Alternatives to Filling Cavities in Babies
Parents don’t want to see their children suffering in pain due to drilling and filling cavities- they always want to avoid that process. Some parents tend to ignore cavities on baby teeth since they will fall out anyway. However, a baby tooth is as important as an adult tooth. Understandably, you don’t want your kid to go through all the troubles when filling it, but it’s a must. Fortunately, innovation happens and offers parents other excellent options for treating tooth decay.
But it would still be best for your child if pediatric dentists assessed their situation. Depending on the child’s age and how far the decay has progressed, there are a few other alternatives to filling cavities in babies.
Silver Diamine Fluoride
Silver Diamine Fluoride is a spot decay treatment. The compound’s silver targets and kills the harmful bacteria that cause decay. Fun fact, National Institutes of Health researchers refer to Silver Diamine Fluoride as Silver Fluoride Bullet.
Going back, silver diamine fluoride is applied to the teeth with a small brush or special floss. The small amount of fluoride helps to strengthen and regenerate the tooth where it is most needed. Ammonia aids in the water solubility of the silver fluoride formula. It contains 38% silver fluoride salt, which has been rendered water-soluble by adding small amounts of it. This results in a liquid that dentists may quickly paint on teeth.
If you don’t like invasive treatment for your baby, SDF (silver diamine fluoride) could be an excellent option for kids with cavities. It is a great way to stop and reverse tooth decay without having to use a drill or freeze.
Metal-free Fillings
Metal-free filling is the go-to approach to cavity care. People no longer have to weigh the pros and cons of the traditional black amalgam fillings because this treatment option already exists. Pediatric dentists usually recommend this treatment when the cavity has progressed, and the only way to treat it is through a filling.
Dentists use fillings to fill in the holes left by cavities in your teeth. Cavities form when tooth decay starts to eat away at the enamel on the tooth’s surface and start to damage the inner layers. The damage may make people have tooth sensitivity to heat or cold. The dentin may therefore be exposed, which leads to toothaches. If a cavity is left neglected, it could damage the pulp chamber. At this point, a root canal procedure must be done to fix the tooth.
Ozone Therapy
People may be familiar with this treatment, but not in terms of dentistry. Ozone therapy is one of the dentist’s secret weapons against bacteria and deterioration.
Ozone therapy prevents and manages tooth decay through its antibacterial properties. You can avoid small cavities in the pits and fissures on the biting surfaces of the back teeth from developing larger with this treatment.
However, if the decay has worsened, you might consider other treatment options.
Contact Junior Smiles of Stafford to know more about other options in filling cavities
As a parent, you only want what’s best for your child; thus, if you suspect your child has cavities, the best option would be to contact your trusted pediatric dentist right away. Ask many questions about cavity treatment options to help you make an informed decision.
Read Next: 3 Benefits of Dental Sealants for Kids
Why Choose Junior Smiles of Stafford?
Our Stafford, VA team is well-versed in working with clients of various ages and backgrounds. They’ll take the time to get to know you and your family’s requirements, and they’ll work with you to design a treatment plan that suits your schedule. Sealants and fluoride treatments are just two of the many preventative care options we provide to keep your mouth healthy.
About Us
Visiting Junior Smiles of Stafford means you’re in good hands when it comes to receiving high-quality care. Your child’s dental health improves with each visit, ensuring a brighter smile for years to come. We adhere to the ADA and AAPD’s guidelines for best practices.
Where Are We Located?
Phone: (540) 699-2441
Fax: (540) 699-2464
Email: info@juniorsmilesofstafford.com
Monday and Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fridays and Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (By appointment only)
How to Book Your Kids First Appointment at Junior Smiles of Stafford
Fill out the form on our website. Within 24 hours, a member of our team will get back to you.