.png)
Treat Tooth Decay & Cavities
Dental Fillings IN MARSHFIELD
If you suspect that your child has a cavity, it’s important to get them the help they need right away to restore their smile. Left untreated, cavities can cause additional damage to your child’s smile, including a lot of pain and discomfort. If you think your child may need a filling to repair a cavity, come see Dr. Julie Hantson at Marshfield Pediatric Dentistry right away.
Signs of Cavities & Decay
Does my child need a dental filling?
In most cases, fillings are the best option for restoring minor cavities. If your child has been complaining about a sore tooth or you notice discoloration or visible pitting on one or more of their teeth, they may have a cavity.
Cavities are a very common problem among kids. About 43% of all kids ages 2 and older have had at least one cavity, and many kids get multiple cavities in both baby teeth and adult teeth.
During the filling process, Dr. Julie Hantson will remove any damaged or decayed enamel from your child’s tooth, then rebuild it using a special dental composite, restoring the natural shape, function and appearance of your child’s tooth.
The Importance of Fillings
Why repair baby teeth?
It may seem counterintuitive to get a filling if your child’s baby tooth has a cavity. Don’t baby teeth fall out on their own? The answer is yes, but they are still very important for your child’s oral development as long as they remain in place. Some baby teeth, like your child’s molars, won’t fall out until the age of 12-13.
In addition, if an untreated cavity causes a tooth infection and requires you to have one of your child’s baby teeth extracted prematurely, their oral development can be affected. The baby teeth help promote proper eruption of the permanent teeth. For these reasons, you should always have your child’s cavities filled as soon as you notice them, even if they are only affecting their baby teeth.
What to Expect
The filling process
Your child’s filling will only take about an hour at Marshfield Pediatric Dentistry. First, we will gently clean and numb their mouth. Once the treatment area is completely numb, Dr. Hantson will remove any damaged or decayed enamel from the tooth, and clean it to prepare for the filling.
Once your child’s tooth has been prepared, Dr. Hantson will choose a tooth-colored composite filling, and apply it to their tooth layer-by-layer, rebuilding its natural shape. Then, the tooth will be trimmed and sculpted to ensure the filling fits perfectly. Dr. Hantson will check your child’s bite and make any necessary adjustments. Then, the filling will be polished to ensure a seamless appearance, completing the procedure.
Keeping your Child Safe & Comfortable
Sedation at Marshfield Pediatric Dentistry
We let you stay in the room with your child during their filling appointment, and we also offer minimal inhaled sedation with nitrous oxide to ensure they can stay comfortable and feel safe during the filling procedure. Contact us to learn more, and schedule your appointment with Dr. Hantson.
.png)
.png)