What happens when a child develops a cavity, or if a tooth becomes damaged? In these situations, we can help El Paso, TX, children enjoy a healthier smile by treating cavities and preventing more serious complications from developing. How do we create and place a minimal restoration? When should your child receive one?
When Does a Filling Need to Be Placed?
We place a dental filling to treat tooth decay and help prevent the onset of a dental infection. While baby teeth do fall out, this could happen months or even years after a cavity forms, which means unless we offer treatment, the tooth decay could mean serious discomfort for your child, and the risk of premature tooth loss. When we lose a baby tooth too soon, this impacts how the permanent teeth arrive and increases the risk of dental misalignment and the need for orthodontics later in life.
If we find a cavity that needs treatment, we will remove the decay and clean the tooth thoroughly. We will place the filling using a composite resin material that is metal-free and can be shaded to match the color of the tooth. For children, we take care to place a minimal amount of restorative material, we don’t want to impact the growth of the smile or the eruption of surrounding teeth in a negative way. The entire process only takes one visit, and helps prevent the tooth from becoming infected and prematurely lost!
The Warning Signs of a Cavity
If your little on attends regular visits for checkups and cleanings, then we will likely find the cavity in the early stages, before your little one experiences painful symptoms. Otherwise, your child may not know something is wrong until he or she complains about sensitive teeth or an ache that doesn’t go away. At this point, the cavity is in a more advanced stage, and treatment is crucial for preventing painful infection or a lost tooth. Don’t ignore your child’s complaints about pain, let us know right away!
Protecting Little Smiles
To limit the risk of tooth decay, ensure your children drink water and cut back on sodas, energy drinks, fruit juice, and sports drinks. Offer healthy snacks that are not high in sugar or starch. Make sure they brush and floss every day, brushing twice a day and flossing before bed. Finally, make time to see us every six months for a checkup and cleaning!
TALK TO SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO ABOUT TREATING CHILDREN’S SMILES
At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, our team can offer kids a healthier smile by treating cavities and infection with a filling or crown. If you have questions about children’s dentistry, you can reach our East El Paso dental practice on 10039 Dyer St., at 915-859-7000!