Reverse Teeth And Mouth Issues For Your Child
Baby teeth play a vital part in proper speech development, nutritional intake and in maintaining space for adult teeth.
With restorative care, we repair and/or replace the tooth/teeth before it can cause health problems, or self-esteem issues.
We deliver a child focused, supportive approach to restorative care with procedures like fillings, crowns, space maintainers, tooth extractions and treatment of the nerves damaged by deep cavities.
Questions about your child's restorative care? Contact us.
Children's Restorative Care Q/A
Q | What treatments are there for children that require teeth restoration?
A | There are several treatments available for children that require teeth restoration, including:
- Dental fillings: This is a common treatment for children who have cavities. The dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the area with a filling material, such as composite resin or amalgam.
- Crowns: Children may need crowns if they have a tooth that is extensively decayed or fractured. A crown is a cap that is placed over the tooth to protect and restore its shape and function.
- Pulpotomy: This is a treatment for children with a infected or inflamed pulp (the innermost layer of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels) that is not yet severe enough to require a pulpectomy (root canal treatment).
- Stainless Steel Crowns: Commonly used for primary molars and incisors, stainless steel crowns are pre-fabricated crowns that are cemented over the tooth.
- Space maintainers: These are devices that are used to preserve the space of a lost baby tooth, until the permanent tooth is ready to come in.
- Orthodontic treatment: Braces or other orthodontic devices may be used to correct problems with the alignment of the child's teeth and jaw.
It's important to note that the treatment will depend on the individual case and your dentist can recommend solutions after a thorough examination.
Q | Do children get root canals?
A | Children can require root canals if they have an infected or inflamed pulp (the innermost layer of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels). A root canal procedure, also known as pulpectomy, is done to remove the infected pulp and clean the inside of the tooth. The tooth is then filled with a material called gutta-percha and sealed with a filling or crown to prevent re-infection.
Root canals in children are usually done on permanent teeth, but in some cases, it may be necessary for primary teeth (baby teeth) as well. Root canals in primary teeth are generally performed to preserve the space for the permanent tooth that will eventually replace it.
The type of treatment required will depend on the individual case, after a thorough examination and diagnosis by your dentist.
Q | Is it my fault my child has cavities?
A | There is no need to panic or be hard on yourself when you child has a cavity. Cavities in children are not typically caused by a single factor, but rather a combination of factors, including genetics, diet, oral hygiene, and access to dental care. It's important to remember that cavities are a common problem, and you are not alone.
Some things that may contribute to cavities in children include:
- A diet high in sugar
- Poor oral hygiene
- Lack of fluoride exposure
- Limited access to dental care
You play an important role in promoting oral health for your child. You can help prevent cavities by encouraging healthy eating habits, helping your child brush and floss their teeth properly, and taking them to the dentist for regular check-ups.
Talk to your dentist to understand the causes of your child's cavities, and how to prevent them from happening again. You can work together to establish a proper oral hygiene routine, establish a healthy diet and schedule regular check-ups to ensure your child's teeth are healthy.
Q | What happens if you leave fixing tooth decay in children until they are older?
A | If tooth decay in children is not treated in a timely manner, it can lead to any number of complications.
- Pain and discomfort: As the decay progresses, it can cause pain, making it difficult for the child to eat, sleep and concentrate on their daily activities.
- Loss of the tooth: If not treated, it can lead to the loss of the affected tooth, causing problems with the child's bite and speech, and may also lead to problems with the development of the child's permanent teeth.
- Spread of infection: If not treated, infection can spread to the roots of tooth, surrounding bone and tissue resulting in severe pain, swelling, and abscesses.
- Impact on overall health: Untreated in children, decay can lead to poor nutrition and overall health problems.
- More costly treatment: If the tooth decay is not treated quickly, it may require extensive, costly treatment in the future, including root canal or extraction.
It's important to catch tooth decay early and to treat it promptly. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices help to prevent tooth decay in children.
