Dental TREATMENTS

Amalgams

Dental amalgam is the mixture of metals dentists have most commonly used to fill cavities in the back teeth. It is effective for treating one or two cavities in baby teeth or permanent teeth.

Stainless steel crowns

A crown is a prefabricated tooth-shaped cap used to fill a cavity and protect the tooth. Indications include the following:

- Teeth with extensive cavities
- Teeth with developmental defects (e.g., hypoplasia)
- Teeth that have undergone a pulpotomy (treatment of the nerve)

Composites

A dental composite filling is composed of synthetic resin. It effectively mimics the appearance of the tooth and is more aesthetically appealing. However, it is also more sensitive to moisture and saliva than a dental amalgam filling. In situations where a child’s cooperation is limited, a dental composite may not be the material of choice.

Zirconia crowns

Zirconia crowns are prefabricated crowns in white color. When a cavity is extensive, a crown will fill it while also attractively protecting the tooth.

Extractions

It may be necessary to extract a tooth if, for example, it is infected or cannot be restored.

Pulpotomies / pulpectomies (Baby teeth)

When a cavity is deep enough to affect the nerve of the tooth, a pulpotomy or pulpectomy may be necessary to preserve the tooth.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF)

SDF is a liquid used to stop the progression of a cavity. It also helps minimize dentin hypersensitivity. The primary advantage of this quick procedure is that it does not require local anesthesia or ablation of the cavity. However, the disadvantage is that the black coloration of the cavity remains visible after the treatment.

Sealants

A sealant is a thin plastic coating used to prevent cavities. The dentist paints the chewing surfaces of the primary or permanent molars with the sealant, thus blocking bacteria and preventing any future formation of cavities.

Trauma management

If your child has suffered dental trauma in a primary tooth or a permanent tooth, it is critical to consult your dentist right away. Here are a few examples of problems that may require immediate treatment:

- The complete loss (avulsion) of a permanent tooth
- A cracked tooth involving the nerve
- Tooth displacement

Desensitization

Desensitization sessions can benefit children who are overly anxious regarding an appointment with the dentist. During these sessions, the dentist will demonstrate the non-
invasive nature of the various instruments and procedures to familiarize the child with the dental environment, thus helping to reduce or eliminate the source of anxiety.

Space maintainers

In certain circumstances, when deemed necessary to extract a primary tooth prematurely, placement of an orthodontic appliance known as a “space maintainer” may be indicated to preserve adequate space for the underlying adult tooth to come in.