How a Pediatric Dentistry Office Can Restore Teeth Damaged by Cavities

Pediatric dentistry treats cavities as a destructive dental problem. Children tend to eat starchy and sugary snacks. They are also fond of sweet drinks. Lack of oral care increases a child’s risk for cavities and infection. Fortunately, there are treatments for this type of dental problem. If you want to know how pediatric dentistry can restore dental damage from cavities, here are the details.

The need for pediatric dentistry restorations

A child’s dental needs depend on the type of dental care that the parents provide. If dental care is insufficient, the child will develop cavities and dental infections. The enamel in young teeth is thin. That is why cavities are easy to form on a child’s teeth. Primary teeth need pediatric dentistry restorations to maintain the spaces when permanent teeth erupt. If cavities damage permanent teeth, restorations can make these teeth last for a longer time.

Amalgam fillings

This is a popular type of restoration, but it has low esthetic value. It is not often used on primary teeth. Amalgam fillings are durable and affordable, but these pediatric dentistry restorations may have a level of toxicity that dentists and parents want to avoid. That is why other dental restorations are available for kids.

GICs (glass ionomer cements)

Dentists use this restoration for damaged teeth. It has acidic powder and glass components set by an acid-base reaction. GICs stick to teeth right away. But its uses are limited, which is why it may fail as a pediatric dentistry restoration.

GICs with high viscosity

High-viscosity GICs are better than conventional GICs because they are set right away. These restorations are more durable. Dentists use them for primary teeth. The quick hardening of this restorative material shortens the treatment, which is ideal for children.

Composite resin restorations

Applying this type of pediatric dentistry restoration can take some technique. That is why dentists do not recommend this for difficult or anxious children. When it comes to esthetics, composite resin is an ideal choice. It can blend well with the neighboring teeth. Many parents choose this type of restoration to help children achieve better self-esteem.

This type of pediatric dentistry restoration can be used for dental fillings and dental bonding. Cavities may cause little to significant damage to teeth. Fillings are for minimal dental damage. Dental bonding is necessary for restoring the shape of the tooth if the damage is too severe.

Stainless-steel dental crowns

Sometimes, young teeth suffer from pulp damage due to severe cavities. Dentists use stainless-steel crowns to protect and restore the damaged tooth after proper pulp treatment. If the pulp damage or infection is isolated in the crown, the dentist will take out the damaged pulp and part of the natural crown. If the damage reaches the roots, the child will go through a root canal treatment. Here, the dentist will clean out, disinfect, and dry the pulp chamber. The dentist will fill the space to stabilize the tooth.

After treating the pulp, the dentist will cover the exposed part of the tooth with a stainless-steel crown. The crown protects the tooth from future damage. It can also shield the tooth from future infections. The durability of stainless-steel crowns allows them to be ideal for pediatric dentistry restorations.

Why a dentist must restore primary teeth

Baby teeth go through many situations that can lead to cavity formation. Sugars and acids can also be present in the things little children eat or drink. Bacteria feed on sugars. These organisms produce acids that add up to the acids that the baby consumes.

Decay then destroys baby teeth. Teeth grinding at a young age can also happen. Dental accidents can also damage young teeth. That is why a dentist must restore primary teeth as early as possible.

It may be difficult for a parent to understand why performing a root canal or placing fillings on baby teeth is necessary. After all, these teeth will fall out in time. Parents must understand that baby teeth serve a purpose, and that is to guide the permanent teeth. Healthy and intact baby teeth can give way to healthy adult teeth. That is why dentists must save as many primary teeth as they can.

Any form of dental infection can damage hard and soft dental tissues. Primary teeth are more vulnerable to infection because the enamel layer on these teeth is thinner than that of adult teeth. Without necessary treatment, bacteria could enter the bloodstream. This could lead to the development of many health complications.

Dentists can use pediatric dentistry restorations to improve your child’s dental health

Proper dental care can prevent cavities. Unfortunately, not all children follow proper dental care practices. This lack of compliance results in tooth decay and cavity formation. That is why dentists recommend pediatric dentistry restorations for kids who have badly damaged teeth due to cavities.

Are you considering pediatric dentistry treatments in the Richmond area? Get more information at https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Richmond, TX.