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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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://nettsmiles.com or call Nett Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics at (623) 759-7658 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.
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