There are a few options available to dentists when it comes to treating kids cavities. A cavity is a hole that forms on a tooth's surface due to erosion from acids. These acids are created by oral bacteria that live in the mouth, while some come from the things a person consumes. Teeth are protected by an outer layer called the enamel. This is the strongest part of the body, but it can be eroded by acids in the mouth. When this occurs, the inner layer of the tooth called the dentin is exposed to the bacteria, food particles and acids in the child's mouth. Unlike the enamel, the dentin is not designed to withstand these irritants. Once a cavity reaches the dentin, the person will experience symptoms like:
The treatment options that are commonly used to address kids' cavities include:
Fillings are the standard treatment for cavities regardless of the patient's age. During the treatment, the dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth and fills it up with a putty-like material that is appropriately called a filling. This material hardens when exposed to air and saliva, and it closes up the hole created by the cavity. This prevents bacteria and food particles from getting into it.
This is often performed when the cavity is still in its early stages and has not yet reached the dentin. The fluoride gel or paste is applied to a mouth tray and the patient bites down on it. It helps to remineralize damaged enamel and can keep teeth decay-free for months at a time.
Dental sealants can be used to prevent and treat cavities. They are used to treat minor cavities by filling up the pit with this thin plastic coating. It is an affordable solution that is quite effective.
Dental bonding is often preferred to traditional fillings since it matches the color of the patient's teeth. The composite is poured into the cavity and hardened with an ultraviolet light. When the treatment is finished, it will be virtually impossible to tell the tooth has been repaired with a composite.
Crowns are used to treat severe cavities, especially if they require a root canal. The crown helps to regain the function of the weakened tooth and improves its appearance. Stainless steel crowns are often recommended for children given their affordability. A crown will keep a milk tooth protected until it is ready to fall out.
For the most part, cavities are a minor dental issue as long as they are treated early. They can lead to an infection or the loss of a tooth when ignored. Stop by our Richmond office and have your child examined if you suspect they are developing cavities.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 246-7255 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
When it comes to caring for a child’s teeth, pediatric dentistry offices are an excellent resource. This section of the dental field focuses on providing dental services for children. Pediatric dentists are trained on the common problems among infants, children and teenagers. They are the go-to dental professional when parents have questions or concerns about their…
Thinking only adults need to undergo a root canal in order to save their teeth? This common misperception is simply not true. Many times children need to have a root canal performed in order to save one of their baby teeth. Even though this first set of teeth will eventually be lost and replaced with…
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, parents should take their children to visit a dentist for kids twice yearly. The biannual visits allow the dentist to monitor the child’s dental development, assess changes in the oral cavity, and offer recommendations for the child’s oral health. However, it is not always as simple as…
Children’s teeth develop and grow fairly rapidly, so it is important to take them to a kid friendly dentist in Richmond every six months. Doing so allows the dentist to catch any potentially damaging changes early on and correct or prevent oral issues. At what age is it appropriate to switch a child to a…
When it comes to caring for a child’s teeth, pediatric dentistry offices are an excellent resource. This section of the dental field focuses on providing dental services for children. Pediatric dentists are trained on the common problems among infants, children and teenagers. They are the go-to dental professional when parents have questions or concerns about their…
Thinking only adults need to undergo a root canal in order to save their teeth? This common misperception is simply not true. Many times children need to have a root canal performed in order to save one of their baby teeth. Even though this first set of teeth will eventually be lost and replaced with…