At Buckeye Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that learning your child has a cavity can be stressful for both you and your little one. Our compassionate team, led by Dr. Lucia and Dr. Marlina, is here to make cavity treatment for children in Columbus as smooth and stress-free as possible. We specialize in creating a kid-friendly environment that helps children feel at ease while restoring their oral health.
What Is a Cavity?
A cavity is a small hole in the tooth caused by tooth decay. Decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars from food and beverages, producing acids that erode the tooth’s enamel. If left untreated, cavities can worsen, leading to pain, infection, and difficulty eating.
Cavities are common in children, as their developing teeth and habits make them more prone to decay. Regular dental exams and cleanings are essential to detect and address cavities promptly.
Why Fill Cavities in Baby Teeth?
Some parents wonder if cavities in baby teeth really need treatment since these teeth will eventually fall out. The answer is yes—baby teeth are crucial to your child’s oral development and overall health. Here are a few things to think about why filling cavities in baby teeth is important:
- Preserve Tooth Function: Baby teeth help your child chew and speak properly.
- Protect Permanent Teeth: Untreated cavities in baby teeth can lead to infection, which may damage the underlying permanent teeth.
- Maintain Proper Alignment: Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth. Losing a tooth too early can cause alignment issues when permanent teeth come in.
Filling cavities instead of extracting baby teeth helps ensure your child’s oral health stays on track.
How We Make Cavity Treatment Comfortable
We know the idea of a cavity filling can be intimidating for young children, but our team takes every step to ensure your child feels safe and comfortable during their visit.
What to Expect During Cavity Treatment
- Gentle Examination: First, we thoroughly examine the cavity and determine the best treatment approach.
- Kid-Friendly Explanation: We explain the procedure to your child in an age-appropriate way to help them feel at ease.
- Local Anesthetic: To ensure your child doesn’t feel any pain, we use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth.
- Removing the Decay: We gently remove the decayed portion of the tooth using specialized dental tools.
- Filling the Tooth: After cleaning the area, we fill the cavity with a tooth-colored material that blends seamlessly with the rest of the tooth.
- Finishing Touches: Finally, we polish the filling and check the bite to ensure everything feels comfortable for your child.
What if My Child is Really Anxious?
At Buckeye Pediatric Dentistry, sedation dentistry ensures children are comfortable and relaxed during dental procedures. The office offers various sedation options, including general anesthesia, which is especially beneficial for children with dental anxiety, functional needs or those requiring extensive treatments.
The team creates a calm, reassuring environment, prioritizing comfort and safety. Close monitoring and care help make each visit stress-free, enabling children to receive necessary care without discomfort.
Tips for Preventing Cavities
While cavity treatment is effective, prevention is always the best approach. Help your child maintain a healthy smile by:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily to clean between teeth
- Limiting sugary snacks and drinks
- Scheduling regular dental exams for infants and children
Scheduling dental exams for infants as early as their first birthday is critical to establishing healthy oral care habits.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If your young child needs a cavity filled, Buckeye Pediatric Dentistry in Columbus is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lucia or Dr. Marlina. Together, we’ll protect your child’s smile and make each visit as comfortable and positive as possible.
