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Baby teeth serve the important function of eating, speech, and esthetics (self image).
These teeth not only help form the developing jaws, but they hold space for the
permanent teeth so that a normal bite occurs. The last baby tooth falls out at about
twelve years of age. A decayed baby tooth can become so badly decayed that it can
do damage to the permanent tooth. At times severe infections of the face, head,
and neck can be caused by infected baby teeth. So it is important to restore baby
teeth as soon as decay is first detected.
Teeth with dental decay can be restored either with amalgam (silver) or tooth colored
fillings. If the decay is extensive it will require the restoration with a crown.
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Tooth Colored Fillings
In the past; cavities could only be treated with unsightly metal fillings that are
alloys for silver and mercury. These fillings, especially when close to the front
of the mouth, are highly noticeable and unaesthetic. Sometimes, the filling is so
large that it causes discoloration of the entire tooth. These fillings (or restorations)
often weaken teeth due to the large amount of the original tooth that has to be
removed. Also there is a risk of Mercury poisoning that is used in the filling.
Modern dentistry has increasingly turned to Tooth colored or composite fillings
as a strong, safe and more natural looking alternative. Composite fillings utilize
a soft white plastic substance that is hardened with a blue light.
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Restorative Visit
You can help us make this next visit a successful and positive experience for your
child, by working with us to accomplish this goal. While taking to your child about
this visit use positive words like fun, easy, tooth asleep, silver star, water spray
etc. Do not use negative words like pain, hurt , needle, shot, tooth pulled etc.
The entire procedure will be explained to your child and you before the procedure
is performed. Pedodontists are trained to deliver the local anesthetic painlessly.
However we do offer nitrous oxide and conscious sedation if the dentist sees the
need for it. Once the procedure is completed a piece of gauze referred to as tooth
pillow is placed between the cheek and the teeth to prevent your child from accidently
biting into the numb cheek and lip. When the anesthesia is wearing off your child
will feel tingling sensation which may be annoying to some children. Reaffirm to
your child that the tooth is waking up.
After treatment is completed you can help us to continue the positive experience
by praising your child and referring to the "fun" time they had. Please avoid negative
comments such as: Did it hurt? That wasn¹t so bad! You were so brave! Did you get
a shot? Were you afraid? These comments could persuade your child in thinking there
was a reason to be afraid, even though they were cooperative, had a good time, and
may make their future visits more difficult.
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Crown Placement
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Pulpotomy
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