Parents will do everything possible to ensure their children’s safety and happiness. While parents can be there for them emotionally during times of sadness, heartbreak, and grief, words can only do so much when children are faced with issues regarding their health.
This can be particularly scary when it comes to visiting the dentist’s office. Children may worry about certain procedures, for example when they need to have a cavity filled. At Columbia Smiles Family Dentistry, rather than disregard our younger patients’ feelings, our child-friendly dentist and staff strive to make the experience as pleasant as possible.
The most common general dentistry services that parents may need for their children will involve cavities. If you have questions about what to do if your child has a cavity, reach out to Dr. Hsu and our dental professionals by calling 410.690.4855.
Cavities in Children
It’s important to remember that cavities in kids are one of the most common health problems. Cavities are defined as areas of the tooth that have become permanently damaged and can be identified through discoloration and holes or openings formed on the tooth’s surface. In essence, cavities are tooth decay. There are three different types of cavities, each affecting a different area.
- Smooth surface cavities – Food and beverages cause this cavity as sticky plaque gets attached to the smooth parts of the tooth. The best way to avoid this type of cavity is by having a healthy diet and brushing regularly twice a day for two minutes.
- Pit and fissure cavities – This form of decay occurs on the top of your teeth. The teeth have developed to be excellent at tearing and pulling apart food. An unfortunate side effect of this is that food and bacteria can very easily get stuck inside them. The result is a rather painful cavity that can affect one’s ability to chew food properly.
- Root cavities – Root cavities are the most serious variation of the cavity due to their effect on the root of the tooth. The root oversees the health of the entire tooth. Roots are especially susceptible to cavities as they lack any form of enamel (the thin outer covering that protects the tooth).
In fact, cavities can become detrimental to a child’s health if not addressed timely and by an experienced dentist.
What to Do if Your Child Has a Cavity
When a child has a cavity, there are several important considerations that parents may have. They might wonder where to find a reliable and skilled dentist who specializes in pediatric dental care. Additionally, they may have questions about the available treatments and the level of invasiveness involved. With the multitude of questions that can arise, the process can feel overwhelming. However, at Columbia Smiles, we are dedicated to providing the guidance and support you need to find the answers you seek.
Our exceptional team, carefully selected by Dr. Michael Hsu, is committed to meeting the unique needs of our patients with the utmost courtesy and professionalism. During a regular visit to our dental office, your child’s mouth will be thoroughly examined by our experienced dentists. They are highly trained and equipped to detect cavities at an early stage. Once the assessment is complete, our dentists will engage in a personalized one-on-one consultation with you to discuss the most effective and suitable treatment options for your child’s specific situation.
How to Treat Cavities in Children
We provide a variety of cavity treatments, including:
- Dental fillings – Fillings remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the area to prevent further damage and decay.
- Dental crowns – Crowns, or “caps,” are the next best option for cavities when fillings won’t do the trick. Crowns are used to restore and cover the tooth to protect it from further damage and decay. Once the decay has been removed, the tooth will be filed down and fitted with a cap that restores the tooth to its former shape.
- Root canal – A root canal is only required for the most severely decayed or infected teeth. Root canals are used when a cavity or infection has spread to a tooth’s nerve endings.
Find Help for Kids Cavities at Columbia Smiles
While offering services to help your children with cavities, the experienced dental professionals at Columbia Smiles provide many services, including:
- General dentistry – focuses on the overall oral health and hygiene of patients. It includes routine check-ups, cleanings, and treatments for common dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.
- Cosmetic dentistry – this is all about enhancing the appearance of one’s smile. It includes procedures like teeth whitening, dental veneers, and dental implants to improve the shape, color, and alignment of teeth, giving patients a confident and attractive smile.
- Diagnostic dentistry – involves the use of advanced technology and techniques to accurately diagnose dental conditions. This includes dental X-rays, digital imaging, and oral cancer screenings. By identifying potential problems at an early stage, diagnostic dentistry helps in providing timely and effective treatment.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 410.690.4855.
