At Chicago kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that cavities can be a concern for both kids and parents. Our goal is to help you prevent tooth decay and explain the treatment options clearly and comfortably. Whether it’s a small spot of decay or a bigger issue that needs repair, we’re here to keep your child’s smile healthy and bright.
What Are Cavities?
Cavities are small holes that form in teeth caused by tooth decay. They happen when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars from food and drinks. This process creates acid that wears down the outer layer of the tooth, called enamel. Over time, that acid can cause permanent damage if not treated.
If a cavity isn’t fixed, it can lead to pain, infections, and even problems with eating and speaking.
Cavity Prevention: The First Line of Defense
We believe that the best way to treat cavities is to stop them before they start. Our team offers several ways to protect your child’s teeth.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and reverse early signs of tooth decay. At your child’s regular dental visits, we may apply a professional fluoride treatment—often in the form of a foam, gel, or varnish—that coats the teeth and offers long-lasting protection.
Dental Sealants
Sealants are a thin protective coating applied to the surfaces of the back teeth (molars), where food particles are more likely to get trapped. These sealants work as a barrier, protecting the enamel from harmful bacteria.
Education and At-Home Care
We partner with parents to reinforce good habits at home, such as brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and limiting sugary snacks and drinks. We also offer nutritional advice and oral hygiene tips tailored to your child’s needs.
What Happens If a Cavity Develops?
Even with the best preventive care, cavities can still form, especially in kids who are still learning to care for their teeth. The good news is that early detection and modern treatment methods make cavity management much easier and more comfortable than in the past.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
If we catch a cavity early, we may recommend a dental filling. First, we remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then fill the space with a tooth-colored composite material. This material blends seamlessly with the natural tooth and restores normal function while preventing further decay.
Fillings are typically used for small to moderate cavities and are completed in a single visit.
Advanced Treatment Options
Some cavities are more severe and require additional intervention. In these cases, our pediatric dental team offers several treatment solutions:
Pediatric Dental Crowns
If a cavity is too large for a filling, especially on a baby molar that needs to last for several years, a crown may be the best option. Crowns are caps that completely cover and protect a damaged tooth. They help preserve the tooth’s structure, restore its function, and prevent further decay.
We offer both stainless steel crowns (commonly used for baby teeth) and tooth-colored options for a more natural appearance.
Pulp Therapy (Baby Root Canals)
When decay reaches the inner pulp of a tooth, it can cause pain and infection. In these cases, we may recommend pulp therapy, also known as a baby root canal. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp tissue, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent further infection.
Pulp therapy helps preserve the tooth until it naturally falls out and is replaced by a permanent tooth. It also prevents the spread of bacteria to other teeth and supports proper speech and chewing function.
What About Tooth Extractions?
Although we do everything possible to save a child’s natural tooth, extraction may be necessary in cases of severe infection, trauma, or crowding. If an extraction is recommended, we’ll walk you and your child through the process and make sure the experience is as gentle and stress-free as possible.
We may also suggest a space maintainer to keep adjacent teeth from shifting into the gap left by an extracted baby tooth.
Sedation Options for Anxious Patients
We understand that dental procedures can be overwhelming for some children. That’s why we offer safe sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. These methods help keep children calm and relaxed throughout their treatment, making the visit more comfortable for everyone involved.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Treating cavities early is essential for maintaining your child’s oral health. Cavities don’t go away on their own, and untreated decay can lead to:
- Persistent pain or sensitivity
- Gum infection or abscesses
- Damage to developing permanent teeth
- Difficulty eating, sleeping, or concentrating
By addressing problems as soon as they arise, we help prevent more invasive procedures down the line and promote lifelong oral health.
Your Child’s Smile Is in Good Hands
At Chicago kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry, we combine expert care with a warm, welcoming environment tailored to children. Whether your child needs a simple fluoride treatment, a filling, or more extensive care like crowns or pulp therapy, our team is here to provide safe, effective, and compassionate treatment.
We encourage parents to bring their children in for regular checkups and to reach out at the first sign of tooth sensitivity, discoloration, or discomfort. The sooner we catch a problem, the simpler and more comfortable the solution can be.
Schedule an appointment today and give your child the gift of a healthy, confident smile!
