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Gentle Restorations for Growing Smiles
Restorative dentistry is the prevention and treatment of diseases of the teeth to restore or bring them back to their best health. Restorative dentistry also includes the repair or replacement of damaged or defective teeth.
What are the most common pediatric restorative procedures?
- Pulpotomy, or treatment of the nerve
- Silver stainless steel crowns or White Crowns
- Silver or white fillings in a tooth or teeth
- Extractions (removing teeth)
Important procedures of restorative dentistry used for kids
Composite Fillings (White fillings)
Composite fillings are primarily made up of resin. They are tooth-colored restorations and therefore give your teeth their natural color and look. Fillings are used to fill cavities in children’s teeth. These are however the small ones; the larger ones need other restorations like a stainless steel crown. In adults however, cavities are always resolved with fillings – the composite fillings that is.
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Stainless Steel Crowns
Crowns or the stainless steel crowns as they are popularly referred to as, provide full coverage to the tooth thus protecting it from any further decay. The only drawback of stainless steel crowns are their aesthetic appearance, as some parent object to their silver appearance. But as far as longevity and durability is concerned, stainless steel crowns are way too superior!
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Pulpotomy, or treatment of the nerve
A pulpotomy, or nerve treatment, is done when there is a large amount of decay (such as a deep cavity), when there is pain from an infected tooth, or when the decay is very close to touching the pulp, or nerve of the tooth. If not treated properly and promptly, your child could develop a serious infection or lose the tooth. A special drill is used to clean out the cavity and the top part of the nerve. The pulp is then sterilized, and medicine is put over the empty space to control bleeding. The entire nerve or a part of it may be removed, depending upon the amount of decay. Stainless steel will be fitted over the remaining part of the tooth. The crown will be placed over the tooth at the same appointment.
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Anterior Composite Crowns
Anterior composite crowns are aesthetic and durable restorations designed for the front teeth. Made from tooth-colored materials, they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, offering a beautiful and functional solution for damaged or decayed front teeth. These crowns are custom-made to match the shape and color of your teeth, providing a natural look while restoring strength and structure.
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Extractions (removing teeth)
A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth. A child might need an extraction for several reasons. An extraction might be needed if your child has a severe infection or a very large cavity. Extractions may also be done if your child has spacing problems, such as crowding, or if space needs to be made for orthodontics (braces).
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Glass Ionomer Restorations
Glass ionomer restorations are tooth-colored fillings that bond directly to the tooth surface. Made from a blend of glass particles and organic acids, they release fluoride to help protect against future decay. These restorations are durable, biocompatible, and ideal for areas that are less visible, offering a reliable solution for treating cavities, especially in areas with lower bite pressure.
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Zirconia (White) Crowns
Zirconia crowns are durable, white restorations that provide an excellent aesthetic solution for visible teeth. Known for their strength and natural appearance, zirconia crowns blend seamlessly with your smile while offering long-lasting protection. They are an ideal choice for front teeth, as they are highly resistant to wear and staining, ensuring both beauty and functionality.
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Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are dental devices used to keep the proper space open in the mouth when a child loses a baby tooth prematurely. By preserving the space, they help ensure that permanent teeth come in properly aligned. These simple, non-invasive devices are important for preventing crowding and other alignment issues in the future.
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Are there other restorative methods for children?
No. Although restorative dentistry includes important elements like bridges, dentures and implants, these are not applicable to children’s teeth for obvious reasons. Considering their age where they possess temporary teeth mostly, other procedures are futile and hence not recommended. .
So if you are dreading the possibility of cavities appearing on your baby’s teeth or if the child is inherently prone to this, then start early: consult your pediatric dentist and go for the restorative treatments as early as possible. The earlier you start the lesser are the threats to your baby’s teeth!
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We love kids as much they love us. Our friendly and compassionate approach helps you to make your child understand the importance of visiting a dentist and dental hygiene. Call us today for appointments.