Caring for a kid’s oral health is no easy task. Sooner or later, you might need to take your child to see a pediatric dentist in Athens, AL, whether it’s for preventative care or restorative care if the little one is already facing dental issues.
But what sort of restorative dental treatments are even available for kids who still have their baby teeth? Here are five common ones:
Dental fillings are used to treat cavities and are one of the most common procedures kids get at the dentist.
When a tooth decays, bacteria start to eat away at the natural enamel. A dentist removes all decayed tissue, which leaves a permanent hole in the tooth. The filling is then used to restore the tooth and prevent future decay or damage.
If a baby tooth suffers extensive damage, it might need a pediatric dental crown. This can happen in the case of large cavities, where a filling won’t be enough to restore the tooth, but also for:
Dental sealants are commonly used in preventative dentistry to prevent cavities, but they can also help treat a tooth that is in the early stages of tooth decay.
It’s essentially a thin layer applied over the chewing areas of the child’s back molars and premolars. Sealants prevent harmful bacteria from attacking the tooth enamel and usually last until the baby tooth is ready to fall out on its own.
Another great solution for smaller cavities is SFD, which uses silver ions to kill harmful bacteria as well as fluoride to reverse early tooth demineralization.
SFD is perfectly safe and may be a great option if the child’s cavity is small, meaning the tooth hasn’t lost too much tissue. Unfortunately, it does permanently stain the tooth, which is why it’s only recommended for primary teeth.
A pulpotomy is commonly referred to as a baby root canal. The procedure is used to treat a baby tooth that’s infected and involves cleaning it of all impacted tissue.
Infections usually occur because of an untreated cavity, where bacteria continue to multiply and slowly eat away at the tooth until it gets to the sensitive nerves inside and even the root.
As part of a pulpotomy, a child may need a dental filling or even a pediatric dental crown if an infection is large enough.
Is your little one dealing with a cavity, a broken tooth, or any other oral health issue? Bring them in to see Dr. Lindsey Rodriguez, and their smiles will be restored!
Request an appointment at Limestone Pediatric Dentistry online and stop by to learn more.
For more information, you can call our team at (256) 434-5667 today.
