How Do Pediatric Dentists Fill Cavities?
Treating a pediatric cavity doesn't differ too much from treating a regular cavity. Here's what will happen during your child's appointment:
- First our San Antonio pediatric dentist will make sure the child is comfortable. She will explain what's happening in a child-friendly way to help reduce any anxiety the child might feel. She will then numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic so that your little one doesn't feel anything. If they are very anxious, she may recommend sedation dentistry to help them stay calm.
- Once the area is numb, Dr. Angie will use a small, specialized drill to remove the decayed part of the tooth. The goal here is to remove all the decay and bacteria to prevent further decay.
- After the decayed material is removed, the dentist will clean the area to ensure no bacteria or decay is left behind.
- Dr. Angie will then fill the cavity with a dental filling material, which can be made of composite resin or different amalgams.
- Once the cavity is filled, the dentist will finish and polish the tooth to make sure it's smooth and won't interfere with the child's bite.
What Happens After the Treatment
Your child will still be under the effects of the anesthesia for a few hours, but once they go away, they will likely experience some minor pain and discomfort. This is normal and can be managed with pain medication. Make sure to only give your child soft foods and drinks, ensure they chew on the other side of the mouth, and be careful about their oral hygiene.
Does Your Child Need a Filling?
If your child has a toothache, book an appointment with Dr. Angie Sage from Alamo Heights Pediatric Dentistry.
You can get in touch with us online today!
