When it comes to children’s dental health, many parents wonder if fixing baby teeth is really necessary. After all, they’ll fall out eventually, right? While it’s true that baby teeth aren’t permanent, they play a big role in your child’s oral health. That’s where restorative dentistry for kids comes in!
It’s important to understand how fillings, crowns, and space maintainers can help keep your child’s smile healthy and strong. So, call Signature Smile Arts in Homewood, IL, at (708) 799-5353 to learn more about restorative care for children.
Why Do Baby Teeth Matter?
Baby teeth (sometimes called primary teeth) may seem temporary, but they have some pretty important jobs. They help your child chew food, speak clearly, and smile confidently. More importantly, they act as placeholders for permanent teeth.
If your kiddo loses a baby tooth too early due to decay or injury, the surrounding teeth can shift into that empty space. This can cause problems when the adult teeth start to come in.
That’s why restorative dentistry for kids is so important. It helps fix damaged or decayed baby teeth and keeps them healthy until it’s time for them to fall out naturally.
Restorative Dentistry Treatments for Kids
Here are some common restorative dentistry treatments that help protect your child’s baby teeth:
Fillings
Did you know that over 620 million school-aged children have cavities on their baby teeth? Cavities happen when bacteria and sugar combine to create acids that attack tooth enamel.
If your child has a cavity, a dental filling can repair the damage. Fillings are a key part of restorative dentistry because they stop cavities from growing and help keep baby teeth healthy.
Crowns
Sometimes, a tooth has too much damage for filling to fix efficiently. In these cases, a dental crown can do the trick.
Crowns, nicknamed “caps,” cover the entire tooth to protect it from breaking or becoming more decayed. In restorative dentistry, crowns are especially helpful for kids who may not be ready to lose a baby tooth just yet.
Space Maintainers
If your child loses a baby tooth too early, a space maintainer might be a good idea. This small device holds the spot open for the adult tooth to come in.
Without a space maintainer, other teeth can drift into the empty space, making it harder for the permanent tooth to grow in properly. Restorative dentistry uses space maintainers to ensure your child’s smile develops the right way.
Preventing Future Problems
Restorative dentistry does more than fix problems – it helps prevent bigger issues in the future. When you take care of your child’s baby teeth with fillings, crowns, or space maintainers, you’re helping their adult teeth come in correctly. Healthy baby teeth lead to healthy adult teeth!
Children’s Restorative Dentistry in Homewood, IL
By keeping baby teeth in good shape, you’re setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Restorative dentistry for kids is a big part of that! Remember, those tiny teeth are more important than you might think. And with a little care, they’ll help your child grow up with a strong, healthy smile.
Protect those baby teeth now by scheduling a check-up and cleaning for your little one with Dr. Alex Shore. Schedule appointments at Signature Smile Arts here or call (708) 799-5353 for information and booking.
