Fillings
At Smiles 4 Keeps, we understand the importance of dental care for children. When it comes to tooth decay, a filling serves as a crucial solution. Our skilled pediatric dentists take the necessary steps to address this issue. First, they remove the decay and then proceed to fill the cavity with a tooth-colored composite resin, meticulously smoothing and polishing the tooth’s surface. Neglecting this repair could result in the ongoing decay of cavities, allowing for the accumulation of food, plaque, and harmful bacteria within the cavity, leading to further damage.
Crowns
At Smiles 4 Keeps, we want to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of dental care for children, including the use of crowns.
A crown, as viewed from our perspective, is like a protective, tooth-shaped cap that envelopes and safeguards the entire tooth. We typically recommend crowns for substantial repairs, such as when multiple fillings are required in a single tooth or when a tooth is broken. Crowns, being more durable than fillings, play a vital role in maintaining the health of baby teeth until they naturally fall out. In most cases, they serve as a reliable method to safeguard back molars, which typically shed around the age of 12.
While crowns may entail higher initial costs, they often prove to be more cost-effective in the long run. However, it’s important to be aware of a few drawbacks. One is that more of the original tooth structure must be removed to accommodate the crown properly within the existing bite. Additionally, their size can be visually unappealing, particularly when stainless steel crowns are used, and porcelain crowns may be susceptible to chipping.
How to Prevent Dental Fillings
Did you know that some people go their whole lives without ever needing a filling? This may be due to genetic factors, such as teeth strength and shape, but oral hygiene plays a large role as well! At Smiles 4 Keeps, we don’t believe that fillings have to be a part of everyone’s life. With proper education and prevention techniques, we can help children of all ages avoid ever needing a filling again.
You can significantly decrease the risk of your child getting cavities and needing fillings by:
- Brushing their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Rinsing their mouth after every meal
- Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet
- Avoiding sugary foods and beverages
- Visiting a Smiles 4 Keeps dentist regularly, preferably twice per year