Tooth Filling
When your child has a cavity, they might feel a great deal of pain and discomfort. Getting help from an experienced dentist in Missoula MT can help your child take care of their teeth.
Getting a dental filling from a reputable dentist can prevent the spread of tooth decay, thus protecting the tooth from further damage. At Missoula Pediatric Dentistry, we stop tooth decay in its tracks by filling your child’s cavities with composite filling material.
Signs of a Cavity
Knowing the signs of a cavity can help you determine when your child has a problem. If your child complains about any one of the following problems, there’s a chance that they need dental fillings in Missoula MT.
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pain when biting down
- Pain at unpredictable times
If you examine your child’s tooth, you may also notice that there is discoloration on their tooth – or even a hole in the enamel! This is a sure sign of a cavity.
Who Is At Risk for a Cavity?
Cavities are a common childhood problem, especially among children who have poor brushing habits. The following are risk factors:
- Your child doesn’t brush their teeth when they should, either skipping brushing in the morning or in the evening
- Your child doesn’t floss
- Your child snacks a lot
- Your child brushes their teeth themselves – and they’re too young to do the work properly
Remember that kids need to have their teeth brushed for them until they’re about 7 or 8 years old. Little ones who brush their own teeth may miss parts, which can lead to cavities.
Getting a Filling? What to Expect
If your child has a cavity, here’s what you can expect from the experience:
Consultation
We’ll start by checking your child’s teeth for a problem. There are many things that can cause tooth pain and sensitivity, so we’ll start by diagnosing the problem.
Filling the Cavity
Pain management. Cavity filling can be painful, so we’ll numb the skin and inject an anesthetic into the area to desensitize their mouth and improve their overall comfort.
Getting rid of decay. Once area is numbed, then the dentist will use tools to get rid of the decay on the tooth. Your child won’t feel any discomfort during this process because the area will be numbed.
Installing the filling. Once the decayed material has been removed, the dentist will install the filling to fill the hole. It’s important to fill the hole to prevent future bacteria from lodging in the hole and making the tooth decay worse. After the filling is installed, the dentist will shape the filling to ensure it is smooth and comfortable.
Following the procedure, it’s normal for the tooth to be sensitive. This will go away with time.
Experiencing Tooth Pain? Call Your Dentist in Missoula MT Today
Your child doesn’t have to live with tooth pain – and in fact, they shouldn’t! Getting cavities treated and filled is important for your child’s dental health and oral hygiene. At Missoula Pediatric Dentistry, we encourage parents to talk to their children about their oral health. If your child is experiencing tooth discomfort, get them to the dentist right away.
For more information about how you can help your child maintain good oral hygiene, and for more information about treating your child’s cavity, call Missoula Pediatric Dentistry. We can help!
