A tooth colored filling is a safer, better looking alternative to the silver-mercury fillings that today’s parents had as children. Tooth colored fillings are made from a composite resin that can be molded and shaded to match your child’s tooth. Unlike mercury-silver fillings, which are wedged into place and require removal of more tooth structure, tooth colored fillings bond to your child’s tooth, creating a seal that helps protect the tooth while keeping more of the natural structure of the tooth.
In the event that decay has progressed to multiple surfaces of the tooth, Dr. Katie may recommend a pediatric stainless steel crown (silver crown) be placed on the tooth to ensure the most durable and long-lasting restoration. The pediatric stainless steel crowns are placed the same day of the procedure and children often like seeing their new “Iron Man” or “Frozen” crown to keep their tooth healthy and strong.
Every effort is made to keep all of your child’s teeth. However, sometimes it is best to remove a tooth in order to ensure future good health. When together we determine that extraction is the best treatment for your child, rest assured that your child’s comfort is assured – we take care of the procedure right here at Carmel Pediatric Dentistry. With nitrous oxide and sedation dentistry options, as well as advanced tools and techniques, many extractions are easy affairs for your child. Just think of them as an advanced visit from the Tooth Fairy, and a foundational step toward your child’s excellent future dental health.
Space maintainers are metal appliances custom fit for your child’s mouth. When baby teeth are lost too soon due to trauma or decay, the other teeth around that area will start to move and fill in the space left by the missing tooth. This is called “space loss.” If the teeth are not prevented from shifting, there will not be adequate space for the eruption of the permanent tooth. This often leads to the need for extensive orthodontic treatment. The goal of space maintenance is to hold open that space, providing a path for the natural eruption of the developing permanent tooth.
Stage I – Early Treatment: This period of treatment encompasses ages 2 to 6 years. At this young age, we are concerned with underdeveloped dental arches, the premature loss of primary teeth, and harmful habits such as finger or thumb sucking. Treatment initiated in this stage of development is often very successful and many times, though not always, can eliminate the need for future orthodontic/orthopedic treatment.
Stage II – Mixed Dentition: This period covers the ages of 6 to 12 years, with the eruption of the permanent incisor (front) teeth and 6 year molars. Treatment concerns deal with jaw malrelationships and dental realignment problems. This is an excellent stage to start treatment, when indicated, as your child’s hard and soft tissues are usually very responsive to orthodontic or orthopedic forces.
Stage III – Adolescent Dentition: This stage deals with the permanent teeth and the development of the final bite relationship.
You, as a parent, play an important role in getting your child started with a good attitude toward dental care. You will want to keep talk about your child’s upcoming visit “low key” and refrain from using any words that could cause unnecessary fear, such as “needle,”“drill,” or “hurt.” Be positive! This approach enables your child to view the upcoming dental visit as an enjoyable opportunity to stay healthy. We are experienced in dealing with children with anxiety and can explain treatment procedures in a positive and pleasant manner to avoid any anxious or negative feelings toward dentistry.
Treating your child is our passion. Restoring a happy, healthy child’s smile is very rewarding. Please help us gain cooperation from your child to have a wonderful dental experience.
Please call 317.846.3496 or click below to schedule an appointment online. We can't wait to meet you!
