Keeping your child's teeth healthy can sometimes involve dental procedures. Although these procedures may seem overwhelming or even scary, At General Dentistry 4Kids, Dr. Elleni Kapoor helps put patients at ease. When dental procedures such as fillings are needed, you want peace of mind knowing that your child is being cared for properly. Keep reading to learn more about children's fillings.
What Are Fillings?
Fillings are a dental procedure used to slow or stop dental decay. The cavity which has been created by the decay in the tooth is filled in with a material that will harden and protect the tooth. This procedure does require a local anesthetic.
When Do Children Need Fillings?
When you visit our pediatric dentist in Virginia Beach, VA, you may discover that your child needs fillings. Fillings are usually recommended when a cavity has developed on a tooth. A cavity is a spot where decay has worn away the enamel of the tooth. If left untreated, a cavity will only grow bigger and deeper. If the cavity grows very deep, it can expose the nerve in the tooth. This often results in a toothache and can even develop into an abscessed tooth.
The dentist will only recommend fillings in young children if the decay is threatening the adult teeth, which also lie beneath the surface of the gums.
How To Care for Fillings?
If your child receives a filling you will want to monitor them for the first few hours following the procedure. Your child's mouth will feel numb and they should not eat anything for a certain amount of time. Once the numbness has gone away, your child will need to care for their teeth the same way as before. It is especially important, though, after receiving fillings, to avoid sticky foods. These foods can dislodge a filling, which can be painful.
You can talk with our pediatric dentistry specialist in Virginia Beach, VA about other questions or concerns you may have concerning children's fillings. If you would like to learn more about our services, or you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Dr. Kapoor at General Dentistry 4Kids. Call (757) 965-3333 today.
