PREVENTIVE RESINS: EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR CAVITIES CAUGHT EARLY
If your child has a tiny cavity on the chewing surface of a baby tooth or permanent tooth, then s/he may be a good candidate for preventive resin treatment. After the decay is removed, the tooth is filled with a tooth-colored plastic and then coated with a sealant. The filling is almost invisible, and the tooth is free of decay and protected by the sealant.
TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS: VIRTUALLY INVISIBLE TREATMENT FOR SMALLER CAVITIES
Tooth-colored fillings are made from durable plastics called composite resins. Similar in color and texture to natural teeth, the fillings are less noticeable and more attractive than other types of fillings. Your child can smile, talk and eat with confidence.
Certain tooth-colored filling materials (such as glass ionomers) even release fluoride, resulting in a tooth that is more resistant to decay. In addition, tooth-colored fillings are compatible with dental sealants. A tooth can be filled and sealed at the same time to provide extra decay protection.
Resin fillings are not for every cavity. They work best in small areas of decay in low-stress areas. As more of your child’s tooth needs to be filled, a large plastic filling may no longer be the best option. At this point, we may recommend a crown for your child’s tooth.