Emergency! Cracked or chipped tooth, what does a parent do? Advice from Riverwalk Dental, Lawrence Massachusetts
Children, especially our own children, are beautiful in their carefree view of the world. We truly enjoy their laughter and smiles as they bounce on trampolines in Andover or sprint to uneven bars for gymnastics in Lawrence Massachusetts. But sometimes, these daredevils push it too far and the result is a chipped or cracked tooth.
What should a parent do?
A beautiful smile is a precious asset that brings joy and confidence to children as they navigate the world. However, due to various factors such as poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, or accidents, children may require restorative dental treatments to regain their oral health and preserve their natural teeth. Pediatric restorative dentistry plays a crucial role in ensuring that young patients receive the necessary care to maintain healthy smiles.
Understanding Pediatric Restorative Dentistry
Pediatric restorative dentistry focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral health problems in children. It involves a range of procedures designed to restore the function, structure, and aesthetics of primary (baby) and permanent teeth. The goal is to provide comprehensive dental care that promotes proper growth and development, prevents future complications, and maintains a positive attitude towards dental visits.
Accidents, falls, or sports-related injuries can lead to fractured, dislodged, or avulsed (knocked-out) teeth in children. Prompt intervention by a pediatric dentist is essential to minimize the damage and save the tooth whenever possible. Restorative treatments like dental bonding, splinting, or root canal therapy may be performed depending on the severity of the injury.
Pediatric Restorative Treatment Options
Pediatric dentists employ various techniques and materials to restore the oral health of young patients. Here are some commonly used treatment options:
- Dental Fillings: Tooth-colored composite resin fillings are frequently used to repair small to medium-sized cavities in children. These fillings not only restore the tooth’s structure but also blend seamlessly with the natural color of the tooth, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing result.
- Stainless-Steel Crowns: When a tooth is extensively decayed or weakened, a stainless-steel crown may be placed over it to provide strength and protection. These crowns are durable, cost-effective, and require minimal tooth preparation, making them suitable for primary teeth.
- Pulp Therapy: In cases where dental caries has reached the innermost layer of the tooth (pulp), pulp therapy techniques like pulpotomy or pulpectomy may be employed. These procedures involve removing the infected pulp tissue and placing a medicated filling to preserve the tooth’s vitality.
- Space Maintainers: If a child loses a primary tooth prematurely, a space maintainer can be used to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into the empty space. This device helps maintain proper alignment and facilitates the eruption of permanent teeth.
If your child ever experiences such an event, first, attempt to recover any part of the tooth that was lost. Riverwalk Dental will very likely be able to restore the broken piece back onto the remaining tooth. Second, if there are any issues that appear immediate, take your child to the emergency room for immediate help. Finally, call us at Riverwalk Dental. We will do everything we can to see and treat your child as soon as possible.
Pediatric restorative dentistry plays a vital role in maintaining the oral health and well-being of children. By addressing common dental issues at an early stage, it ensures that children can recover from such events and maintain a healthy smile.