What You Should Know About Cavity Treatment for Kids
Is
cavity treatment for kids truly necessary? Many parents assume that it is not important for baby teeth, as these will fall out on their own eventually. However, dealing with tooth decay in a timely manner is essential for patients of all ages, including young children.
Why is it important to treat cavities in children?
Untreated tooth decay can cause serious issues and should never be left to fester. Over time, cavities can lead to severe discomfort, potential infections, and even abscessed teeth. Chronic, untreated tooth decay can also cause premature tooth loss in young children. This can be a problem because it can lead to several negative side effects, including:
- Problems with digestion
- Speech issues
- Severe bite or alignment problems
Following a dentist's recommendations for cavity treatment can help families avoid serious and unnecessary dental health issues.
What options are available as cavity treatment for kids?
There are many ways a pediatric dentist may approach cavities in young children. The treatment plan chosen will vary based on the child's age, overall dental health, and the severity of the decay.
Silver diamine fluoride
Some children may develop a cavity early in life and simply are not able to tolerate invasive dental work. In other situations, a dentist may find a cavity in its very early stages before any serious damage has been done. In these cases, a dentist may recommend the use of silver diamine fluoride. This topical treatment helps kill the bacteria that cause decay while strengthening tooth enamel to prevent further erosion. This is not a permanent solution but can be used on baby teeth that are expected to fall out soon. It can also help significantly slow the progression of decay until other treatments can be performed.
Fillings
Dental fillings are the traditional option for treating cavities in patients of all ages. While the treatment may be unpleasant to some, pediatric dentists have many options available to make cavity treatment for kids as easy and pain-free as possible. Most offices will utilize nitrous oxide to help the child relax during the procedure. While they may feel a little off after the treatment is complete, they likely will not even remember the process of having a cavity filled.
Dental crowns
Children who have numerous cavities or severe decay may need dental crowns to protect and restore their teeth. These are usually recommended when tooth decay becomes a problem in the molars or other teeth towards the back of the mouth. Most children do not lose these teeth until around 12 years of age, so they must be preserved until their permanent counterparts erupt. Much like with fillings, dentists will use a variety of methods to keep patients comfortable during this type of dental treatment.
Conclusion
Most parents can expect their children to deal with tooth decay at some point in time. Cavity treatment for kids is essential for avoiding harmful complications while maintaining oral health. A pediatric dentist can help you determine which treatment plan is right for your child.
If you suspect your child may have a cavity, contact our office today. Our dentists can help create a treatment plan to keep your child's teeth strong for a lifetime of good oral health.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Cavity Treatment for Kids in Phoenix, AZ.