30 Jun Tooth Filling Options in Allen, TX
At least 4 million preschoolers suffer from tooth decay — an increase of more than 600,000 kids in the last decade. “Children now have much more sugar in their diets at an early age,” says Paul Casamassimo, D.D.S., professor of pediatric dentistry at the Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, in Columbus. And the popularity of bottled water — which usually doesn’t contain fluoride — may also contribute to the growing problem, he says.
If your child has tooth decay, the first step of treatment is to remove decayed part of the tooth. Once it’s done, the next step is filling the hole where the decay used to be. There are several dental filling options available. The location and level of decay, cost of filling material, and your kids’ dentist’s recommendation will help you to choose the most suitable option for your child.
Below we will take a closer look at pros and cons of different filling options:
- Preventive Resins – best for small cavities caught early. Tooth is filled with tooth colored plastic, and then filled with sealant. Invisible filling, look natural, excellent preventive measure, not expensive.
- Tooth-Colored Fillings – suitable for small cavities in back teeth, small cavities in front teeth. These fillings are made from durable plastics called composite resins. Look natural, Cost more than amalgam (silver) fillings and not as durable as metal fillings.
- Amalgam Fillings – work for small to moderate cavities; often used for back teeth. These types of fillings less natural looking, but very durable and cost less than tooth-colored crowns.
- Preformed (stainless steel) Crowns – best for the treatment for large areas of decay, tooth with fracture, developmental defect, and root canal treatment. One of the strongest and most durable services in pediatric dentistry, they are more affordable than any other types of crowns. Disadvantage – not natural-looking; their color- not the color of the teeth, but of polished silver.
- Tooth-Colored Crowns – used after the treatment of severe decay, tooth with fracture, developmental defect, root canal treatment. Used to treat the same problems as Performed Crowns. Look natural, but less durable than stainless steel crowns, and more costly.
Preventive dentistry helps to keep children free from tooth decay, but if (and when) the problem arises, it’s parents’ responsibility to find the right treatment for the child. Study your options, discuss them with your pediatric dentist, and make wise decision to choose the best dentist treatment for your child. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your kids’ dental health, please don’t hesitate to contact our experienced specialists at Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Allen. We believe that every child is entitled to a healthy and beautiful smile!
Dental Filling Related Links
http://www.mychildrensteeth.org/assets/2/7/ECCstats.pdf
http://www.faqs.org/health/topics/96/Tooth-decay.html
http://www.parents.com/baby/health/baby-teeth/cavities/
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/