Cavity treatment for kids is a chief concern among parents, and for a good reason. Cavities are common in children of all ages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over half of the kids ages 6 to 8 have had at least one cavity in a primary tooth. The good news is that a pediatric dentist offers many options for cavity treatment for kids and can help your child prevent future cavities.
The Importance of primary teeth
While primary teeth eventually fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth, they are still important. Cavities left unchecked in primary teeth can lead to infection and dental pain. In addition, if primary teeth fall out too early, this affects the way permanent teeth erupt. Primary teeth are a key part of a child's future dental health. Therefore treating cavities as soon as possible is vital.
Cavity treatment for kids from a pediatric dentist
The type of treatment a pediatric dentist recommends depends on how far the cavity has progressed. This is why children's regular dental appointments are crucial. A dentist can often catch a child's cavity before it has progressed too far. In addition, a dentist can provide regular fluoride treatments during these appointments that help prevent cavities or slow their progression.
Filling
The most common treatment for a cavity in a child is a filling. The sooner a parent seeks this treatment for their child, the less drilling is involved to remove the decayed portion of the tooth. Typically, various filling options are available, from silver or amalgam to tooth-colored fillings. The child's pediatric dentist can help select the right filling material.
Dental crown
Sometimes, despite the best efforts, a cavity progresses to something more serious. If a large portion tooth needs removal, saving it is still a good idea to prevent future dental issues. For these situations, dentists use a crown over the damaged tooth to protect and keep it strong.
Root canal therapy
In severe cases, dental decay can reach the pulp and infect the tooth. This situation is where the child's dentist will need to perform a root canal. This procedure is where the dentist removes the tooth pulp and infection before using a tooth filling.
Prevention
Cavities are common in children for several reasons. A major one is that children's molars often have deep grooves that trap plaque and bacteria. Many times a toothbrush is not enough to clean these deep groves. Therefore, dentists that work with kids offer dental sealants. This clear material fills the groves, keeping plaque and bacteria out.
Education is another important cavity prevention tool at a dentist's disposal. A pediatric dentist excels at making dental health fun and interesting for kids. In addition, these professionals are trained to teach children healthy habits such as avoiding sugary foods and drinks and brushing and flossing regularly.
Get a jump on cavity treatment and prevention
If you suspect your child has a cavity or if it has been a while since they have seen a dentist, we can help. Our caring staff will keep your child comfortable during whatever treatment they require. Call our office today to make an appointment or learn more about cavity treatment for kids.
Request an appointment here: https://parksidepediatricdentists.com or call Parkside Pediatric Dentists at (925) 504-4011 for an appointment in our Concord office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cavity Treatment For Kids in Concord, CA.
Related Posts
Tooth damage, whether it occurs on a baby tooth or a permanent tooth, should be taken seriously. The right pediatric dentistry treatment can offer much-needed repairs, easing discomfort and restoring function. This is especially true when it comes to cracked teeth, which can be quite common among children.Many kids play sports or tend to be…
Pediatric dentistry can help your child prevent cavities. Early dental visits begin your child’s journey to better dental health. Oral exams and treatments can help counter any developing decay and cavities.If you want to know more about the benefits of preventing cavities early, here are the details.Pediatric dentistry recognizes the impact of oral problems on…
As a parent, you probably understand that pediatric dentistry is an important aspect of your child's overall health. However, you first need to deal with the teething process as the baby teeth emerge from the gums. It varies among babies, but teething typically begins around six months of age. Common symptoms include sore and irritated…
Your child should visit a pediatric dentistry office on a regular basis for healthier teeth and gums. However, teaching your child to take care of their teeth at home on a daily basis can be just as important as maintaining regular appointments. By building a healthy routine and developing good habits, your child can reduce…