Restorative Dentistry
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Restorative Dentistry for Children at Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics
There may be occasions when restorative dentistry options are necessary to preserve your child’s teeth and prevent dental health issues. At Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics, we practice conservative dentistry for children with an emphasis on preserving the natural tooth structure. Whether your child needs a filling or crown, we will provide gentle and individualized care to procure the best smile for your child.
What Is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is the specialization of repairing damaged or decayed teeth. It aims to restore a tooth’s appearance and function. In children, evidenced based restorative treatment usually entails fillings or crowns. Restorative dentistry allows for the treatment of cavities, trauma, and other dental problems to help maintain a healthy and functional dentition.
Restorative dentistry can help prevent more serious consequences growing out of early problems; for instance, loss of teeth, infection, etc. At Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics, we develop individualized treatment plans for each child; carefully examining their needs and options for restoring oral health.
Repairs: Preserving Your Child’s Tooth Structure
Repairs or fillings are one of the most frequent treatments performed for children. They are used to repair tooth structure that has been destroyed due to decay and restore the strength and function of the tooth. The treatment begins with the dentist removing the decayed area of the tooth and cleaning it. Then a filling material is placed in the area to restore the shape of the tooth and to protect the area from more decay!
Historically, most fillings were made from amalgam (silver), with less favorable esthetics, however, in modern dentistry, the majority of fillings are made using composite resin filling material, which is tooth-colored and blends in with your child’s teeth better than other material options! In special circumstances, when a cavity is larger and located in the back of the mouth, older fillings may become a consideration.
Composite Resin Fillings are an Excellent Choice Because:
Aesthetically Pleasant:
Composite resin fillings are shaded to match your child’s natural tooth, so it appears nearly invisible.
Durable:
Composite fillings are durable, and can withstand the daily chewing pressures.
Minimum Amount of Tooth Removal:
Composite fillings bond directly to tooth structure, so not as much of your child’s natural tooth structure needs to be removed, compared to silver fillings.
Crowns: Performing Treatment of Severely Damaged Teeth
Sometimes a tooth may be so extensively damaged that the area cannot be restored by a dental filling, and this is when a crown may be recommended. A crown is a custom-made restoration that fits over the entire tooth and provides protection, as well as incorporation of the tooth’s functionality and aesthetics.
Crowns are indicated in the event of the following:
An excessive amount of decay exists,
An excessive amount of tooth structure was lost due to trauma, or
A large area of the tooth has been compromised,
There are several different types of crowns that your child can receive, depending on the location of the tooth and your child’s needs.
Stainless Steel Crowns:
Stainless steel crowns are frequently used for primary (baby) teeth and are favoured for their durability. Stainless steel crowns are a good choice for molars, as they contend with large chewing forces.
Resin Crowns:
Resin crowns are made of tooth coloured material which provides an aesthetic solution when the teeth are visible when smiling.
Zirconia Crowns:
Zirconia is a buildup material that is durable, strong, and tooth-coloured. Zirconia crowns are frequently used for children, who may be in need of long-lasting durability, aesthetics, or both qualities.
Large Cavities:
When a cavity is big enough, it cannot be fixed with a filling. When this happens, a crown is required to cover the remaining tooth structure and prevent further decay from occurring.
Fractured or Native Teeth:
There are times a child’s tooth structure is either compromised due to accidents and trauma. If a crown is not placed on compromised tooth structure, it will always be in risk of future breakage.
High-risk decay:
Families may have a higher risk of cavities. Therefore, crowns can be able to help protect teeth that are more susceptible to decay.
Preserve tooth structure:
When a tooth is either removed or has reduced tooth structure, crowns will preserve the remaining tooth structure that could be saved in hopes of not removing it.
Crowns can be an effective means of protection for your child’s teeth. Not only are you protecting their teeth, but also minimizing more extensive treatment in the future.
Crowns can be an effective means of protection for your child’s teeth. Not only are you protecting their teeth, but also minimizing more extensive treatment in the future.
Why does my child need a crown?
While fillings are usually the preferred way to treat smaller areas of decay, crowns are the best way to treat more extensive damage. There are various reasons that children will need crowns:
What to Expect During the Restorative Visit
At Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics, our goal is to make your restorative dentistry experience as smooth and stress-free as we can for you and your child. Here’s what you can expect during your child’s restorative visit:
Consultation and Treatment Planning
Before any treatment, our doctors will perform a thorough examination of your child’s teeth, and, at the same time, discuss the available treatment options with you. During this part of the visit, we will also discuss the treatment procedures, When reporting on a patient’s overall dental health, and the options available for treatment. Don’t hesitate to ask us any questions you may have. We want everything to go smoothly, we want to make sure we have your consent and that you and your child are comfortable to proceed.
Numbing and Preparation:
As part of the treatment, we will apply a local anesthesia to the area whether it is a filling or crown so that your child does not feel discomfort during the procedure. In some cases, we may offer other options of sedation, if needed, to help keep your child calm and relaxed through the procedure.
Cavity or Crown:
If your child will be receiving a filling, the decay will be removed, and filling material will replace the tooth structure. If your child will be getting a crown, the tooth will be prepared and a crown will be fitted to the remaining tooth structure and secured.
Post care:
Once the treatment is complete, we will provide you with care instructions to care for your restored tooth so you can maintain healthy oral hygiene in conjunction with regular dental visits for your child, ensuring the restoration is intact.
Develop good dental hygiene
Your child should continue to brush twice a day, floss every day, and reduce foods that lead to decay if possible to make sure that their restorations last as long as possible.
Minimize sugary foods and drinks
Reducing sugar means reducing snacks that can lead to new decay and making sure their restorations do not experience any extra stress or pressure.
Minimize chewing on hard objects
You want to make sure that your child is avoiding chewing on hard items such as ice and candy as they can impact fillings and crowns.
Continue your visits with their dentist
Continuing to follow up with their dentist is key to monitor their restorations; this ongoing monitoring also allows your dentist to see if any potential issues develop early.
During routine visits, our team will always check or monitor fillings and crowns Peds team has placed in your child’s mouth. They will assess the restorations to determine whether the restoration is intact and healthy!
How to care for your child’s restorations
After your child has received treatment involving a filling or a crown it is important to care for their tooth or teeth with restoration. Here are a couple of ideas and suggestions to keep any restorations healthy:
Local Expertise in Pediatric Restorative Dentistry
At Bright Smiles Dentistry and Orthodontics we are committed to providing the best possible level of care to all of our patients, especially our youth patients. We know that children are all unique individuals, and we take time to construct a treatment plan designed specifically for their established needs. Whether your child needs a simple filling, or a crown to protect a tooth that has experienced trauma, our staff will make sure the experience is gentle, care giving, and comfortable.
Along with our offices in Dawsonville, Cumming, and Lawrenceville, GA, we are proud to serve our families of the area with the complete restorative pediatric dental treatment.
Schedule Your Child’s Restorative Dentistry Appointment Today
If your child needs a filling, crown, or other restorative dental treatment, contact Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment. Our experienced team is here to provide the care your child needs to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
Call us at (678) 941-5151 or visit our website to book your appointment at one of our convenient locations in Dawsonville, Cumming, or Lawrenceville, GA. Let us help protect your child’s teeth and ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles.
FAQ :
1. What is restorative dentistry for children, and why is it important?
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing damaged or decayed teeth to restore their function and appearance. For children, this can involve fillings or crowns. At Bright Smiles in Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville, we prioritize preserving your child’s natural tooth structure while providing gentle care to restore their smile and oral health.
2. What types of dental restorations are available for children?
Children often need fillings for cavities and crowns for severely damaged teeth. At our offices in Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville, we use composite resin fillings (tooth-colored), stainless steel crowns for baby teeth, and zirconia crowns for durability and aesthetics, depending on your child’s needs.
3. How does a filling work to restore a decayed tooth?
A filling is used to remove decayed tissue and restore the tooth’s natural shape. At Bright Smiles, we use composite resin (tooth-colored material) that blends seamlessly with your child’s teeth. The filling restores strength and prevents further decay.
4. Why would my child need a crown instead of a filling?
If a tooth is severely decayed or damaged, it may not be strong enough to support a filling. A crown is used to encase the tooth, protecting it from further damage. Crowns are commonly used for molars and teeth with large cavities, especially if there is a high risk of further decay. We offer stainless steel, resin, or zirconia crowns at our Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville locations.
5. How long do fillings and crowns last in children?
With proper care, fillings can last for several years, while crowns can provide long-term protection, often lasting for 5-10 years. Regular visits to our Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville offices will ensure the restorations are intact and functioning properly.
6. Are fillings and crowns safe for children?
Yes, both fillings and crowns are safe for children. At Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics, we use non-toxic materials and latest techniques to ensure your child’s safety and comfort during restorative procedures. Our experienced team in Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville will explain the options that best suit your child’s needs.
7. What can I expect during my child’s restorative dentistry visit?
At Bright Smiles, we aim to make your child’s visit stress-free and comfortable. The process starts with a consultation to discuss treatment options. Your child will then receive local anesthesia (or sedation if necessary) to ensure comfort during the procedure. Afterward, we’ll provide you with post-care instructions to maintain the restored tooth.
8. How can I help my child care for their fillings or crowns after the procedure?
After receiving a filling or crown, your child should avoid hard foods and chewing on tough objects (like ice). It’s also essential to brush twice a day and floss daily to maintain the restorations. Our team will check the fillings and crowns during regular visits at our Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville locations to ensure their longevity.
9. Is restorative dentistry covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover fillings and crowns as part of preventive and restorative care. Our team at Bright Smiles in Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville will work with you to verify your insurance and help you understand your benefits for restorative treatments.
10. When should my child get a filling or crown?
If your child has decay, damage, or trauma to a tooth, a filling or crown may be necessary to restore the tooth’s function and prevent further issues. Our team in Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville will evaluate your child’s dental health during check-ups and recommend treatments as needed.
Why Choose Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics?
Local Expertise
We know the Cumming, Lawrenceville, and Dawsonville communities and are dedicated to providing exceptional care to our neighbors.
Comprehensive Services
From dental implants to orthodontics and general dentistry, we offer a wide range of services to meet your needs.
Patient-Centered Care
Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities. We work closely with each patient to develop a treatment plan that fits their individual needs.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Ready to transform your smile? Contact Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics today at (678) 941-5151 to schedule your consultation. With convenient locations in Dawsonville, Cumming, and Lawrenceville, GA, we’re here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams through our comprehensive Cosmetic Dentistry services.
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