Restorative Dentistry in Salisbury, NC
 Even though you teach your child good habits at home, that does not mean that there will never be any dental problems. Here at Salisbury Pediatric Dentistry, we want to take care of small things, before they have the potential to turn into major issues.
What You Need to Know About Restorative Dentistry and Children
You might think that restorative dentistry and children do not have anything to do with each other, especially if the child in question still has all of his or her baby teeth. That is not the case at all. Here are some of the ways that our pediatric dentists will use restorative dentistry for their young patients.
One of the most common types of restorative dentistry for children is the filling of cavities. There is a common misbelief that a cavity does not need to be filled in a baby tooth because it will eventually fall out anyway. That is not the case. The cavity needs to be filled so that the child will not suffer any pain, and so the cavity will not continue to get worse. We will use a tooth-colored filling instead of metal so that the other children will not notice that there is anything different.
Children are not always good at brushing, and that puts the grooves in their teeth at risk for bacteria and decay. We will sometimes use a sealant on the ridges and rough spots of a tooth so that the tooth will not be susceptible to bacteria. The sealant will also be tooth-colored (if in a visible area).
How We Can Help
While we would rather not extract a tooth when we can help it, sometimes a tooth extraction in a child's mouth is necessary. We might need to do this to make room for adult teeth that are coming in. It also might be necessary if an adult tooth has already erupted, but the baby tooth never fell out. There are other reasons as well.
If a tooth is missing and the adult tooth is not ready to erupt, we might use a space maintainer. This will hold the space open for the adult tooth, and it will also keep the other teeth from shifting in your child's jaw. Often, we will use a space maintainer after an extraction.
If your child has a cavity in a baby tooth that is too big to fill, we might decide to use a crown instead. Unlike adult crowns, this one will be temporary, until the adult tooth is on the way. If the crown is for a front tooth, we will use one that will match the other teeth.
FAQs
Why is restorative dentistry important for children?
Restorative dentistry for children addresses dental problems like cavities, missing teeth, or damaged teeth to ensure proper oral health and function. It helps prevent pain, maintain healthy development, and protect baby teeth, which serve as placeholders for adult teeth.
Do cavities in baby teeth need to be filled?
Yes, cavities in baby teeth should be filled. Leaving them untreated can cause pain, infections, and potential complications that may affect the development of permanent teeth. Filling cavities also prevents them from worsening and ensures your child’s comfort.
What are space maintainers, and why are they used?
Space maintainers are dental devices used to hold the space left by a missing baby tooth. They ensure that other teeth do not shift into the open space, allowing the permanent tooth to grow in correctly and preventing misalignment issues in the future.
What is a crown for children’s teeth?
A crown for children is a protective cap placed over a damaged or decayed baby tooth when the cavity is too large to fill. These crowns are temporary and designed to maintain function until the adult tooth erupts.
What is a dental sealant, and how does it help?
A dental sealant is a tooth-colored, plastic-like coating applied to the grooves and ridges of a tooth. It acts as a barrier against bacteria and plaque, reducing the risk of decay and making it easier to clean teeth effectively.
When is a tooth extraction necessary for children?
A tooth extraction may be necessary if a baby tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or impeding the eruption of an adult tooth. It might also be recommended for orthodontic purposes or if the baby tooth has not fallen out naturally despite the adult tooth erupting.
Contact Us Today!
These are a few of the ways that we use restorative dentistry for children. Here at Salisbury Pediatric Dentistry, we make sure to explain each procedure to your child in a way that's easy for them to understand.
If you need to make an appointment, call us today at (980) 305-5002 or Click Here to Book an Online Appointment. |
