What Happens When a Child Gets a Filling?

pediatric dentistry

Many parents worry if their kids must get a filling due to cavities. Going to a compassionate and highly trained pediatric dentist can ease those common concerns.

Although no parent wants their child to have to undergo any dental procedure that might frighten them or cause discomfort, leaving a small cavity go can mean more extensive dental work later. A delay in dental care will also increase both the time that the dental work will take and the overall costs.

What Type of Medication Can Be Used for Anxiety Regarding Fillings?

Like adults, most children fear anything that is unknown to them. Our pediatric dentist has years of experience in dealing with younger children and teens, and your child will get the time and necessary attention that they need to feel comfortable about the process prior to the start of the procedure.

The dentist will apply numbing topical medication and deeper numbing injections to prevent discomfort and pain. If needed, the dentist will also administer oral/conscious sedation via a gas that is inhaled through a simple oxygen mask. This also relaxes the patient easing any fears.

What Type of Filling Will My Child Get?

A dental filling is typically crafted out of a composite resin material. This is usually shaded to match the color of the person’s natural teeth making the filling less noticeable. In decades past, fillings for back teeth were often made from stronger and harder metal materials that were noticeable. Due to recent advances in dental care, the newer dental filling composites are stronger and can be just as effective than the less desirable older filling materials according to our pediatric dentist.

What Happens When a Child Gets a Filling?

Most children need fillings due to dental cavities which rot away the tooth. This is a simple procedure usually completed in one session. Less tooth has to be removed and finer dental equipment makes the process faster and less uncomfortable. Our pediatric dentist will also teach the child about how to avoid cavities in the future.

If you think your child needs a filling or other dental care, call our dental office near you today. One of our helpful staff members will be happy to assist you.

Do Children’s Cavities Need to be Filled?

pediatric dental fillings

Life with children is always a surprise. No sooner do they get their first tooth that they then develop a cavity. If your child is around three to five years old and has cavities in their baby teeth, it can spell trouble for the growth of their permanent teeth.

Here’s why you need to have the cavities filled in your child’s baby teeth.

Prevents Tooth Loss

Even young children can develop cavities. When it comes to children, however, about 25 percent of children from age five to 19 develop cavities. But before we get into the various effects cavities have, it’s important to know what they are. For starters, cavities start off as a minor form of tooth decay where bacteria begins eroding the tooth enamel.

Enamel is the outer layer of teeth that protects the dentin. However, the bacteria from plaque can slowly eat away at the enamel, gradually wear it down and leave tiny holes in the teeth. This is how cavities form. If you don’t get cavities filled, they can cause your child pain, increase their risk of serious infection and even open up the possibility of tooth loss.

Filling Cavities Reduces the Risk of Gum Disease

Another common dental issue is gum disease or periodontal disease. Like cavities, this is a condition that can worsen over time without proper treatment. Gum disease starts off as gingivitis but can develop into a more serious form gum disease. Cavities that are left untreated can worsen the gum disease, which can lead to more serious medical conditions.

Below is a short list of possible complications of gum disease:

– An increased risk of heart disease
– Increased chance of lung disease, although this is somewhat rare
– Tooth loss
– Receding gum line and tooth sensitivity

Luckily, diagnosing periodontal disease is simple. The typical symptoms are swollen, bleeding gums with brushing, constant bad breath, recurring toothaches and tenderness. If your child comes to you with one or more of these symptoms, it’s seek dental care from a pediatric dentist near you.

If you’re child does develop cavities, there are things you can do. Start with regular dental exams to catch any dental issues. Also, teach your child the right way to clean their teeth and limit the amount of sugar they consume. If your child has a cavity, we’ll be more than happy to remedy the issue. Contact us our dental office today!