Filling , Root Canals, Cleaning
If the decay is in the enamel or dentine layer only (not affecting the nerve of the tooth) the decay can be removed and a filling placed in the cavity.
The two most commonly used filling materials for children’s teeth are:
Glass Ionomer Cement
- Adheres directly to tooth enamel and dentine and so helps prevents leakage around the edge of the filling.
- Releases fluoride which can help prevent further decay.
- Glass Ionomer is quite brittle and prone to wear and so it is usually used in areas which are not under a lot of pressure from chewing.
- Reinforced Glass Ionomers have recently been developed which can be used in higher stress areas, such as the biting surfaces of the teeth.
- It is quicker and easier to place than composite and is therefore popular for use with young children where cooperation for treatment is often more difficult.
- Glass Ionomer is tooth coloured but the appearance and shade matching is not usually as good as with composite fillings.
Composite filling
- Composite fillings come in many shades which match and blend in well with the tooth.
- A bonding agent is used to adhere the filling material to the tooth.
- A blue light is often used to give faster setting of the filling.
- Composite is stronger and more wear resistant then glass ionomer.
Pulpectomy is also called baby root canal treatment. A cavity that involves the nerve of the tooth will cause a child to experience intense pain. Although the pain may actually subside for a period of time using antibiotics, it will return unless the tooth is properly treated by your pediatric dentists.
