Many parents think dental cavities only happen to older kids and adults. In reality, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among American children. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, kids as young as six months old can get cavities, and more than half of children over six have them. If you ignore the early signs of cavities and leave them untreated, they can lead to severe pain, infection, tooth loss, and more complicated dental issues. These issues will later require more extensive and expensive treatments. However, if you notice them early, you can have cavities fixed with dental fillings.
A skilled children’s dentist can treat tooth decay discreetly with tooth-colored, composite cavity fillings to prevent the problem from worsening and causing complications. Read on to learn more about the advantages of tooth-colored fillings, the painless procedure, and how to prevent tooth decay in the first place.
Why Does My Child Need a Dental Filling?
Your children may need dental fillings if they have decayed, worn, or chipped teeth. Most cavities are visible and accompanied by pain and tooth sensitivity. However, some cavities are asymptomatic or not as visible. The best way to stay ahead of tooth decay is to visit a dentist regularly, such as Children’s Dentistry in Western Montana.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings, and What Are Their Advantages?
Tooth-colored or composite fillings are restorative materials resembling the natural color of your children’s teeth. They are a popular option in restorative dentistry because they fit inside a damaged tooth and protect it. Silver amalgam and gold are other materials for fillings, but composite fillings have several advantages. Let’s look at some of them.
1. Durable
Composite dental fillings in Western Montana are highly durable. They can last 10 years or more with proper care, including daily brushing and flossing.
2. Aesthetic
One of the main advantages of tooth-colored composite cavity fillings is that they blend in with the rest of your children’s teeth, unlike silver or gold fillings. So your child laughs, talks, or yawns, no one will even know they have fillings!
3. Non-Toxic
Silver amalgam fillings contain a low amount of mercury that can harm your children’s health. Meanwhile, composite fillings are free of mercury and entirely safe for your kids.
4. Minimally Invasive
Placing dental fillings for your children is a quick and minimally invasive procedure. It takes less than an hour and requires less removal of natural teeth compared to other types of fillings.
What is the Composite Cavity Filling Procedure?
The dentist will first numb your children’s teeth and gums using local anesthetics. Then he will remove the decayed part of the tooth and clean the treatment site before placing the composite material and curing it. Finally, he will adjust the filling so that it sits comfortably in your child’s mouth. This procedure is painless, and most kids won’t feel anything except for a bit of pressure. You can speak with the dentist about sedation options before the dental fillings procedure if your child is anxious about dental work.
Prevent Cavities From Forming
While composite cavity fillings can repair your kids’ damaged teeth, preventative dentistry is still important to prevent future concerns. Here are some things you can do to help your kids avoid dental caries:
- Limit sugary foods and juices
- Model healthy dental habits for them early on
- Take them to a children’s dentist every six months for a checkup
- Have them brush and floss their teeth daily
Create Beautiful Smiles with Children’s Dentistry
You can restore your kids’ decayed teeth with the best dental fillings in Western Montana at Children’s Dentistry. Our compassionate staff and experienced dentists are ready to help your kids feel comfortable and confident. Call our offices in Lolo, Frenchtown, or Superior to make an appointment. We are open Monday through Saturday, so you don’t have to miss work or have your kids skip school! Contact us now to repair your children’s teeth before the problem worsens. We can’t wait to welcome you to our Children’s Dentistry family!