Four Basic Restorative Dental Procedures for Kids
Posted on May 27th, 2022
Pediatric Dentistry – The Importance of Dental Restoration
Many children will face dental issues as their smiles develop, even with proper dental care. These problems can range from small cavities, to gum disease and unexpected dental injuries. Symptoms may be mild until the problem becomes too large to miss, or impossible to ignore.
In these cases, restorative dental procedures may need to be performed to save an existing tooth and restore functionality to a child’s smile. There are many types of restorative dental procedures, but some of the most common ones are listed below.
- Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are one of the most common restorative procedures you will hear about in the world of dentistry, and they are performed on patients of all ages.
When it comes to repairing teeth that have been damaged by decay, dental fillings are a reliable treatment method often used to restore and strengthen natural teeth. Fillings quite literally fill holes in the surfaces of teeth caused by decay, also known as cavities. If these holes are not repaired, the inner dentin of the tooth or teeth is left exposed, allowing acids to degrade the structure of the tooth and increase sensitivity. A filling will also help prevent the need for a root canal treatment.
- Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are used to repair teeth that have been badly damaged, either due to trauma or decay. A crown sits atop the damaged tooth and aids in strengthening it by holding it together. This protects the tooth from cracking down to the root, and restores functionality so a patient can bite down on it without worry. Crowns can be applied to both baby teeth and adult teeth.
- Orthodontic Care
If a child’s teeth are overcrowded, gapping, or crooked, fixing the alignment of the teeth will improve not only the appearance of your child’s smile, but their dental health and hygiene, as well. Pediatric orthodontic treatments are designed to protect developing smiles and prevent issues down the road, such as cavities, impacted teeth, bite alignment issues, etc. Commonly used orthodontic treatments include clear aligners and traditional metal braces.
- Pulpotomy
When a child’s tooth has become infected, or been severely damaged by decay, a pulpotomy may be performed. A pulpotomy is when a cavity is cleaned out, followed by the removal of the top portion of the tooth’s nerve. The area is then sterilized, medicated, and sealed, and sometimes a crown is applied to help strengthen the tooth.
Pediatric Restorative Dentistry from Chicago kiDDS
If you have been searching for “restorative dentistry near me” in Palos Heights, IL, so your child can receive the dental care they need, contact us at Chicago kiDDS today. Our team has experience performing all types of restorative dental procedures in order to restore health and functionality to children’s smiles. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
