What Are Fillings and Crowns?
Fillings and crowns are common restorative dental treatments designed to protect and repair damaged teeth while helping maintain healthy oral development.
- Fillings treat small cavities or areas of decay on a tooth. They help restore a tooth’s structure and prevent further damage or decay.
- Crowns are caps placed over teeth to restore shape, size, strength, and appearance. We recommend crowns for larger cavities or teeth that have experienced more extensive damage, such as fractures.
Both options are safe and effective ways to ensure your child’s teeth stay strong and healthy. With advanced techniques and materials, our dental experts ensure that fillings and crowns are tailored to your child’s needs while maintaining a natural appearance.
Signs Your Child May Need Fillings or Crowns
Knowing when your child might need dental treatment is not always easy. Here are the signs to watch for that may indicate the need for fillings and crowns in Greater St. Louis:
- Toothache or sensitivity: Persistent pain or sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods could signal cavity or tooth damage.
- Visible discoloration: Dark spots or discoloration on a tooth may indicate decay.
- Chipped or cracked teeth: Accidents, sports injuries, or other dental trauma could require crowns to restore the tooth’s structure.
- Gaps or uneven wear in teeth: Uneven wear might be caused by grinding or structural issues, which crowns can help correct.
- Previous dental repair needs: If your child had a cavity treated in the past, periodic checks ensure no additional work is necessary.
Addressing these signs early is essential. Left untreated, tooth damage can cause pain and potentially lead to infections or issues with oral development.
What is the Process for Receiving Fillings and Crowns?
Our team at Little Smiles believes in creating a stress-free experience for you and your child. Here’s what you can expect when getting fillings or crowns in our Greater St. Louis offices.
- Evaluation & Diagnosis: During your child’s dental exam, we use advanced tools, such as digital X-rays, to identify cavities or decay.
- Preparing the Tooth: We’ll gently clean the problematic area and remove any decayed material.
- Filling the Tooth: A tooth-colored filling material (composite resin) is applied, shaped, and hardened to restore the tooth’s appearance and function seamlessly.
- Assessment: If decay or damage is extensive, we may recommend a crown to protect and restore your child’s tooth fully.
- Prepping the Tooth: We will carefully remove the decayed portion and shape the tooth to fit the crown.
- Placing the Crown: Crowns are custom-made for the perfect fit and are secured onto the tooth to ensure long-lasting results.
Little Smiles of Washington: Why Families Trust Us
At Little Smiles of Washington, we aim to create an environment that feels safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for young patients. With locations in Washington, Dardenne Prairie, and Hazelwood, we proudly serve the St. Louis Metro area with comprehensive care for infants, children, teens, and patients with special needs.
Here’s what makes us stand out:
- Expert Team: We have the proper skills and equipment as professionals with years of experience in pediatric dentistry.
- Preventive Focus: We emphasize preventive care to ensure minimal invasive treatments whenever possible.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Kids love our TVs, streaming services, toys, toy towers, and goodie bags!
- Cutting-Edge Technology: We use tools like digital X-rays to provide safer, faster, and more accurate diagnoses.
- Affordable Options: Flexible payment plans through CareCredit make high-quality dental care accessible to every family.
We aim to make every visit positive for your child through evidence-based practices and an empathetic approach.
Aftercare for Fillings and Crowns
Caring for your child’s teeth post-procedure is essential to ensuring long-term success. Here are our top tips for aftercare following fillings and crowns in Greater St. Louis:
- Short-Term Care: After the procedure, your child may experience mild sensitivity. Stick to softer foods initially and avoid sticky or hard items.
- Pain Relief: If necessary, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can ease mild discomfort (always follow dosage instructions).
- Consistency with Hygiene: Encourage regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing to prevent future issues.
- Routine Dental Visits: Keep up with regular check-ups to monitor the health of your child’s fillings or crowns and address any concerns early.
At Little Smiles of Washington, every step we take—before, during, and after treatment—aims to ensure that your child’s oral health is on the right track.
Achieve Healthy Smiles with Fillings and Crowns in Greater St. Louis
Dental health is essential for a child’s well-being; fillings and crowns can help preserve their beautiful smile. If you’ve noticed signs of damage or decay, Dr. Jaime Orrick, Dr. Corey Hastings, Dr. Matt Freihofer, and Dr. Carly Boudreaux (Hazelwood location) are here to help. With patient-focused care, top-notch technology, and a warm and welcoming environment, we strive to make every child’s visit stress-free and rewarding.
Please schedule an appointment today with Little Smiles of Washington to discuss your child’s dental needs and learn how fillings and crowns in Greater St. Louis can protect their smile for years.