Kids have a high risk of developing tooth decay, and lack of treatment could mean painful infections, and in some cases, premature tooth loss and an increased risk of dental misalignment! Which is why we want to treat decay quickly with a dental filling. In today’s blog, your Round Rock, TX, pediatric dentist talks about kids’ dental fillings.

The Warning Signs of a Cavity

When children complain about tooth sensitivity when they eat and drink, or about a toothache, then you should contact our team. Persistent discomfort could mean the presence of a cavity. We also recommend regular checkup and cleaning visits every six months, as attending these means we can likely identify the presence of a cavity in the earliest stages, often before your little one experiences discomfort.

Don’t Ignore Decay in Baby Teeth!

Often, parents assume that since baby teeth fall out eventually, treating them for tooth decay isn’t necessary. But the fact is, months or even years could elapse between when a cavity forms and then the tooth could fall out, and ignoring it could cause more severe pain and even the onset of an infection, which threatens tooth stability. Losing a tooth early to decay and infection could cause dental misalignment to occur, as this alters how permanent teeth arrive. Even in baby teeth, a cavity needs to be treated.

The Filling Placement Process

When a child needs a filling, we will first sit them down and talk to them a bit about the procedure and their oral health. We then administer a local numbing agent to ensure they feel comfortable and relaxed, and we also have sedation for kids with high anxiety levels or special needs. When your little one is comfortable and relaxed, we will remove all decay from the tooth and clean it. Next, we apply the dental filling material. The composite resin we use is a mental-free blend of materials that we can shade to blend with the rest of the tooth. This is safe for kids of all ages as well! We apply the material and then shape the tooth as this composite resin cures under a special light. The last step is to actually polish the tooth for a brighter appearance.

If you have any questions about tooth decay prevention, or if you have a little one who needs a filling or a checkup and cleaning, then contact our team today to learn more.

Schedule a Visit With Your Round Rock, TX Dentist’s Office

Our team wants to help your children enjoy better oral health. If you have questions about how we treat cavities in little smiles, or if you wish to set up an appointment, you can reach Pediatric Dentistry Of Round Rock by calling 512-733-5311.