Wondering about how cavity treatment for kids works? Read on to learn more. Cavity treatment for kids is the most popular reason that parents take their young ones to the dentist. No one wants to see their child suffering in pain, and cavities are the top reason that a child might have a toothache.
The first step toward protecting children from tooth decay is bringing them in for their first appointment with a pediatric dentist before they reach the age of one. A pediatric dentist offers various treatments that help prevent tooth decay, like dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and teeth cleanings. The dentist can also perform dental exams that help them determine whether cavity treatment for kids is needed.
Treatments commonly used to treat tooth decay in young patients include the following:
Fillings are the standard solutions for cavities. These are dental materials that are used to fill up the holes created by tooth decay so acids in the mount cannot expand them. The treatment typically involves giving the patient a shot of a local anesthetic so they do not feel pain as the dentist cleans out the tooth and removes decayed material.
Composite resin fillings are popular options because they can be matched with the color of the patient’s teeth. It makes it virtually impossible to detect when a tooth has been restored with filling.
A pulpotomy is performed when a child’s tooth has become infected. This procedure is similar to a root canal, but there are a few key differences. For starters, pulpotomies are mainly performed on children. Also, only a tiny portion of the tooth’s pulp is removed during a pulpotomy, compared to a root canal, which typically involves removing the entirety of the pulp.
A pulpotomy involves opening up the tooth with a dental drill so the pulp chamber can be reached. A small portion of the pulp that has been infected is removed, and medication is packed inside the tooth. The tooth is then sealed. It might be covered with a crown, depending on how damaged it is.
A stainless-steel crown might be recommended for a child when one of their teeth is at serious risk of falling out prematurely due to decay. The crown is used to hold together what is left of the tooth and protect it from bite forces in the mouth.
As a last resort, a dentist might recommend extracting a tooth if it is too damaged to be saved by any other treatments. Dentists rarely recommend this option because early extraction of baby teeth can lead to bite issues in the future.
Here are the answers to some of the questions you might have regarding cavity treatment for kids:
The dentist will usually fill the cavity with a composite filling. This type of filling is made to match the color of your child's teeth, making it less noticeable. The dentist will also seal the filling to help prevent future decay.
Cavities can cause pain when they become large enough to disturb the nerve endings in the tooth. However, small cavities may not cause any pain at all. Dentists can tell if a cavity is causing pain by examining the tooth and taking x-rays.
Anesthesia may be necessary if the cavity is large or near the tooth's nerve. However, many dentists can treat small cavities without needing to administer an anesthetic. The dentist will discuss the best options for your child's particular case.
You can help prevent cavities by teaching your child good oral hygiene habits and making sure they see the dentist regularly. You should also avoid giving your child sugary drinks and snacks that contribute to tooth decay.
If a cavity is not treated, it will continue to grow larger and larger. This can eventually lead to pain, infection, and tooth loss. Therefore, it is essential to have cavities treated as soon as possible.
Getting your child treatment for their cavities can bring an end to symptoms like tooth sensitivity and toothaches. Contact our dental clinic to set up an appointment for your child.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A kid-friendly dentist deals with the prevention and treatment of oral health concerns in children. Many also offer services to adults, but they take pride in offering a friendly environment for children, along with offering services that are more appropriate for young patients.Children have unique dental needs. It is important to keep a child’s primary…
A kid-friendly dentist educates children on ways to improve their oral hygiene at home. These lessons can help as children grow older and become more independent. A kid-friendly dentist chooses to focus on tailoring their office atmosphere and services to make it most comfortable for younger children.Every dentist has their own way of educating their…
A kid-friendly dentist offers services to children. A part of treating younger children includes dealing with their anxiety and helping them to remain calm and relaxed during their visit. There are certain techniques that dentists use to help children remain calm, which is discussed in this review.Kid-friendly dentists typically treat each child in a unique…
A kid-friendly dentist can treat a range of oral health concerns. However, their primary focus is on helping children prevent oral health concerns from developing through good oral hygiene at home. This includes offering educational services to ensure parents and children have all of the information they need to keep a consistent oral care routine…
A kid-friendly dentist deals with the prevention and treatment of oral health concerns in children. Many also offer services to adults, but they take pride in offering a friendly environment for children, along with offering services that are more appropriate for young patients.Children have unique dental needs. It is important to keep a child’s primary…
A kid-friendly dentist educates children on ways to improve their oral hygiene at home. These lessons can help as children grow older and become more independent. A kid-friendly dentist chooses to focus on tailoring their office atmosphere and services to make it most comfortable for younger children.Every dentist has their own way of educating their…