We used our last blog to talk about the steps we offer to prevent cavities from forming in a child’s smile, such as fluoride treatments or dental sealants. But what if a child develops a cavity, and the decay is located in a baby tooth? Does this tooth still need a filling, couldn’t the issue simply wait? In today’s blog, your Austin, MN, dentists will explain why baby teeth do need fillings to treat cavities!
The Dangers of Cavities in Baby Teeth
The baby teeth do fall out with time, only to be replaced with the permanent ones. However, this could happen weeks, months, or even years following a cavity. Which means lack of treatment enables a minor cavity to become a serious one, or an infection. Your children experiences serious discomfort, and the risk of premature tooth loss only increases. In fact, the tooth may need to be extracted to prevent the spread of infection! Once a tooth is lost early, this impacts how the permanent teeth erupt, and could mean dental misalignment that requires orthodontic care in the future.
Warning Signs
If you bring your child in for routine checkups and cleanings every six months, then our team will be able to identify the issue in the earliest stages of demineralization. Otherwise, you may not know your child needs help until he or she reports sensitive teeth when they eat or drink, or a toothache that doesn’t go away. At this point, please schedule an appointment so we can examine the teeth to watch for signs of cavities. We can then administer a treatment to prevent infection and worsening discomfort!
Placing a Filling
Our fillings don’t use metal, instead we employ a composite resin that is metal-free and safe for kids of all ages. The restoration can be tinted to blend with the tooth too, offering a lifelike experience too. We use a numbing agent and may offer sedation to ensure your child is comfortable. Then we remove decay and apply the material in several layers. We the cure the composite resin under a light as we sculpt and mild the tooth. Finally, we polish the tooth for a lifelike appearance. The entire process only takes one visit, and with routine checkups and cleaning afterward, can help safeguard your smile from cavities. If you have any questions about treating tooth decay in childhood, then contact our team today to learn more.
Does Your Child Have a Toothache?
We would like to help your kids enjoy optimal oral health, and that includes a cavity-free smile. Be sure to contact Potach and Mitchel Dental in Austin, MN, today at 507-437-6312. We want to help your child avoid the complications of an untreated cavity.
