If your child has a cavity, it’s time to prepare them for their first dental filling. Yes, it’s essential to fix a cavity, even in primary teeth. Dental fillings play a crucial role in preventing the cavity from getting worse. Evidently, cavities do not disappear on their own. As a matter of fact, they may grow in size. Over time, one cavity will lead to another before too long; thus tooth decay will widen and deepen. As a result, your child will be prone to brittle teeth and the possibility of cracking or breaking.
Dental Filling Fact:
Dental fillings are a fundamental procedure to remedy cavities and stop the condition from worsening or leading to other dental problems.
What is the Dental Filling Procedure?
The dentist gently removes the tooth decay from your child’s tooth, cleans it, then fills the cavity. Occasionally, the filling may or may not require the use of a local anesthetic. In this case, a local anesthetic is used to numb the affected area. It’s good to take your child’s primary teeth cavities just as seriously as you would for permanent teeth.
The Different Types of Dental Filling Materials
The material used in the dental filling will vary depending on the location and severity of the cavity. Please book an appointment; we will be happy to walk you through the process.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are a safe, effective, and long-lasting treatment for dental decay. Dental amalgam consists of an alloy of silver, tin, copper, and mercury. Amalgam, used in dentistry for over 150 years, is one of the most reviewed materials in modern dentistry. All things considered, it is safer and more durable than ever before.
Amalgam is a strong, stable substance that endures well when placed in a wet environment. It’s also a good option because it can tolerate the dramatic changes in temperature within your mouth.
Amalgam Placement
First, the dentist drills the tooth to remove the tooth decay; then forms the tooth cavity for placement of the amalgam filling. Next, the dentist will mix the encapsulated powdered alloy with liquid mercury to form a putty. After that, the malleable putty is placed and shaped inside the prepared cavity. The putty rapidly hardens into a solid filling.
Composite Resin Fillings (Tooth-Colored)
A composite resin filling comprises ground white porcelain and durable resins. The material is somewhat flexible, reducing drilling and saving more of your natural tooth. The resin material in composite fillings creates a solid bond to your tooth. Since Its tooth-colored composite resin fillings are an excellent option for teeth that are visible when you talk or smile.
Composite Resin Placement
First, the decay is gently removed, the area is cleaned, then the composite resin material is layered. Next, a tiny UV light is used to harden the filling immediately. Finally, the dentist will use a small file to remove any sharp edges or shape the material. Your child is left with a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
Which Dental Material Is Best?
No matter the material used, you will have a filled cavity to protect your children’s bite and teeth while providing structural support. A filling will prevent other, potentially expensive, dental problems for your child, like an infection. Also, cavities’ presence may suggest underlying concerns, like a poor diet or improper dental health care. We can guide both of these areas.
Preventing Childhood Cavities
The power to avoid cavities in the future is in your hands simply by practicing proper dental care and diet. Being a role model for appropriate dental care is a great start. For infants, make sure to avoid putting them to sleep with their bottles. Proper bottle use is also essential, so only fill their bottle with milk or formula. Finally, the most important is supervising their oral care routine until they are old enough to perform it properly themselves, usually around 6 or 7 years of age. Let us know your questions.