While baby teeth do not last forever and typically all fall out by the time a child is 13 years of age, it is important for children to take care of these temporary teeth and go to a childrens dentistry to ensure they are healthy. However, sometimes tooth decay and cavities can cause extreme harm to baby teeth. One tactic often used by pediatric dentists to address these issues is placing a stainless steel crown on the affected tooth.
Children can experience tooth decay, or the destruction of tooth enamel, over time due to a diet high in sugar, insufficient fluoride consumption or poor oral hygiene. Initial signs of decay often include visible white spots on the teeth and possible tooth sensitivity. If allowed to continue, cavities form on the teeth as acids eat away at the teeth and create holes. Initially, these holes appear light brown in color. If plaque continues to build and the cavity is not immediately detected, it becomes even deeper and turn a darker brown or black.
Often, cavities cause pain to the affected tooth and sensitivity to very hot, cold or sweet foods and beverages. However, some people do not notice any symptoms, and young children may not be able to communicate their pain effectively. Dentists are often able to identify signs of tooth decay or cavities at during an exam or by taking an X-ray. It is a good idea to regularly make an appointment with a children dentistry to catch a cavity before it gets worse or to go in right away if noticing any symptoms.
If caught early on, a cavity can often be treated using a filling to patch the hole. This process involves numbing the mouth using a local anesthetic, removing decay with a dental drill and then filling in the cavity with a tooth-colored composite.
However, fillings cannot be used for teeth with very large or multiple cavities. In these situation, stainless crowns are often used instead. This option lasts longer than a filling and can be used on teeth where extensive decay has occurred. A stainless steel crown is not very aesthetically appealing, which is not always a concern for molars, situated in the back of the mouth. If a cavity forms on a visible front tooth, a plastic white facing can be attached instead.
Like permanent teeth, baby teeth are essential for speaking and chewing properly, and also prevent future overcrowding by acting as a placeholder for permanent teeth. For this reason, when cavities and decay affect a child’s baby tooth, it is important to explore possible actions to save the tooth rather than just remove it until an adult tooth grows in. If looking for a longer lasting option for dealing with severe tooth decay, a stainless steel crown placed at a childrens dentistry is one solution.
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.
When your child experiences a dental emergency, finding a high-quality emergency pediatric dentist is a high priority. Our team understands that these situations can be stressful. However, knowing how to quickly locate one of these dental professionals can make all the difference for your child's oral health and comfort. Here is a comprehensive guide on…
An emergency pediatric dentist may be able to replant your child’s knocked-out tooth. Rough play, falls, or contact sports are common causes of this dental issue. Bringing your child to the emergency dental clinic is necessary to correct the situation. Here are the details about visiting your emergency pediatric dentist for your child. See if…
An emergency pediatric dentist can help children who are experiencing urgent issues with their oral health. For kids, this most commonly happens due to a blow to the face or an accidental fall, but dental emergencies can arise for any number of reasons. Having an emergency dentist on call ahead of time is a useful…
Our emergency pediatric dentist is available to help your child when unforeseen incidents or symptoms threaten their oral health. While not every dental condition requires an emergency visit, some do, and it is important that they receive prompt treatment to prevent the condition from becoming irreversible. Let us look at what qualifies as a pediatric…
When your child experiences a dental emergency, finding a high-quality emergency pediatric dentist is a high priority. Our team understands that these situations can be stressful. However, knowing how to quickly locate one of these dental professionals can make all the difference for your child's oral health and comfort. Here is a comprehensive guide on…
An emergency pediatric dentist may be able to replant your child’s knocked-out tooth. Rough play, falls, or contact sports are common causes of this dental issue. Bringing your child to the emergency dental clinic is necessary to correct the situation. Here are the details about visiting your emergency pediatric dentist for your child. See if…