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Gentle Care for Cavities
Dental Fillings
Tooth decay is the single most common preventable chronic childhood disease, and even with great at-home oral care, your child may end up with a cavity. If your child has a cavity, it’s very important to see Dr. Wendy Yang for a filling ASAP. The sooner their cavity is filled at Sprouting Smiles Pediatric Dentistry , the more likely you are to avoid common complications like tooth infections. to schedule a consultation in San Diego right away.
Common Types Of Dental Fillings
Composite, Amalgam, Glass Ionomer
Our San Diego pediatric dentists offer a few different types of fillings at Sprouting Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Most commonly, we use composite fillings, which are tooth-colored and are made of a special blend of resin and crushed glass. They are very strong and durable, and look natural in your child’s mouth.
Glass ionomer is a type of clear or tooth-colored filling that’s made of silica, calcium, alumina, and a few other materials. This type of material is very resistant to wear, so it’s also a great option.
Amalgam fillings, which use a blend of metals including tin, mercury, zinc, and silver to restore a cavity. Amalgam is very durable and strong, but it does discolor the tooth since it has a silver-gray color, so it’s mostly only used for baby teeth rather than adult teeth.
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Adult
Recognizing The Signs
How Do I Know If My Child Needs a Filling?
Tooth sensitivity is a common sign of a cavity. If your child complains of a tooth that’s sensitive when they consume hot or cold foods or drinks or sugary snacks, this could be due to a cavity. Discomfort when biting or chewing may also indicate the presence of a cavity.
You may also be able to recognize a cavity visually. Looking into your child’s mouth using a flashlight, look for brown, black, or gray spots on a tooth, or for visible pits or holes in the teeth. If you notice any of these issues, they may have a decayed tooth.
Toothaches also may happen, and indicate a serious cavity that may have caused a tooth infection. If your child has a serious toothache that lasts 1-2 days without getting better, contact Sprouting Smiles Pediatric Dentistry right away for a consultation with Dr. Wendy.
What to expect
What is the Filling Process Like for Kids?
The filling process is fast, pain-free, and usually takes less than an hour at our San Diego office. First, Dr. Wendy Yang will clean your child’s mouth and numb the treatment area to ensure they feel no discomfort during the process.
Then, Dr. Wendy will use a dental drill to gently clean out the cavity and remove damaged enamel. Once the cavity has been prepared, she will apply the filling material directly into the cavity, where it will be hardened and shaped using special dental tools.
When the overall shape of the filling looks right and your child’s tooth has been restored, Dr. Wendy will check your child’s bite to make sure it fits properly, and make final adjustments to ensure the filling looks and feels completely natural. Then, you and your little one will be sent home.
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