Dental treatment for tooth decay in children can be avoided! It is recommended to visit the dentist regularly for dental checkups and cleanings in order to prevent and stay on top of dental conditions such as tooth decay, which can progressively lead to uncomfortable symptoms and serious dental and health problems. The faster a child receives care, the higher the chances of reversing the effects of tooth decay and its advancement. Treatment for tooth decay, cavities, depends on the extent of the decay and a child’s specific dental situation.
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities can deepen to the innermost layers of the teeth, if not treated properly can sometimes even reach the nerves of the tooth, which can be very painful. This can progress into an abscess and cause other health problems. The infection can spread from the abscessed primary tooth to the underlying permanent tooth bud affecting its development if left untreated in the mouth for long. If a child complains of dental pain, it is important to make an appointment with the dentist immediately.
Dental Treatment Options For Tooth Decay in Children
Treatment for cavities depends on the severity of the dental decay and the child’s particular condition and circumstances. Utilizing a variety of possible treatment approaches, the decay is removed, and the tooth is restored to health and its natural undiseased condition. The particular type of treatment also typically depends on whether the decay is affecting primary teeth or permanent teeth. Possible treatment methods include:
Dental fillings- Decay involving the superficial layers of the tooth can be cleaned and restored with a permanent filling material.
Root Canal/ Pulp therapy
If dental decay reaches as deep as the very inner pulp (nerve exposure) of a baby tooth/ primary tooth and becomes abscessed, a root canal is necessary before a crown is placed. At this point, a tooth is so badly diseased or infected that decay has reached the nerve, making this the only treatment option apart from removing the entire tooth. First, the dentist removes the decayed inner pulp of the tooth and then administers medication/calcium paste into the root canal followed by a filling and a stainless steel crown to replace the lost tooth structure.
Extraction
For primary teeth that have become so seriously decayed that they have developed an abscess, removal is the only option. Extraction is also used for permanent teeth that have undergone such extreme neglect and are decayed absolutely beyond repair, even by a root canal. After the dentist extracts the diseased tooth, the space that is left may cause other teeth to shift out of place. In order to prevent this from happening, it is recommended that a space maintainer be placed where a primary tooth was extracted.
