Does A Child’s Cavity Need A Filling?
When kids develop a cavity, many parents wonder if treatment is necessary. After all, don’t baby teeth fall out on their own anyway? Is a restoration really necessary for a tooth destined to fall out regardless? In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist explains how even baby teeth need treatment for cavities, and how to recognize common warning signs!
The Dangers of an Untreated Cavity
A cavity forms when the outer enamel, which is designed to protect the inner structures from bacteria, is compromised. Poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup could cause demineralization, weakening and eroding the enamel, while an injury could crack or chip it. Once a cavity forms, the decay will continue to grow and spread until treated. Eventually bacteria will reach the inner pulp, the tooth begins to feel sensitive and ache. The risk of an infection also increases! Lack of treatment could not only mean the onset of an infection or abscess, but the loss of a tooth too, as extraction may be necessary to stop the spread of infection! For children, losing a baby tooth prematurely alters how the permanent teeth erupt and could mean dental misalignment in later years.
When to Seek Care
We suggest parents bring their kids in for checkups and cleanings every six months. We then keep a close eye on the smile, as decay takes several months to form, enabling us to identify demineralization early on and provide treatment to prevent the cavity from causing discomfort and threatening the tooth. Outside of an office visit, you should let us know if your child complains about pain in a tooth after eating hot or cold foods and drinks, or if your little one has a toothache that lasts more than a day.
The Filling Process
First, we will take steps to ensure your child feels comfortable and welcome. We will answer their questions and address their concerns, before applying a numbing agent. Next, we remove the decay from the tooth and prepare the filling material, a metal-free composite resin. We shade the material to match the tooth, and then shape the tooth as we cure this material under a light. Finally, we polish the tooth, completing the process in one visit! If you have any questions about protecting little smiles from cavities, or about our lifelike dental fillings, then contact our team today. Let’s make 2021 the year everyone in your family enjoys optimal oral health.
Schedule Your Child’s Visit
Tooth decay can lead to serious complications for a smile, which is why the team at Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX offers treatment for kids of all ages. Contact our office at (281) 592-1234 to schedule your appointment today. We want to help your little ones enjoy strong and beautiful smiles for years to come!