Restorative Dentistry
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, reports that Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is the most common disease affecting children. While prevention is our goal at Silver Spring Pediatric Dentistry, we know that children can still develop cavities or be affected by dental injuries that damage their teeth, and Dr. Kafle is here to help. We offer expert restorative dentistry and can restore your little one’s smile. Learn more below, or schedule an appointment now.
Some of our restorative services include:
Composite White Filling
Cavities in the primary (baby) teeth are usually treated with dental fillings. Composite is a white filling dental material that is used to rebuild damaged/decayed portions of the teeth. It is very safe and tissue-friendly (biocompatible).
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Stainless Steel Crowns
When decay is extensive or a large amount of tooth structure is lost, a stainless steel crown may be the best treatment for your child. Crowns cover all surfaces of the tooth and prevent further decay and breakdown. Stainless steel crowns come in various pre-made sizes, so they can usually be applied in one visit. Also, they are strong, durable, and have less chance of fracture than white crowns.
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Baby Root Canals
When decay and bacteria are deep and enter into the nerve of teeth then the child may experience pain. A baby root canal or “pulpotomy” is often used to remove infected tissue and resolve pain. A crown is then placed over the tooth to help prevent bacteria from re-infecting the tooth.
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Extractions
Baby teeth sometimes need extractions when decay is too extensive . This is usually a simple procedure and much easier than an adult tooth extraction. Extractions are also sometimes recommended to alleviate crowding or improve alignment of the teeth.
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Space Maintainers
Baby teeth help a child chew and speak but also guide the permanent tooth into the proper place. When baby teeth are extracted early, a space maintainer is sometimes recommended to help the permanent tooth erupt in the correct position.
Silver Diamine Fluoride
While the ideal way to treat teeth with cavities is to remove the decay and place a filling or crown, there is an alternative, non-invasive treatment; Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), that can be used in some instances.
SDF is a liquid that is painted on areas of small active caries to slow down the progression of caries in a quick and painless procedure. has a dual mechanism of action. The silver component acts as an anti-microbial and kills the bacteria associated with the cavity, while the fluoride prevents further demineralization (breakdown) of tooth structure.
Side Effects: A cavity treated with SDF will turn black. This is an indication that the decay in the tooth is arresting. If SDF comes in contact with skin or gums (which does occur from time to time) a temporary discoloration occurs. If the patient has a silver allergy, SDF cannot be used.
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