Restorative dentistry is the process of treating and preventing the diseases of teeth and restoring their natural health. This includes repairing the damaged teeth through certain dental procedures. Restorative dentistry in children is done while the child stays awake.

A local anaesthetic or numbing medication can be administered to make the procedure comfortable for the child. A typical restorative dental appointment takes about 30-45 minutes. If several other dental procedures are required or multiple teeth need to be restored, then the appointment time can be longer. Restorative dental procedures for children include:

-Pulpotomy

-Fillings

-Stainless steel crowns

-Extractions

-Space maintainers

What are the Restorative Dental Procedures in Pediatric Dentistry?

Before recommending any restorative dental procedure, the dentist will recommend getting an x-ray of the involved tooth. After reviewing your child’s dental x-ray and conducting an intra-oral examination, the dentist will recommend any of the above-stated procedures.

When you and your child come in for the restorative dental appointment, the child will be first administered a local numbing agent - either topically or through an injection or both.

The dentist will wait for a few minutes for the medication to start working and then begin the procedure. If your child is feeling extremely anxious and nervous about the procedure, the dentist will recommend performing the dental procedure under the umbrella of mild sedatives.

The restorative dental procedures in Pediatric dentistry are as follows:

Pulpotomy

If your child has a deep cavity in their tooth, then the dentist will recommend you to get the tooth nerves treated by pulpotomy. This procedure is generally done in the cases where the infection is very close to the pulp and your child is at the risk of developing a serious infection.

The dentist will first clean the tooth cavity with the help of a special drill and then sterilise the pulp to control bleeding. Depending upon the degree of tooth decay, some part or the entire nerve might have to be removed by the dentist. A stainless steel or ceramic crown is usually fitted over the remaining part of the tooth.

Fillings

When the dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth, a cavity is formed that needs to be filled. To do this, the dentist will first use a special drill to remove any decayed area of the tooth and then clean it. After this, amalgam (silver) or composite (white) tooth fillings can be used to fill the cavity.

Extractions

Your child’s dentist might recommend an extraction if your child’s tooth has a very deep infection or cavity. They can also be performed if your child suffers from orthodontic problems such as crowding of teeth.

An extraction appointment does not take any longer than 20-25 minutes. After the appointment, your child will need some special care once he/she goes home. The dentist will provide a set of instructions regarding the same.

Space Maintainers

If your child lost their tooth a little early or if the tooth never erupted, then the dentist might recommend using space maintainers. Like the name suggests, space maintainers are used to save the spot for the permanent tooth to prevent crowding of teeth and other orthodontic problems. A space maintainer is usually made of stainless steel and is usually temporary.

At-Home Care After Restorative Procedures

-You can give your child some painkillers as recommended by the dentist if he/she is experiencing any pain or discomfort.

-The local anaesthetics will make your child’s mouth and lips numb for a few hours. Therefore, to prevent any injury to the tongue and other oral tissues, limit your child’s diet to just soft and cold foods up to 4 hours after the procedure.

-Unless stated otherwise, follow the normal oral hygiene routine of the child after the procedure.