Pediatric restorative dentistry refers to procedures that treat or replace damaged or missing teeth. These procedures include fillings, crowns, pulpotomies, and extractions.
The Necessity of Restorative Dentistry for Children
Even though a child's primary teeth will eventually fall out to make way for permanent teeth, restoring damaged baby teeth should be a top priority. Leaving damaged baby teeth alone could lead to pain, difficulty eating, difficulty articulating speech, and tooth alignment problems.
In addition to the effect damaged or decayed teeth have on oral health, they can also affect a child's self-confidence. Visibly damaged teeth could lead to teasing and a loss of self-esteem.
Benefits of Pediatric Restorative Dentistry
Parents concerned about the worth of children's restorative dentistry should consider the benefits of these procedures, some of which can last into adulthood.
Boosts Lifetime Oral Health
Treating childhood dental issues helps secure a child's oral health for a lifetime. Children receiving restorative dental treatment will likely maintain healthy smiles well into adulthood.
Relieves Pain
Tooth decay can be a painful condition, even in a baby tooth. Young children may be unable to articulate why they are upset, so regular dental visits are necessary to keep tabs on oral health.
Improves Confidence
Dental issues like chipped, cracked, and decayed teeth affect children like adults. They may feel self-conscious about their appearance and not want to show their smile in public or at school. Repairing their teeth can make them feel better about themselves and ready to interact with their peers.
Saves Money on Later Treatments
A relatively small fix in childhood may mean avoiding a more expensive dental problem in the future. For example, if a child receives a crown for a damaged tooth, the dentist can preserve tooth spacing, and they will not be as likely to need orthodontic treatment.
Procedures We Offer
Dental Crowns
Crowns cover damaged or decayed teeth. They can restore chewing function and relieve pain. They also preserve tooth spacing. We offer crowns in many materials, including stainless steel and zirconia.
Composite Fillings
We use tooth-colored fillings to restore the function and appearance of children's teeth. The doctor can place these fillings in one appointment, strengthening the tooth in the long term.
Pulp Treatment
When a child experiences dental pain, they may have an infection inside their tooth. A pulpotomy, pulpectomy, or "baby root canal" removes the infected pulp material and refills the tooth with a safe sealing material.
Extractions
If we cannot save a tooth with a filling or crown, we may need to extract it. We gently extract teeth using local anesthesia to keep the child comfortable.
Contact Tender Smiles 4 Kids
Tender Smiles 4 Kids provides expert pediatric dental care in a warm, caring atmosphere tailored for children. Restoring a child's teeth protects their oral health for a lifetime. To schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric dentists, please contact us at our convenient New Jersey offices.