Kids Dental Crowns & Fillings
If your child needs help with a sugar bug (cavity) or two, don’t worry! Milestone Kids Dentistry makes your child’s dental crowns and fillings a good experience with a big dose of posi-vibes!
Learn about dental fillings for kids, dental crowns for kids, and how we keep your little one comfy during any dental treatment!
What Are Dental Crowns & Fillings?
Sugar bugs (cavities) are the most common chronic condition in children. As many as 42% of kids ages 2 to 11 have cavities. Sometimes sugar bugs can be difficult for parents to detect since they often hang out towards the back molars, between the teeth, or along the gum line.
Small sugar bugs can usually be fixed with a filling. However, if the cavity is large and the tooth is broken or beyond repair, a dental crown may be necessary. Fillings and crowns are both great options for patching cavities in baby teeth.
What Are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling is a tooth-colored resin used to patch cavities or holes left by tooth decay. This is a good option for kids with small cavities and mild tooth decay.
The procedure for getting a filling begins with the dentist numbing the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic. This ensures that your child won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. The decayed part of the tooth will then be removed, leaving behind a clean and healthy surface. Next, we will fill in the cavity with a resin material that matches the color of your child’s existing teeth. This keeps their smile looking natural while also protecting their teeth from further damage.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A kids’ dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that shields the damaged baby tooth from further damage. These are used for more serious tooth decay, and are designed to keep the damaged baby tooth healthy until it falls out.
Why Fill Cavities In Baby Teeth?
You may wonder, do you have to fill cavities in baby teeth? Why fill cavities in baby teeth if they’re going to fall out? The truth is untreated sugar bugs can cause discomfort and pain for your little one, as well as leading to infections later on.
The good news is that cavities and tooth decay are easily preventable! With strong dental health habits and early detection, your little one can avoid getting those little sugar bugs.
Milestone Kids Dentistry is also focused on non-judgmental nutritional and dental health education so that your kid has all the tools they need to enjoy a lifetime of smiles.
What’s The Procedure Like?
X-rays are vital for our team to have an accurate diagnosis. We may also use radiographs to help detect cavities, diagnose bone disease, and spot any developmental issues. The earlier we can treat potential issues, the better!
Don’t worry! We use safe dental x-rays that emit up to 90% less radiation than traditional film x-rays, and we’ll always try to minimize the amount of exposure to radiation. We also equip your child with a protective lead body apron and shield and make the process a breeze.
Regular checkups with our team and dental exams will give you peace of mind that your kiddo will develop a beautiful smile. Good dental care starts early, so we’ll help equip you with the knowledge and techniques for stellar dental habits.
A dental crown procedure is a bit more involved than a typical filling. While a filling is used to repair a small cavity by cleaning out the decay and placing tooth-colored material into the space, a crown is recommended when the tooth needs more support, usually due to a large cavity or a weakened structure.
Here’s what the crown process usually looks like:
- First, your child’s dentist will apply a numbing gel and administer a local anesthetic to ensure your child is comfortable.
- Then, a dental dam—a small piece of latex or similar material—is placed to isolate the tooth. This protects the rest of your child’s mouth and helps create a clean, safe working area.
- Next, the dentist will use a special tool called a handpiece to gently remove the decay and shape the tooth so the crown fits snugly.
- Once the tooth is ready, the crown is carefully placed and cemented into position—that’s it!
At our office, we use kid-friendly words and explain each step in a way your child can understand. We also use Tell-Show-Do (TSD) techniques to help them feel safe, confident, and in control throughout the appointment. Our goal is always to make the experience stress-free and positive—for both you and your kiddo.
What To Expect After The Procedure
Depending on what anesthetic or sedation your child had, it’s totally normal for them to be a little out of it directly after the procedure! It’s also normal for your child to feel slight discomfort around the area for about 24 hours after. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to help with pain. If pain persists for longer than 24 hours, contact us immediately.
Your kiddo should avoid eating until the numbness has worn off in case they accidentally bite the inside of their lip or cheek. Feed them softer foods until the discomfort subsides, and avoid hard or sticky foods that might harm the filling or crown.
Parents Trust Us For Their Kids Dental Crowns & Fillings
We understand that procedures can give your kiddo the willies. Our mission is to give your child the most positive experience possible, whether your kid is getting a procedure or simply getting their teeth counted (tooth examination).
If you have any questions about dental fillings for kids or kids’ dental crowns in Lake Stevens, WA, we can help! We can’t wait to help your kiddo!