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Caries

At Tandenfeest, we understand that cavities in children’s teeth can be a concern for parents.

As a parent, you want the best for your child, and it’s essential to be aware of the different ways to treat cavities in children.
In our practice, we offer two main methods: traditional treatment and minimal invasive treatment.

With traditional treatment, the infected part of the tooth is removed, and a filling is placed.

With minimal invasive treatment, the cavity is treated using other techniques and materials. Examples of such techniques include: the application of sealant and the administration of fluoride, which helps to strengthen the tooth enamel and prevent cavities to become bigger and/or deeper. Another minimal invasive treatment used in children is the non-restorative cavity treatment (NRCT), where cavities are not filled. Instead, the focus is on instruction and motivation to help parents / caregivers clean their children teeth and prevent cavities from becoming bigger and deeper.

Examples of techniques used in NRCT include:

  • If a cavity is difficult to reach for brushing, we will smoothing it down a bit so it can be more easily cleaned.
  • Another option that is sometimes used in the treatment of caries is silver diamine fluoride (SDF). This is a liquid that is applied to the tooth surface to stop bacterial growth and strengthen the teeth. SDF is effective in preventing further caries, but has the disadvantage of staining the teeth into black.

We will still need to monitor the cavities and make follow-up appointments because, despite our efforts, the cavities may not always stop and may require a different form of treatment.

NRCT is a safe and painless and can be incredibly useful for treating very young children and uncooperative children.

Make an appointment today to discuss which treatment is best for your child. Together, we will determine the best treatment plan for your child.

A cavity is not always immediately visible or painful. Sometimes your child may feel sensitivity when eating or drinking, or you may notice a dark spot on a tooth or molar. During a check-up, the dentist can detect and treat cavities at an early stage.

Treatment depends on the size and depth of the cavity. Small cavities can sometimes be managed with minimally invasive treatment, while larger ones usually need to be cleaned and filled. The dentist will always discuss the most suitable option for your child's teeth.

With minimally invasive treatment, the dentist aims to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Special techniques are used to stop or slow down the progression of decay. This can be especially suitable for young children or early-stage cavities.

A cavity should usually be treated as soon as the dentist determines that the decay may continue to spread. Early treatment helps prevent pain and keeps your child's teeth healthy.

Feel free to contact us.

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