Dental caries, often known as cavities, are the most prevalent childhood condition and, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the second most prevalent health issue in the United States. Cavities, or decay, are holes in teeth that develop from various causes related to poor dental hygiene and care. Tooth decay is a progressive condition that may be prevented with regular dental care and treated by a top pediatric dentist in Middletown if it has already reached an advanced stage.
Whether or not a kid receives treatment for cavities depends on the extent of the decay, the child's overall health, and other factors. The dentist can eliminate the decay and restore the tooth's normal, disease-free state using one of many methods. The treatment type also depends on whether the decay affects baby or adult teeth. Treatment options for cavities include:
Tooth-colored fillings are the most predominant method of treating decay. We use this method in cases of minor deterioration. First, the dentist cleans out the decay and then places a filling that matches the tooth's natural shade to restore the tooth's health and appearance. If the decay has spread near the pulp but has not exposed the nerves, a pulp capping procedure is necessary before placing a filling.
A pulpotomy helps remove the infected pulp from a child's tooth. Though it shares some similarities with a root canal, this treatment has several significant differences. To begin with, dental professionals typically perform pulpotomies on young patients. In addition, with a pulpotomy, just a little amount of the tooth's pulp is removed, as opposed to whole pulp removal during a root canal procedure.
To perform a pulpotomy, a dentist drills a hole in the tooth to expose the pulp chamber. Then they remove a small amount of the infected pulp and administer medication into the tooth. Finally, the dentist will seal the tooth. Depending on the extent of the injury, a crown may be necessary to protect it.
When decay has spread to the nerve of a baby tooth, a crown is the treatment of choice. When the crown of a baby tooth requires replacement, the dentist may recommend a porcelain or tooth-colored crown, a Zirconia white dental crown, or a stainless steel custom-shaped crown. The dental professional will remove the tooth's decaying portion using a dental drill, fill the tooth, and finally place a crown over the tooth for protection and aesthetic purposes.
Root canal therapy is required before placing a metal or porcelain crown if decay has reached the inner pulp of a permanent tooth or if an abscess has formed. When decay reaches the tooth nerves, a root canal is the last remaining option aside from extraction. After removing the infected pulp, the dentist will fill the root canal with medicines to speed healing. After restoring the tooth's inner health, they will place a filling to replace the extracted pulp.
Professional fluoride varnish treatment or even simply brushing with special fluoride toothpaste may occasionally halt and reverse a cavity if identified before it eats through the protective enamel, also known as the outer surface of the tooth. This treatment may help repair the enamel loss caused by a cavity or cavities. Fluoride levels in professional treatments are higher than those in commercial toothpaste or municipal water supplies. Varnish, gel, liquid, or foam are some treatment forms available. The dentist can apply the fluoride directly onto the teeth or put it in a tray so the patient can wear it over the teeth for a few minutes.
When decay in a baby tooth progresses to the point where an abscess forms, extraction is the only treatment choice. Extraction is also necessary for neglected permanent teeth so badly decaying that not even a root canal can help. When a top pediatric dentist removes an infected tooth, the surrounding teeth can shift to fill the gap. To avoid this, a bridge or dental implant should replace missing teeth, and a space maintainer should replace an extracted baby tooth.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings may help you avoid the discomfort and health risks associated with dental disorders, including tooth decay. It is possible to stop the progression of tooth decay and even reverse its consequences if parents visit a top pediatric dentist for treatment quickly enough. However, the treatment for cavities depends on the severity of the problem and the child's individual oral health needs.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
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