Well, something that heads the list in caring for your child is dental care. Many parents make sure good brushing and flossing habits are instilled in children, but still, cavities can occur for a variety of reasons. In such cases, when a cavity has already been developed in a child’s mouth, fillings must be undertaken to restore the health of their teeth. But what are pediatric fillings, and why do they matter? In this blog, we outline everything you need to know about pediatric fillings-from what a pediatric dentist does to what happens in the process.
What are pediatric fillings?
Pediatric fillings are dental fillings done to restore decayed or damaged teeth in children. Similar to adults, children may be prone to cavities which occur when the plaque and the bacteria eat away the enamel, creating a hole in the tooth. Whether it may hurt or cause infection, uncured cavities will have the potential for even worse oral problems at later stages. Here is where pediatric fillings come into play restoring the shape and function of the tooth, ensuring that no further damage and decay may occur.
There are various types of fillings for kids, like:
- Amalgam Fillings – Made from amalgamated metal containing silver, mercury, and tin, they are very durable but aren’t very aesthetic
- Composite Fillings – Tooth-colored filling is based on a mix of plastic and glass, it gives a very natural look
Glass Ionomer The fillings will release the fluoride for protective purposes, and they’re more common in small cavities or baby teeth.
Role of Pediatric Dentist During Fillings
A pediatric dentist will be very critical to you when issues with your child’s oral health arise. Pediatric dentists are professional dentists who specialize in the treatment of children from infancy to adolescence. They are very trained on how to handle challenges involving dental treatments for young patients.
They make the child comfortable and accessible in the dentist’s chair, both for fillings and any other dental procedure. Pediatric dentists are very child-oriented in their techniques and modes of communication to reduce anxiety and create a pleasant experience for the child. Besides that, a pediatric dentist understands the developmental stages of a child’s teeth and jaws, ensuring fillings are done with an eye on the long-term health of that child’s teeth and jaws.
Why Pediatric Fillings Are Important
Many parents ask that if baby teeth are going to fall out anyway, why bother filling cavities? Baby teeth are very much part of a child’s oral development. Here is why fillings in pediatric patients are important:
- Less Pain and Infection: Decay usually leads to a toothache, infection, or even an abscess if not treated. The decay is removed, and the tooth is restored with a filling. There will be no pain, and the patient will avoid such complications.
They support alignment by holding open spaces for permanent teeth. If an early loss of a primary tooth is due to decay, then the other baby teeth surrounding it may slowly move into the space. As a result, when the permanent teeth are ready to erupt, you could be left with or have more crowded teeth when the permanent teeth grow in.
Healthy teeth are important for chewing food and to be able to achieve proper pronunciation in speech. In the event of pain or loss of a tooth due to a cavity, a child will not be able to chew correctly and develop proper speech.
Pediatric fillings prevent many more future problems that might be associated with an incomplete set of teeth, and with the treatment of cavities early on, you can be sure of your child’s oral health.
What to Expect During the Pediatric Filling Procedure
Many parents are understandably concerned regarding their child’s experience with a dental filling. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect and what your child will experience.
- Numbing the area: A topical numbing gel will be applied to the area where the filling will be administered. Sometimes, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area and prevent your child from feeling any pain during the filling.
- Removing the Decay: The dentist will then remove the decayed portion of the tooth using special equipment after he or she has numbed the area. This is an important step in preventing the further spread of the cavity.
The dentist will then clean and position the filling material in the remaining tooth structure after all decay is removed. If a composite or glass ionomer filling is used, the dentist will shape it so that it replicates the normal contour of the tooth.
- The Filling Cure: If a composite filling is used, the dentist will use a specific light to harden or “cure” the material, making it strong enough for chewing.
- Final Shaping: The pediatric dentist will make any final shaping to ensure that the filling is comfortable for your child. They will make sure the “bite” feels right, and that your child can chew normally.
Preventing Cavities After Fillings
Fillings are a good treatment for cavities, but, as they say, prevention is better than a cure. Here are a few tips to help prevent future cavities from appearing in your child’s teeth:
- Regular brushing and flossing: This is done twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and the use of floss to remove the plaque and particles of food.
- Balanced diet: Sugary snacks and drinks should be reduced. A healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and calcium should characterize the diet to have strong teeth.
- Regular Follow-up With a Pediatric Dentist: Scheduling regular dental checks with the pediatric dentist is necessary at least every six months. In this checkup, the dentist can find early indicators of problems and will clean plaque deposits professionally.
Pediatric fillings are one important key to maintaining a healthy smile with your child. Getting cavities caught early with a pediatric dentist can prevent pain and keep the teeth properly aligned in growing health. If you suspect a cavity, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your local pediatric dentist – the sooner the better!