. Instead of metal, we use a blend of glass-like and acrylic particles that is safe for all ages. This composite resin can be shaded to blend with the tooth. We then polish the tooth for a more lifelike and bright appearance. In one visit, we bring relief and protect the smile!
Taking Steps to Avoid Cavities
You can help your child avoid the onset of a cavity. For example, be sure your child starts each day by brushing teeth for two minutes and ends the day the same way. Kids under three should use a rice-sized blot of fluoride toothpaste, kids over three need a pea-sized amount. Be sure your little one flosses every evening too! You can also help by scheduling visits for checkups and cleanings every six months, and also cutting back on their exposure to sugary foods and drinks. If you have any questions or if you would like to schedule a visit, then contact our team today.
Schedule an Appointment With Your Shirley, NY, Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist
Our team wants to help treat cavities in smiles both young and old with our lifelike fillings. To learn more about diagnosing and treating cavities in little smiles, then contact Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Shirley, NY, by calling (631) 399-1600.
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