If your child hasn’t been to the dentist in a while, you may be worried that they’ll say they need fillings. While many people experience dread at the thought of these dental treatments, the truth is that getting them is completely painless and they can prevent further dental damage. In fact, waiting too long to get a filling can lead to a significant amount of pain or even tooth loss. Here’s why it’s a great idea to have your child’s cavities treated before the end of the year.
What If I Skip Getting a Filling for My Child?
Cavities will not get better on their own and will continue to get worse until they are treated by a dental professional. If tooth decay is allowed to breach your child’s tooth’s outer layers of enamel and dentin, it will infect the pulp in the center, causing a throbbing, miserable toothache that will require a root canal to treat. If the toothache goes untreated, it can lead to tooth loss or even dangerous secondary infections like sepsis or pneumonia. To make matters worse, untreated tooth decay can spread from one tooth to another, starting the whole process over again.
Why Should I Get My Child’s Fillings Sooner?
In addition to stopping tooth decay in its tracks and helping to preserve the health of your child’s smile, getting fillings early can make more sense for your pocketbook. If you’re paying for your health insurance through your employer, you’re going to want to get the most benefit you can out of it, and getting your child those fillings can help you meet your deductible sooner. Insurance programs usually cover most of the cost of restorative work like dental fillings, making them a sound and affordable investment for your child’s health and finances.
Dental fillings can spare a child much discomfort while preserving their oral health for years to come. By getting them sooner, you can halt the progress of tooth decay and keep your child’s smile beautiful for life.
About the Author
Dr. Sheh Vahid earned her dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed her General Dentistry Residency at the University of Rochester Eastman Dental Center. She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association. Her office in East Cobb, GA offers pediatric preventative, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental fillings. To schedule an appointment for your child, contact her office online or dial (678) 498-2878.