Children often develop cavities on their baby teeth, and this may put the development of permanent teeth in jeopardy if baby teeth were to fall out prematurely due to the cavities. Because of this, it is important for parents to strongly consider taking their child to the dentist for a dental filling if cavities develop.
Many children (and parents) feel anxious about taking their child to the dentist to have dental cavities filled. It is helpful for parents to gain an understanding of the dental filling process for kids so they can explain it to their child and help them feel more comfortable before the procedure.
A dental filling, also called a direct dental restoration, is a procedure designed to restore the size, shape, function and appearance of a tooth that is damaged by enamel decay. There are two different types of dental fillings, which are composite resin fillings and amalgam fillings. Composite resin fillings are more durable and blend in well with natural teeth, but amalgam fillings are more economically friendly. Many dentists recommend amalgam fillings for children as they are less concerned about the color shade and do not need the most durable option.
Although there are times when a child may need a dental filling for other reasons, the most common reason for a dental filling is to fill dental cavities. Dental cavities are holes in teeth that result from enamel breaking down. The enamel most commonly breaks down because of bacteria and food particles. They combine to cause an acidic reaction that affects the minerals inside the enamel. The risk of a cavity is much greater if the child does not brush regularly or eats foods that are high in sugar.
One of the biggest mistakes many parents make is assuming baby teeth do not need to be filled since they are destined to fall out anyway. However, it is important to have primary teeth filled as they can cause concerns if they were to fall out. Most notably, permanent teeth may start to emerge early if the baby teeth do not come out naturally. This can cause the permanent teeth to grow in crooked, increasing the chance of the child needing orthodontic treatment or extractions to make room for the teeth. This is, of course, on top of physical symptoms the child may experience due to the cavity.
Dental fillings for children are often needed for treating cavities. While it may seem pointless to care for a baby tooth, it is 100% necessary in order to ensure the health of the adult teeth. To get started, an evaluation should be scheduled. Reach out today to learn more or to ask questions about dental fillings for children.
Request an appointment here: https://www.aboutdentalcare.com or call About Dental Care at (435) 652-9105 for an appointment in our St. George office.
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