WHY FIX BABY TEETH?

This question is sometimes asked by parents when they find out that their child has a cavity. It seems logical; they’re baby teeth, they’re not causing any problems, they’re going to fall out.

Although practical, these arguments are not completely informed. It is important to consider the other side of the debate. What are the possible outcomes of untreated decay in baby teeth? Here are a few points to consider:

• Baby teeth might be small and designed to eventually fall out but they are still important for chewing and speaking.
• Baby teeth sit directly on top of the permanent teeth. If the baby teeth are damaged or infected they could ultimately damage the permanent teeth still developing in the bone.
• When a baby tooth is lost or missing due to cavities or infection, the teeth on each side may move into that space. This makes it difficult for the developing permanent teeth below to properly erupt into the mouth. Treatment solutions often involve orthodontic care, which can be expensive.
• Infections around baby teeth can potentially spread to other parts of the body and cause serious illness. Fortunately, this outcome is rare, but it is still important to consider.

RESTORATIVE MATERIALS

Composite Resin (White)

Composite resin closely resembles your child’s natural tooth colour making it a good option when esthetics is important. Being mostly plastic, a composite resin filling may need to be replaced if its margins deteriorate. Composite resin works well in permanent teeth and can also be used in primary teeth depending on the clinical situation.

Amalgam (Silver)

Having been around for hundreds of years, amalgam is a safe and reliable option for restoring teeth. The material is cost-effective, antibacterial, durable and can be placed quickly. Amalgam works well in both primary and permanent teeth.

Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless steel crowns are a gold standard in pediatric dentistry. If your child’s molar is significantly broken down or deeply decayed, a stainless steel crown may be necessary to rebuild the tooth. Quality research has proven the durability and longevity of stainless steel crowns which also makes them the material of choice for younger children.

Zirconia Crowns

These crowns are made of biocompatible ceramic which makes them esthetically pleasing. They are a reasonable alternative for incisors and canines particularly when the teeth are significantly broken down.