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Filling teeth is a procedure we perform to fight tooth decay and cavities. By removing a diseased portion of a tooth, we then will be able to restore the tooth to its original shape and function by “filling” the tooth.
A tooth filling also prevents future attempts at bacteria to create cavities. By filling in the gaps, bacteria will not be able to return back to the recently decayed areas and won’t be susceptible to further exposure to cavities.
At FMS Kids dental we use white fillings, otherwise known as composite resins. The advantage of this type of fillings is the aesthetics of the fillings. Rather than gold or silver fillings, white fillings are exactly what they sound like, they match the color of your tooth. This makes the filling not noticeable and provides a cleaner look for teeth.
These composite resins are made of a mix of different materials including plastic, glass and ceramic compounds.
White fillings are perfect for fixing small to medium sized cavities that are afflicting your teeth. These white fillings can be used both on the front of your teeth and the back. White fillings also are quick and easy to place. They harden in seconds, rather than needing a few days like other types of fillings.
Therefore, white fillings offer both the aesthetic advantage, but also stay functional the perfect amount of time for baby teeth.
Fillings are a very simple procedure and can be broken down into following steps:
Children usually get anxious before the dental treatment. At FMS our expert pediatric dentists will first talk to the child and the parents, will walk you through the procedure in a easy and understandable language. Once your child is relaxed we show them how the procedure is done step by step while performing it.
How many fillings can one tooth have?
Yes, if your tooth had several cavities then it would require multiple small fillings. The decision to use the materials and how the tooth can receive these multiple fillings will be taken by our prdiatric dentists.
Do all cavities need to be filled?
Yes, all cavities need to be filled. Sometimes if the decay is minor, then our pediatric dentists may offer other treatment options such as fluoride treatments or sealants or proper oral hygiene techniques etc. But if the cavities are extensive and have a potential to cause further damage if left untreated, then yes fillings have to be done.
How do I prepare my child before the filling treatment?
The process is very simple, but you might want to explain to your child that the process of fillings is done only to strengthen the tooth and to remove all the decay that is present. Explaining all this and reasoning with the child about the importance of cleaning the infection and strengthening their tooth helps a lot.
When a cavity becomes too large, it can begin to eat all the way through a tooth and approach the nerve of a baby tooth. If this happens, the tooth and gums may become infected and swollen. Conditions like this can call for a baby root canal.
Baby root canals are when the pediatric dentist removes the decayed tooth structure and the infected portion of pulp, nerve and blood vessels that are diseased or causing pain. When it comes to baby root canals, there are 2 versions that can take place.
It is important to note that as opposed to adult root canals, baby root canals are different. For children, the tooth’s shape and position is salvaged as opposed to completely extracted and taken out.
The procedure for a baby root canal can be split up into three parts:
Baby root canals attempt to save as much of a tooth as possible. So after removing any diseased or infected area, the tooth’s structure is usually kept, while supported by a crown, in order to maintain the shape of the tooth in the smile.
It is common thought that baby teeth will eventually fall out anyways, however in this case it does not mean a tooth should automatically be extracted. It is better to conduct the baby root canal and to maintain the structure of the tooth. By doing this, it allows for other teeth in the mouth to grow and develop into the right places when permanent tooth also come in. By ensuring that the original tooth can be kept in its position, it will help the child retain full function of their smile, teeth, jaw and tongue.
There are some signs that can point to a possible need for a baby root canal. These include:
Unlike adult root canals, baby root canals are actually pretty simple and usually can be finished in a single visit.
Yes, Baby root canals can be necessary for children who have deep cavities that affect the nerve. When the nerve is severely affected, it can cause uncomfortable pain, swellings and indirectly affect the eating and sleeping patterns of the child. Your child will need to have a root canal done to ease the pain and save the tooth from further damage.
A baby root canal can usually take around thirty to sixty minutes. If the decay on the tooth is more severe, it can take about ninety minutes for the procedure.
Dental crowns are more commonly associated with general dentists, however when it comes to dentistry for children, dental crowns are just as important to the development of your child’s smile.
Dental crowns are steel material caps that is in the shape of a tooth. These tooth shaped crowns act as caps for a damaged tooth.
The reason you need a dental crown is when a tooth is treated after a baby root canal or if there is a deep filling which may have a tendency to break we suggest a baby crown. These are important to maintain the shape, form and position of the tooth which helps the permanent teeth in future too.
Some quick reasons why you would need a crown:
Maintains proper tooth shape for eating
Dental Crowns, especially stainless steel ones, are designed to last children until the baby tooth falls out and adult teeth come in. They are extremely durable and effective at preventing further decay.
Dental crowns are quick and easy to work and usually finish in a single visit. When applying a dental crown, the process will normally go as follows:
These crowns usually last until the baby tooth fall out and the adult tooth comes in.
