Crowns in Restorative Dentistry
If your child has missing, damaged, or fractured front teeth, we may recommend a resin dental crown to fully cover and protect the tooth. Aesthetically speaking, Resin is a moldable material that comes in many shades, allowing us to custom-match the natural tooth color. While this makes an immediate difference in appearance. Resin can stain, discolor, or even fracture multiple teeth over time if not cared for properly. This is the main reason that we only recommend them for front teeth, and special care is also encouraged to prolong the longevity of the dental filling.
Front vs. Back Teeth Crowns
In the event that there is an issue with a back primary or (baby) tooth that compromises multiple teeth surfaces, we recommend a stainless steel crown. These prefabricated crowns fully cover the visible portion of the tooth. Dentists favor these crowns (commonly called silver caps) because they restore teeth when extensive decay or fractures damage a large portion of the tooth.These durable crowns withstand normal biting forces, and we place them in the back of the mouth to keep them discreet.
Restorative Dentistry Fillings for Children
Should we discover a cavity in your child’s tooth during the examination, we may suggest a dental filling, or we may recommend either a white or a silver filling. This restorative procedure will primarily depend on the tooth’s location and the size of the cavity.
Types of Dental Fillings for Kids
We typically use resin dental fillings unless extensive decay or high caries risk requires a stronger material like amalgam. At this stage, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option based on your child’s specific needs. Of course, we greatly value your opinion, and hope that together we can come up with a plan of action that makes sense.
Restorative Dentistry: Extractions and Sedation
When Extractions Are Necessary
Occasionally, your child may need more complex treatment, including tooth extractions. In these cases, we use mild sedation to increase cooperation and reduce dental anxiety.
Using Mild Sedation Safely
We carefully select sedation medications based on your child’s health and specific needs. In our open environment, most children respond positively to basic behavior modification and nitrous oxide. We spend time building trust while educating both you and your child about each procedure.
Building Trust and Reducing Anxiety
In most cases, parents feel comfortable with the procedure, and children look forward to their visit. This atraumatic dental experience helps children feel less anxious and makes their next visit easier.
We Encourage A Healthy Diet
Healthy Snacks and Their Role in Children’s Dental Health
Invisible germs called bacteria live in your mouth all the time. Some bacteria form a sticky film called plaque on the teeth, which can lead to poor oral health.
When sugar enters the mouth, bacteria feed on it and produce acids. These acids weaken and dissolve the protective enamel that covers the teeth. This process leads to cavities.If your child eats less sugar or brushes soon after eating, bacteria cannot produce as much acid. Eating healthy snacks supports both overall health and strong teeth.
Raw fruits like apples, pears, pineapple, and oranges are better snack options. Vegetables such as broccoli, celery, carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes also help support oral health.
How Sugary Foods Impact Restorative Dentistry Needs
Sugary snacks taste good, but they are not good for your teeth or your body. Candies, cakes, cookies, and other sugary foods eaten between meals can cause tooth decay. Many of these foods also contain high amounts of fat and processed sugars.
Kids consume different types of sugar every day, including sucrose and fructose. Starchy snacks also break down into sugars inside the mouth. These sugars feed bacteria and increase the risk of cavities.
We understand that it can be difficult to limit these foods, especially when they are used as rewards. However, reducing sugary snacks, encouraging healthy meals, and maintaining excellent oral hygiene will protect your child’s smile. These habits help children eat comfortably and smile with confidence.
To learn more or schedule your child’s restorative dentistry visit, please visit our contact page.
FAQs
Restorative dental care is a branch of dentistry focused on repairing and restoring damaged teeth to improve oral health and functionality. It becomes necessary when a child has a dental issue such as decay, a damaged tooth, or has experienced tooth loss.
Yes, restorative dentistry procedures, such as dental fillings, are designed to treat tooth decay by removing the decayed part of the tooth and filling it with a material to restore its shape and function.
A restorative dentistry procedure for a dental crown involves preparing the damaged tooth, taking an impression, and then fitting and cementing a custom-made crown over the tooth to restore its appearance and functionality.
Restorative dental treatment focuses on fixing dental problems and restoring oral health, such as with dental fillings or crowns, while cosmetic dental treatments like teeth whitening aim to improve the appearance of teeth.
Common restorative procedures for missing teeth in pediatric dentistry include dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures, which help in tooth replacement and restoring the child’s smile and oral functionality.
A pediatric dentist is specially trained to address the unique dental needs of children, including those with special needs. Our expertise in child psychology and dental phobias enables us to create a comforting environment, ensuring that every patient receives the care they need in a manner that is sensitive to their individual requirements.
Dental cleanings are vital for maintaining a child‘s dental health by removing plaque and tartar that can lead to cavities and gum disease. Regular dental visits, typically every six months, are recommended to ensure early oral treatments and to keep the child‘s teeth healthy and clean.
Pediatric dentists in Indianapolis, IN assist parents by providing comprehensive dental services, including educational resources on preventive care, guidance on how to prevent cavities, and the importance of regular dental checkups. We focus on early detection and treatment of dental issues, offering dental cleanings and advice on maintaining optimal dental health at home.