We all want the best for our kids, including helping them have excellent oral health. So parents do everything they can to keep their kids’ teeth healthy. But in spite of all of these efforts, sometimes a little restoration dentistry is needed to keep kids’ teeth healthy and strong.
According to the CDC, over 50 percent of children aged 6-8 have at least one cavity in their baby teeth. Treating these cavities and other dental issues can help your child have healthy teeth as they grow into adolescence.
Let’s take a look at everything parents and children need to know about pediatric restoration dentistry.
What Is Restoration Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing damage caused by tooth decay and accidents. Tooth restoration can help your child have strong, healthy teeth. They will avoid toothache, extractions, and the problems that go along with having discolored or missing teeth.
Pediatric Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry for children focuses on a few techniques that help them to maintain the use of their primary, or baby, teeth. These fixtures are temporary. However, they use the same standards of care and high-quality materials as adult restorations.
Aesthetics matter in pediatric restorative dentistry. Conspicuous restorations can dent a child’s self-confidence. So look for a dentist that only uses tooth-colored fillings that blend in with their natural teeth.
In adults, restoration dentistry also includes dental implants. However, dental implants are not appropriate for children who are still growing. In most cases, they will only be considered in people over the age of 18.
Cavity Fillings
Cavity fillings are the most common restorative dental procedure for children. When you take your child for a six-monthly checkup, the pediatric dentist will carefully check each tooth for any signs of decay.
However, parents can also look out for signs of cavities between visits. These include:
- Discoloration, such as white spots or dark spots on the teeth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Swelling in the mouth
- Avoiding eating
If you spot any of these signs, bring your child to see a dentist as soon as possible.
During a cavity-filling procedure, the dentist will carefully remove all of the decay from the tooth. They will then fill the cavity with a composite material.
Benefits of Dental Fillings in Children
In the past, it was common to extract baby teeth that had cavities. These days, this is no longer standard practice, and there are several benefits that come from tooth restoration.
Firstly, your child will not have gaps in their teeth before the adult tooth is ready to emerge. This can prevent the adult tooth from emerging incorrectly.
Also, baby teeth play an important role in your child’s ability to speak and chew food correctly. So rather than feeling problems with baby teeth are not important, bring your child to the dentist as soon as you notice any issues.
Crowns
Dental crowns are another common restorative procedure than can preserve baby teeth. They are recommended when:
- The tooth has a large cavity that cannot be filled with a cavity filling
- The tooth has been broken in an accident
- The tooth is not developing normally
If a tooth has a large cavity or has been broken, it is at high risk of becoming infected or falling out. Crowns completely cover the exposed part of the tooth. They can provide excellent protection until the tooth is ready to come out naturally.
During a crown procedure, the dentist will file the tooth down, removing the entire exterior of the tooth. They will then attach a crown – a tooth-colored artificial tooth – that will completely cover the natural tooth.
Benefits of Dental Crowns in Children
Dental crowns are very strong and natural looking. They keep the remaining teeth in the correct position. This helps the adult teeth to emerge correctly.
They can also help your child’s facial and jaw muscles to continue developing properly. Additionally, they can reduce problems with chewing and speaking.
Pulpotomy
A pulpotomy is sometimes known as a “baby root canal.” It treats a tooth that has become infected. But unlike an adult root canal which removes the entire pulp and roots, the pulpotomy preserves as much of the pulp as possible.
This is important because the roots in your child’s tooth are alive. Preserving as much of them as possible helps their adult teeth to develop and emerge properly.
Anxiety-Free Tooth Restoration
Tooth restoration often brings a lot of anxiety. The right pediatric dental practice for you is one that understands this and does everything possible to put your child’s mind at ease.
Top pediatric dentists create a fun environment in the dental office. They explain things in ways that reduce kids’ anxiety.
They can also use anesthesia and sedation dentistry to ensure that your child is relaxed and not in pain during restorative dental procedures.
Reducing the Risk of Cavities
Recent research suggests that genetics may play a role in how likely your child is to develop cavities. If other relatives have had problems with caries, their chances of developing them may be higher.
However, even if your child’s genetic risk is high, the same advice applies to reducing the risk of developing cavities. Diets that are high in sugar create an acidic environment in the mouth. Sodas and sugary juices between meals are some of the worst culprits.
Your dentist may recommend dental sealants. They form a protective coating over the back teeth (molars) and can help to keep cavities at bay.
Children with special health care needs or those with orthodontics need extra help to keep on top of their oral hygiene.
Restoration Dentistry for Your Family
Restoration dentistry helps your children to preserve their baby teeth until their adult teeth are ready to emerge. Their teeth will look and feel great, and it will set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.
The team at Pediatric Dentistry of Hamburg is ready and waiting to welcome you and your child. We know how to put kids at ease so they can benefit from the very best in pediatric restorative dentistry.
To schedule an appointment, click here for our locations and contact details.
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