It doesn’t matter how well you think your child brushes and flosses at home, cavities can happen in both baby teeth and permanent teeth.
A cavity can be painful and disruptive to your child and it needs to be addressed. But, how do you remove a kid’s cavity? You need the help of a pediatric dentist.
Signs Your Child May Have a Cavity
Did you know that as long as your child has a tooth, they are susceptible to cavities? That means those teeth that come in between six months and one year of age can have cavities. Being able to spot the signs that your child may have a cavity is so important - as treatment is often necessary.
So, what are the signs?
- A visible hole in the tooth. This isn’t always visible, so just because you don’t see a hole doesn’t mean a cavity isn’t present.
- Discolorations, such as a white spot or darkening of the tooth.
- Sensitivity to cold and hot food or beverages - as well as sugary foods or beverages.
- Tooth pain. Toothaches can come and go or last for days.
- Pain while chewing.
Your child’s dentist will be able to spot a cavity with a routine visit - so be sure you are taking them in for a checkup every six months.
How Do You Remove a Kid’s Cavity?
Dentists can remove a kid’s cavity by filling it. This routine procedure can not only get rid of tooth decay, but it can leave the tooth sealed so that it is safe from further spread.
Your child will receive a numbing topical medication before receiving an injection of local anesthetic. This will keep any discomfort or pain at bay. Sometimes, depending on the patient and their parent, sedation may be used, most commonly nitrous oxide (a.k.a. laughing gas). This will keep the child calm throughout the procedure and ease any fears they may have.
Early dental care sets the tone for a child’s lifetime of oral health care. It is important to make sure this is as comfortable of an experience as possible.
The dentist will begin removing the decay and infection from the tooth using special tools. Once clear, the hole is filled with a substance, whether amalgam or composite resin, to seal off the tooth so that no more bacteria can make their way inside.
The procedure is rather quick and routine. Once complete, your child may experience some discomfort when the numbness wears off. Over-the-counter pain medication for your child’s age and weight is usually all that is needed for relief.
Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions and in about 24 hours, your child should be feeling back to normal.
Cavity Treatment in Long Island, NY
If your child is complaining about tooth pain or exhibiting any of the signs above, a cavity could be to blame. The team of dental professionals at Suffolk Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics can remove tooth decay and fill the cavity, leaving your child feeling well - and their oral health intact.
To make an appointment, contact us today at one of our 5 convenient office locations.
