We are excited to announce that our office is now open with a limited schedule for all treatments and procedures, and that we’re taking additional special measures to ensure the health and safety of our patients and team members.
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We are excited to announce that our office is now open with a limited schedule for all treatments and procedures, and that we’re taking additional special measures to ensure the health and safety of our patients and team members.
read moreIs your child dealing with a cavity that will require a filling? This can be a stressful time both for the little one and the parent.
The good news is that you have nothing to worry about: the skilled pediatric dentists at Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry will help make sure your child’s oral health is taken care of. But if you have questions regarding how dentists do a filling on a child, keep reading to find out the answer.
The process of adding a filling to a child’s tooth is virtually the same as it is for adults. The dentist will carefully inspect the child’s teeth to assess the severity of the cavity, gently remove all the decayed tissue then add the dental filling to restore the tooth.
Of course, while it seems straightforward, getting a filling can be a rather scary moment for a child. The drill alone can give even adults a bit of anxiety, so apart from treating the tooth, it’s important to make sure the child is perfectly comfortable while in the dentist’s chair.
The dentist may recommend sedation even for a simple procedure such as getting a dental filling. The most common type of sedation used for children is nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. It’s a mild sedative that’s perfectly safe for children and adults.
The laughing gas is inhaled by the child through a special mask. Once the gas enters their system, the child will be more relaxed and even giggly, but they will have a much easier time sitting still and allowing the dentist to treat their tooth.
Though laughing gas is a mild sedative, it’s perfectly natural to wonder if it’s safe or truly necessary for your child. The Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry team will help explain all your options during your first appointment.
If the cavity is small and discovered in time, the dentist may be able to apply a dental sealant on top to prevent it from spreading further, and therefore avoid adding a filling. But, it generally depends on the size of the cavity.
Unfortunately, if left unchecked, there is a point where a filling cannot be avoided. If the cavity is too large and the dentist needs to remove a lot of the tooth during the cleaning process, the child may even need a dental crown to restore the tooth to its full function, even if it’s a baby tooth.
Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is here to help your little one’s smile stay happy and healthy long term!
If you suspect your child is dealing with a cavity, or just want to bring them in for a regular check-up, book an appointment today.
