At Howdy Pediatric Dental Studio, we know that even the most diligent cowpokes can run into troubles, and those troubles often come in the form of cavities. Keeping cavities corralled is a big part of what Dr. Shaffer and our team do here at Howdy, so we figured it was time to chat about these pesky varmints!
Cavities are bad news! But understanding what they are, how they happen, and how they’re treated is the recipe for success. With this knowledge tucked away in your saddlebags, parents and kiddos can be prepared to face cavities (and keep them at bay). Today, we’re saddling up to cover cavity fillings for kids—the what, why, and how of it all!
What in Tarnation is a Cavity?
First, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. A cavity is a tiny hole in the tooth caused by bacteria building its homestead in your child’s mouth. These little critters feast on sugary or processed foods left behind on teeth. As they chow down, they produce acids that eat away at enamel until a cavity forms.
We don’t want bacteria getting the best of our teeth, so remember: good oral hygiene is the way to stay out of trouble. Frequent brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist every six months will keep them at bay and keep those chompers bright!
Cavity Catching: Get Those Smiles Back in the Saddle
What’s the process when it’s time to face down a cavity? First, your dentist will remove the decay to ensure the only sheriff in town is healthy enamel. Then, they’ll replace the missing enamel with a filling. Once your kiddo’s pearly white is all polished up, they’re good to go!
Ensuring Every Kiddo is Comfortable
But hold your horses—we know fancy procedures can get even the bravest wranglers shakin’ in their boots. We are pediatric specialists at heart, so our top priority is ensuring our patients keep their spirits up in their appointments!
To make sure your child is comfortable, your child’s pediatric dentist may use a local anesthetic to numb the area so they won’t feel any pain. They may also dab some topical anesthetic jelly on the area. That way, the needle feels less like a jab and more like a gentle nudge.
Is your buckaroo still nervous? That’s ok – some practices can even offer sedation dentistry services while caring for your child’s smile!
Pediatric Cavity Fillings for Small Smiles
Now, let’s talk about the different types of fillings a dentist can use for patients. You’re probably familiar with amalgam fillings. These are fillings made using metal to create a durable filling. They usually include tin, copper, zinc, and silver. There are also tooth-colored options, like composite resin or ceramic. They blend into your child’s smile and can even be specially created to match the color of surrounding teeth!
Treating cavities promptly is vital for keeping that smile healthy, happy, and shining. Putting off cavity fillings can lead to more significant trouble down the trail. Fillings help strengthen weakened teeth, preserve tooth structure, keep chewing easy, and make chompers look even better!
Say Howdy to Healthy Smiles in Napa, CA!
Cavity fillings may sound a bit daunting, but at Howdy Pediatric Dental Studio, we ensure that every visit (even one with cavities) is handled with comfort and care in mind. As the Best in the West, we’ve got pediatric dental services to keep you covered for miles! Saddle up and reserve an appointment with Howdy Pediatric Dental Studio today!