Cavity Treatment Options Glen Ridge, NJ

Diagnosing a Cavity

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems in children. They are a softened or damaged area in a tooth that occurs due to bacterial causing tooth decay. Parents are often surprised to learn that their child has a cavity. This is due to the fact that cavities often do not cause symptoms until they are very big and they are not always visible to the untrained eye. The best way to determine whether a child has a cavity is through a regular dental check-up and when needed, x-rays.

We will examine the teeth for any soft spots or visual signs of a cavity during the check-up appointment. Sometimes, we will take X-rays to check areas of the mouth that the visual examination cannot reach. The sooner the cavities or soft spots, also known as pre-cavities, are detected, the more treatment options are available to us. Cavities that are allowed to grow can cause greater dental problems and complications in the future.

Cavity Treatment Options

Various cavity treatment options are available depending on the patient’s needs and ability to tolerate treatment. In the early stages, the cavity might be reversible or stoppable with good home care and fluoride treatments. In some cases, we can apply a medication in the office to “pause” the cavity. If the lesion is past that point, treatment options include:

- Fillings (also known as composite restorations)

This is the most common treatment option. It involves removing only the affected part of the tooth and replacing it with a tooth-colored composite filling.

- Crowns

In cases when the cavity is too big for a filling, the tooth can be restored by placing a crown over it. Sometimes, if the cavity is deep, the crown is preceded by a nerve treatment known as a pulpotomy. Pediatric crowns are different from adult crowns because they are pre-made and can be completed in one visit.

- Extractions

Our least favorite type of treatment, extraction is a last resort when a tooth cannot be fixed or is infected. In case of a tooth needing an extraction well before it is ready to fall out, a space maintainer may be recommended to hold the space open for the permanent tooth to come into.

Drs. Baxi and Khan both believe in conservative dentistry. They will always offer options that range from least to most aggressive and discuss the pros and cons with you so you can make an informed decision that is in your child’s best interest. In many cases, baby teeth do not need to be numbed for dental work. Additionally, we offer nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to help with your child’s anxiety during dental procedures. Your child’s safety and comfort are important to us, so our team will work with you to find the best path forward to meet your little one’s dental needs.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a safe, non-invasive, topical treatment we use to slow down or arrest cavities. When a cavity is caught early, it is still reversible. Silver Diamine acts as an antibacterial to deactivate the cavity-causing bacteria on the surface of the affected tooth while Fluoride helps the damaged enamel to remineralize or re-harden. It can be used to avoid or delay the need for cavity treatments such as fillings or extractions. It is ideal for young, apprehensive children or patients with special needs who may not be able to tolerate traditional dental procedures yet. SDF is applied by brush or floss onto the affected area - it is fast, painless, and can help to buy time until the child is ready to have more definitive treatment to address the cavities. While SDF may darken areas of application, it’s an effective way to manage cavities and maintain oral health, particularly when more involved treatment isn’t the right option just yet. SDF does not permanently cure or heal cavities, so good oral hygiene and a healthy diet are still crucial to control the progression of caries. You can learn more about SDF in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's Guidelines at https://www.aapd.org/media/policies_guidelines/g_sdf.pdf. Treatment will prevent the problem from worsening or spreading to other teeth. Once the cavity receives treatment, a child’s tooth pain and discomfort will disappear.

What To Do About a Suspected Cavity

Parents who suspect that their child has a cavity should schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible. Please let our team know about any symptoms that your child has noticed or complained about.

Children may feel nervous or scared before a visit to the dentist for a cavity. We have found that it is best to reassure your child and keeping the explanations child-friendly. Instead of using scary words like “drill” and “needle”, you might hear us say “water toothbrush” and “sleepy juice”. Some kids’ shows also have dentist episodes that are helpful in preparing your little one.

Pain and Other Risks of Untreated Cavities

Children who are experiencing dental pain should be evaluated as soon as possible. Parents should contact our office and schedule an appointment to diagnose the problem and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Delaying treatment can put a child’s mouth and overall health at risk.

Tooth decay can spread quickly and dental problems can worsen without any warning signs. The sooner a cavity is treated, the better. Untreated cavities can grow and lead to an infection if they reach the nerve or pulp of the tooth, called an abscess. Timely treatment will prevent the problem from spreading past the tooth into the bone or other teeth.

Home Treatment Options

In some cases, a child must wait a few days to receive cavity treatment. As a child waits for their appointment, parents should ensure that their child continues brushing and flossing. If your little one is having pain when chewing, offer soft, room-temperature foods and drinks.

Our team can also recommend some over-the-counter medications to relieve discomfort and tooth pain. If an infection is suspected, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to help contain the abscess.