No need to fear the cavity.
Tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease in both children and adults. Studies have shown that approximately 1 in 4 children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old will experience dental caries and that by age 8, approximately 50% of children will have experienced a cavity. Cavities come in all shapes and sizes, and can start as early as 1 year old. Regardless of the situation, Dr. Fong is here to help restore your child’s dentition to a cavity-free state.
A common misconception among parents is, “It’s just a baby tooth. Why fix it if it’s going to fall out anyway?” However, many baby teeth don’t fall out until the child is 11 to 12 years old. Losing a baby tooth prematurely due to a large cavity can lead to trouble eating, shifting of the teeth, and orthodontic problems. It is important to treat cavities properly and to prevent future problems.
Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings
We repair your child’s cavities with the safest, non-toxic dental materials. All of our fillings are BPA- and mercury-free. We will color-match and find the right filling that will blend in with your child’s teeth. No one will notice your child’s fillings.
Pediatric Dental Crowns
Unfortunately, some cavities are large and placing a dental filling is inappropriate. In cases where dental decay has advanced and has compromised a significant portion of the natural tooth, we offer same-day stainless steel and ceramic crowns.
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)
If your child has developed dental caries, there are options besides the conventional dental fillings and crowns. SDF is a liquid medicament that is applied to the teeth with a small paintbrush in a short and painless appointment. There is no need for needles or dental drills. The silver in SDF is anti-microbial and will stop the decay in its tracks while the fluoride will strengthen the teeth. SDF is appropriate for young children, children with special needs, and for children who have a hard time cooperating for their dental appointment.
Baby Root Canal Treatments
If dental decay is left untreated, it will reach the pulp of the tooth (where you find the nerve and blood vessels) and produce a large hole that will lead to tooth pain. While we strive to perform the most conservative treatment, some decayed teeth unfortunately require a baby root canal treatment to be saved. When most people here the phrase “root canal treatment,” it can invoke an intense fear of the dentist. However, a baby root canal treatment is a much simpler procedure than a root canal treatment for an adult tooth. We are able to perform this procedure quickly and painlessly.
Extractions and Space Maintainers
We understand that even the thought of pulling out a tooth can be distressing for both the parent and child. However, sometimes extracting a tooth is necessary to help with tooth pain, dental abscesses and infections, trauma, over-retained baby teeth, crowding issues, and for orthodontic purposes. Regardless of the reason, Dr. Fong has a gentle touch and he will make your child’s extraction appointment as comfortable as possible.
In certain cases when the baby tooth comes out prematurely, Dr. Fong will place a space maintainer to make sure the teeth don’t shift all over the place and produce orthodontic issues down the line. Dr. Fong is usually able to place a space maintainer the same day as the extraction.
Resin Infiltration
Does your child have chalky white spots of the front teeth? Are their opaque yellow-brownish spots? For these teeth, Dr. Fong can perform a safe and painless procedure called resin infiltration. It is less-invasive and a more economical solution compared to fillings, crowns and veneers.
