Many parents may wonder why it is essential to fix or restore your child’s baby tooth or teeth after they have experienced damage or decay. At Powell Pediatric Dentistry, we highly encourage you to restore your child’s teeth to prevent the issues from spreading and causing significant damage. When a cavity occurs, if it is not removed and repaired quickly, it can spread to other teeth. We recommend tooth fillings for our patients who have minor to moderate cavities and decay.
We encourage you to continue reading to learn more about dental fillings and what the procedure looks like at Powell Pediatric Dentistry.
What is a cavity?
Cavity results when bacteria and sugar found in a variety of foods combine. Cavities, also known as tooth decay, spread and start with the bacteria found in plaque. To prevent cavities, it is recommended that patients brush their teeth twice a day to remove plaque.
Cavities start small and grow when patients don’t brush their teeth and eat sugary foods. To catch cavities and get them removed before they spread, it is essential to stay updated with your in-office cleanings and examinations.
Filling Material
Patients have a few options when selecting the material for their filling. The two most common materials are amalgam and tooth-colored composite resin. Both types of material are strong and durable, but most patients tend to choose the tooth-colored material.
Benefits of a tooth-colored filling material include:
- The ability to match the filling to the natural tooth’s color and shade makes them less noticeable
- Tooth-colored fillings are more aesthetically pleasing
- Very durable and able to withstand daily pressures
Both types of materials are strong and will restore your teeth. If you would like to learn more about the different filling materials, please call us.
Filling Process
Once a minor or moderate cavity has been diagnosed, we will develop a treatment plan and schedule an appointment for your child’s filling.
At the date of your child’s filling, we will first start by numbing the tooth. We offer minor sedation to help your child feel relaxed and comfortable during their procedure. If you would like your child to have access to laughing gas for their treatment, please let one of our team members know.
Once the tooth and surrounding areas are completely numbed, the dentist will start to remove the cavity from the tooth using a high-powered dental drill. After removing the decay, the dentist will clean and sanitize the tooth and then prepare it to be filled.
The dentist will then use the selected material to fill the tooth’s hole and harden it with a curing light. Once set, the material will be smoothed down, polished, and shaved down to the correct bite.
After the tooth is polished, the filling process is complete.
Post-Procedure Care
You must encourage and help your child after receiving a filling to remain taking care of and cleaning their teeth as usual. Although there is artificial material in their tooth, it is still possible for that tooth and other teeth to accumulate decay.
Maintain excellent oral health care practices and come into our office for bi-yearly cleanings and examinations.
See Us
If your child has been complaining of pain in their tooth, it is possible that they could be suffering from a toothache caused by cavities. To help relieve your child of pain, please give our office a call. We are located near Fresno, CA, and serve all children in the area. Fillings are a quick and easy procedure for your child’s dental problems.
We look forward to working with you and helping your children with their oral health. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.