Tooth decay is one of the most common dental issues among children. In fact, cavities affect nearly half of children between the ages of 2 and 11. To treat cavities, we use dental fillings to halt the decay from damaging teeth any further. When a tooth develops a cavity, a small hole or pit forms on the surface of the enamel. This happens when bacteria produce acids in the mouth. With dental fillings, our SmileCity Pediatric Dentistry team can restore the structure of the tooth to prevent further decay. Our office also provides additional pediatric dental services to new and existing patients in Leesburg, Virginia.
Dental Fillings in Leesburg, VA
The process of getting a dental filling for your child typically has several steps. Before we even start the filling, Dr. Mark and Dr. SK will examine their teeth. Our team may use digital x-rays or scans to see the full extent of the decay to see what treatment to use. We also want to make sure your child is comfortable during the procedure. So, we will use local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth.
Next, we need to remove the decay from their tooth. Dr. Mark and Dr. SK will use a dental drill or other instrument to get rid of the decayed portion of the tooth. We will also need to clean the tooth to make sure there is no bacteria left behind. Then, we will fill the cavity with a filling material.
After we place the filling, Drs. Adabi will shape it to match the natural contours of their tooth. This step helps the tooth blend in with the rest of their smile as well as create a comfortable bite. Finally, we will polish the filling to achieve a smooth surface.
Benefits of Dental Fillings for Kids
Pediatric dental fillings offer several benefits for children’s oral health. To begin, fillings help restore the structure and function of decayed teeth. This allows kids to eat, speak, and smile comfortably. When we seal off the cavity, the fillings prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth and causing more decay.
While baby teeth do eventually fall out, they play a crucial role in chewing, speech development, and tooth alignment. If children have issues with the alignment of their baby teeth, it can affect the alignment of their adult teeth. Dental fillings will help preserve baby teeth until they are naturally replaced.
Untreated cavities can lead to toothaches, infections, and even abscesses. This can cause children a lot of pain and discomfort. Fillings get rid of this pain and prevent more serious dental problems.
Concerns About Dental Fillings
Parents may have concerns about the safety and effectiveness of dental fillings for their children. We want to address any of your concerns with the right information.
The dental fillings we use for your children are safe and tested to ensure durability and compatibility with their mouths. Dr. Mark and Dr. SK carefully select the most suitable filling material based on the size and location of the cavity. We also take your child’s age and dental history into account.
Modern dental techniques help reduce any pain during the filling procedure. We strive to create a positive and comfortable experience for children.