Fillings in Baby Teeth: What Parents Should Know

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Fillings in Baby Teeth

It’s only natural for a parent to want the best for their child in terms of health, and that means good teeth. Parents need help understanding just why fillings for decay prevention should be necessary for baby teeth. Let us break it down for you in order to keep you informed.

When are Fillings Necessary?

1. Sometimes, Saving The Baby’s Teeth Is Necessary

Baby teeth are where they are for a reason. Though they will fall out, they do so at a particular time. That will make your child able to chew various foods and sound out clear words and sentences. They reserve space to allow the adult teeth to grow after them.

If a baby tooth has decay or such a tooth is not treated, then it may end up confusing the adult teeth when growing. Basically, a filling saves the tooth and makes it stay in place until it is time for it to come out on its own.

2. Pain And Discomfort Will Be Avoided

Cavities hurt a lot, and if not healed, cavities can be very ulcerating. Cavities make it impossible for your child to eat or even sleep. A filling will avoid further development so that your child does not face this displeasure.

3. Prevention Of Complications Pertaining To Permanent Teeth

If a cavity is left untreated in a baby tooth, it can affect the adult tooth and erupt under the baby tooth. By having a filling, you are helping to make sure that teeth erupt and stay healthy over the course of a lifetime. This will prevent other, more serious problems from happening in the future.

Factors that Influence Treatment Needs

1. The Tooth’s Distance From Exfoliation

Sometimes, a dentist might actually say, “It’s not worth filling that cavity,” because a baby tooth is very loose and ready to come out. After all, the tooth is on its way out the door. However, if the cavity is very bothersome, it might be worth having it filled.

2. How Big And How Bad The Cavity Is

The dentist will take this opportunity to see how deep and how big the cavity is. A small cavity can be one that the dentist easily fills. A larger cavity will require more serious work. The cavity really needs to be stopped long before it becomes bad enough to cause other problems.

3. Cavity Risk Review For Children

Dentists also consider the possibility of your child experiencing further cavity development. If the options are high, your child may require restoration to prevent further damage. A dental examination will be performed on your child to determine their dental condition.

Benefits of Early Treatment

1. Impacts On Oral And General Health

Treating cavities when they are still small will help your child have good oral health. It will prevent other huge problems, such as intense pain or infections. The child will be able to eat properly and be at ease if the teeth are healthy.

2. Long-Term Benefits For The Development And Alignment Of The Teeth

Early cavity treatment in baby teeth allows the permanent teeth to erupt in their natural state and in the correct location. This lays the groundwork for a healthier smile and reduces the risk of more extensive treatment later.

When Restorations Are Not Required

1. When Restorations May Not Be Necessary

There will be times when a dentist feels that they do not have to be filled. A cavity that is very small, or the baby tooth is about to fall out, may mean that the children’s dentistry in Calgary will recommend monitoring the cavity and not placing a filling.

2. Need For Regular Check-Ups And Monitoring

Although no filling is required as of now, a check-up by the dentist is still necessary. The development of your child’s teeth will be constantly checked by the dentist, thereby informing you in advance of any alteration that might be needed. More than that, frequent visits detect problems early before they develop into potential problem areas.

Urge Parents to Prioritize Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular visits to the dentist are the best prevention for caring for your child’s teeth. This way, you can identify the problems at the face of it with your dentist and receive the most proper advice. Keep in mind that the healthiness of your baby’s teeth is a guarantee of better dental health for your child in the future.

Consult Inglewood Family Dental For Your Child’s Health

Fillings are the best way to take care of your child’s teeth while also ensuring their overall health. We hope that with this article, you have all the information related to baby teeth fillings. If you still have any further concerns, consult our in-house Calgary dentist at Inglewood Family Dental.

About Author

Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh is a skilled Calgary dentist passionate about oral health. Graduating from the University of Alberta, he brings advanced dental knowledge to Inglewood Family Dental. Dedicated to patient care, Dr. Arash also volunteers his time on dental missions, improving oral health globally.