Restorative dentistry kid

Restorative Dentistry

Expert Pediatric Dental Care In Shelton, CT

As a parent, your child’s oral health is a top concern. Brushing your child’s teeth from infancy through the toddler years plays a key role in preventing cavities, as well as visiting the dentist every six months for a check-up. Even with our best effort as parents, children can still develop cavities. As experts in pediatric dentistry, Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics focuses on preventative education to help both parents and children learn the best techniques in oral healthcare. We specialize in treating children and strive to make each experience they have at the dentist a positive one.

What Is Pediatric Restorative Dentistry?

Pediatric restorative dentistry focuses on repairing and restoring the function and health of teeth for young children through adolescence. This branch of dentistry addresses issues such as cavities, fractured teeth and developmental anomalies through various treatments, including fillings and crowns. Utilizing child-friendly techniques and materials, pediatric restorative dentistry aims to create a comfortable and positive experience for children, helping them develop good dental habits and reducing anxiety about future dental visits. Education on prevention and addressing problems early, when they are small, are essential in managing the primary teeth, which are critical for proper chewing, speech development and guiding the eruption of permanent teeth. Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care for children in Bridgeport, Shelton and Westport, CT.

Fillings

Pediatric fillings are a common dental procedure designed to treat cavities and restore the function and integrity of children’s teeth. The process of placing a filling involves several steps, each aimed at ensuring the treatment is effective, comfortable and anxiety-free for the child. Understanding the process often helps parents and children feel more at ease when the appointment comes and knowing the steps can help children relax. Here are the general steps involved in placing a pediatric filling. We encourage parents to go over these with their children before the appointment so they know exactly what to expect.

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Are Fillings Really Important?

Many parents wonder if fillings are really important especially if it is a primary (baby) tooth that needs a filling. The short answer is yes—your child’s overall oral health depends on it. Fillings are restorative procedures which help stop the spread of decay and prevent pain and infection that can happen if the decay is not treated. Removing decay and restoring the function of your child’s teeth is essential for their growth and development. Chewing without pain is necessary to obtain proper nutrition. Treating primary teeth that have decay also extends the life of the tooth as it is a placeholder for future permanent teeth.

The first step in the process is diagnosing the cavity. During a routine dental check-up, one of our pediatric dentists will examine your child’s teeth using visual inspection, dental explorers and X-rays to identify any decay. Once a cavity is confirmed, our pediatric dentist discusses the treatment plan with you and your child, explaining the procedure and answering any questions to alleviate anxiety.

To ensure your child remains comfortable during the procedure, a local anesthetic is administered to numb the area around the affected tooth. For children who are particularly anxious or have difficulty sitting still, sedation options such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedatives may be used.

After the area is numb, one of our dentists removes the decayed portion of the tooth using a dental drill. This step is crucial to prevent the decay from spreading and to prepare the tooth for the filling material.

Once the decay is removed, our dentist cleans the area to eliminate any remaining debris and bacteria. The cavity is then shaped to accommodate the filling material and to make sure it is a secure and lasting fit.

Our pediatric dentist places the filling material into the prepared cavity. The material is layered and hardened using a special curing light.

After the filling material is placed and cured, we will shape and polish the filling to ensure it matches the natural contours of your child’s tooth. This step is important for maintaining proper bite alignment and ensuring the filling feels comfortable in your child’s mouth.

Crowns

Dental crowns are sometimes necessary to restore the function and health of a tooth that has extensive decay or fracture. Crowns cover the entire tooth, providing structural support and preventing further deterioration. Understanding when dental crowns are needed and their importance in children’s oral health can help parents and caregivers make informed decisions about their child’s dental care. Here are a few reasons a child may require a crown:

  • Severe Tooth Decay: One of the primary reasons for placing dental crowns in children is extensive tooth decay. When cavities are too large to be repaired with fillings alone, a crown is used to restore the tooth’s structure and function. Crowns are particularly important for baby teeth because they maintain the space for permanent teeth and aid in proper chewing and speech development.

  • Fractured Or Broken Teeth: Children are prone to dental injuries from falls, sports and other activities. If a tooth is fractured or broken but the root is still intact, a crown can be placed to save the tooth. This not only restores the tooth’s appearance but also its function allowing your child to continue to eat and speak normally.

  • After Pulp Therapy: Pulp therapy, or root canal treatment, is sometimes necessary when the tooth’s pulp becomes infected or damaged. Following this procedure, the tooth can become brittle and more susceptible to fractures. A crown is placed over the treated tooth to provide strength and protection, extending the tooth’s life and maintaining oral health.

  • Developmental Defects: Some children are born with developmental defects in their teeth, such as enamel hypoplasia, which results in weak and improperly formed enamel. In extreme cases, dental crowns can cover these defects, protecting the teeth from decay and wear while extending the function and longevity of the primary teeth.

  • Extensive Wear: Children who grind their teeth (a condition known as bruxism) or have other habits that cause excessive wear may need crowns to protect their teeth. Crowns can prevent further damage and help in maintaining the proper structure and function of the teeth.

Pediatric Dental Sealants

Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics is pleased to offer dental sealants as a preventative treatment option for children and preteens who may need a little extra protection between cleanings. Every tooth is unique, and some teeth, especially molars, can have deep grooves and fissures in them that can be difficult to clean. A dental sealant is a thin coating of resin material that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from bacteria that leads to decay. If your child is susceptible to decay or has tooth structure anomalies such as deep grooves, they may be a candidate for dental sealants. These are a highly effective and easy to apply treatment that can offer your child protection for years to come!

FAQs

Even with great brushing habits and regular checkups, cavities, chipped teeth and other dental concerns can happen. The good news is that pediatric restorative dentistry is designed to repair little smiles while keeping children as comfortable as possible throughout the process. Below are answers to some of the questions parents often have about restorative dental care at Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics.

There are several signs that may indicate your child could benefit from restorative dental care. Tooth sensitivity, pain when eating, visible holes or dark spots on a tooth, swelling or a chipped tooth are all reasons to schedule an appointment. Sometimes, however, cavities don’t cause any symptoms at all. That’s why routine dental exams are so important. Our pediatric dentists can often identify and treat small problems before they become larger ones that require more extensive treatment.

Yes. Whenever possible, preserving a healthy baby tooth is beneficial for your child’s smile. Baby or primary teeth are not only responsible for maintaining space for your child’s permanent teeth, but also for chewing and speech development. Depending on your child’s needs, our pediatric dentists may recommend a filling or crown to restore the tooth and keep it functioning properly until it is ready to fall out naturally.

Both treatments repair damaged teeth, but they are used in different situations. A filling is typically recommended when a cavity or area of damage is smaller and enough healthy tooth remains. A pediatric dental crown is often recommended when a tooth has more extensive decay, has fractured or needs additional protection after treatment. During your child’s visit, we’ll explain which option is best and why before moving forward with care.

Most children return to their normal routines very quickly. Your child’s pediatric dentist will provide specific instructions based on the type of treatment your child receives. In some cases, your child may need to temporarily avoid certain foods or wait until any numbness has subsided before eating. We’ll make sure you leave the appointment with clear guidance so you know exactly what to expect at home.

The best way to reduce the need for restorative dental care is through prevention. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, eating a balanced diet and visiting the dentist every six months all help protect growing smiles. Depending on your child’s cavity risk, your pediatric dentist may also recommend preventative treatments like dental sealants or fluoride to provide extra protection for the back teeth. Our team has also compiled some helpful oral hygiene tips that can go a long way toward keeping your child’s smile healthy for years to come.

Healthy Smiles Start At Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics

If your child is experiencing any dental issues, you have come to the right place. Not only do our pediatric dentists specialize in treating and caring for young patients, but we love doing it! Each and every child deserves an excellent start to a lifelong healthy smile. Call us today at (203) 371-8282 or fill out our easy online form to schedule your child’s next visit.

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Healthy Smiles Start at Commerce Park

Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Care

We are proud to offer comprehensive pediatric dental and orthodontic care for all ages. Our inclusive approach and experienced team provide low-stress visits and a friendly environment. Get started at one of our three convenient locations!

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Healthy Smiles Start at Commerce Park

Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Care For The Whole Family

We are proud to offer comprehensive pediatric dental and orthodontic care for the whole family. Our inclusive approach and experienced team provide low-stress visits and a friendly environment. Get started at one of our three convenient locations!

Bridgeport

4702 Main St., Bridgeport, CT 06606
(203) 371-8282

Shelton

27 Huntington St., Shelton, CT 06484
(203) 371-8282

Westport

1580 Post Rd. E, Westport, CT 06880
(203) 371-8282

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