Glass Ionomer or Composite Filling For Children?

Children are not so cooperative when visiting the dentist and getting fillings. Parents are also worried about which type of filling material is suitable for children. There’s a range of materials to choose from which have its advantages and disadvantages.

For parents who take their kids along to the dentist for fillings are faced with the dilemma of choosing the right filling materials for their kids. In most cases they have to choose between composite materials and glass ionomer. Is glass ionomer better than composite?

1. Glass Ionomer

Glass ionomers are tooth colored materials made of acrylic acids and fine glass powders that are used to fill cavities. Glass ionomers can release a small amounts of fluoride that help children who have higher risks for tooth decay. Glass ionomers are used for small fillings in areas which do not need to withstand chewing pressure as the material is not very durable.

2. Composite Resin

Composite resin fillings are more durable and do not fall out as easily. Composite fillings are natural looking and can match the color of natural teeth and is aesthetically appealing. Composite resin compared to glass ionomer can cause irritation to the dental pulp and is not suitable for fillings which are close to the dental pulp.

Therefore, choosing the type of material for children you should also take into account the professional advice of the dentist. Glass ionomer have low resistance to fracture and are mainly used for filling between the teeth or on the roots of teeth. As for composite resin which has better durability it can be used for chewing surfaces. 

Getting a Filling or Removing the Dental Pulp

Does removing the dental pulp mean that the tooth can no longer be restored? The only way to restore a tooth is to get a filling? Which is better? Both methods are used to treat cavities, however which method of treatment is chosen by the dentist will depend on the situation with your tooth.

When patients hear that the dental pulp needs to be removed they often ask if it’s better than getting just a filling. Both removing a dental pulp and getting a filling are ways to treat cavities, the only difference is one method is more simple and the other is more complicated.  

Which method is better?

Generally speaking a filling is where the decayed tissues are removed and then the cavity is filled with materials to restore the tooth. This method is used the most and is simple and most clinics and dentist can carry out the procedure.

The dental pulp needs to be removed when the cavity has gotten so serious that it has already infected the pulp or nerve of the tooth. In such cases the dental pulp and nerve needs to be removed if not the pain will become worse. Once the dental pulp and nerves have been removed the pain will subside. The dentist will then carry out root canal therapy to remove the infected tissues then fill the tooth.

Although both methods are similar in a lot of ways, the choice of method will depend on how serious the cavity is and the dentist will need to do an examination before they can determine which method is most beneficial.

Can Cavities Heal Without Treatment?

A lot of patients ask if cavities are left untreated can they heal on their own? If you were to go through with treatment, what procedures would this include?

Cavities Cannot Heal Without Treatment

Generally speaking if cavities have not been treatment they will not heal by themselves and will become more severe. If left untreated the cavity will get bigger and in serious cases you can lose the whole tooth.

Types of Treatment

Depending on the severity of the cavity there are different treatments. You will have to go through a dental examination first so the dentist can assess the severity of the cavity. In most cases the dentist will remove the decayed tissues and then fill the area with filling materials.

If the decay is very serious and has already reached the dentin and manifested into pulpitis or periapical periodontitis then root canal treatment will need to be carried out. In this type of case the decayed pulp tissue will need to be removed and the dental chamber will need to be disinfected before it can be filled. In cases where the tooth’s dental nerve is already dead, fractured, no longer has adequate bone support or cannot be restored then the tooth will have to be extracted.   

Therefore, patients should never assume cavities will heal on their own, so it’s advised as soon as you suspect you have a cavity then make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. You wouldn’t want to leave it for too long and end up losing the tooth.  

Costs for Child Tooth Extraction in Shenzhen

A lot of parents have expressed their view that pediatric dentistry costs are expensive in Shenzhen and are worried they are paying more than the need for their children’s dental care. So exactly just how much should you be paying?

Parents are probably the most anxious when they hear that their child needs a tooth extracted. Is tooth extraction really scary? It really depends on which tooth is being removed and how complicated the extraction is and this directly affects the costs.

Tooth Extraction in Children?

Professional dental clinics will have pediatric dentists and nurses and they will use a variety of fun and other methods to get the child to cooperate with the tooth extraction. Parents usually don't need to worry too much. Moreover, during the process of tooth extraction, the doctor's movements will be more gentle and the procedure has local anesthesia so there is basically no pain.

Costs of Child Tooth Extraction in Shenzhen?

Currently, child tooth extraction is quite common for example when permanent teeth start growing in before the milk teeth are lost, serious cavities, tooth damage which results in a loose tooth all require tooth extractions. Costs for extractions can start at a few hundred Yuan.  

An example of complicated extractions would be embedded supernumerary teeth this type of extraction is complex and of course the prices is more expensive. This type of extraction can range from a few hundred Yuan to over a thousand Yuan. Also extracting supernumerary teeth requires a pediatric dentist with great skills and techniques.

Therefore, child tooth extractions requires a professional clinic and pediatric dentist to carry out the procedure. As for costs you should make sure you know what you’re paying for during the first appointment. 

Topical Fluoride Necessary for Kids?

By applying topical fluoride to teeth cannot completely prevent cavities, so what's the point in the treatment? Many parents question what’s the point in fluoride treatment?

For first time parents there is always the urge to ask "experienced parents" for advice, however it’s always best to seek the advice of professionals. There has been a heated discussion between parents about whether it’s beneficial for kids having topical fluoride treatment as it does not completely prevent cavities. There’s also parents who say that children lose their milk teeth at the age of 6 so there’s no need for topical fluoride treatment.


However, scientifically speaking applying topical fluoride to the surface of teeth is like a protective cover. This can strengthen the mineral content of the enamel which makes it a preventive method for cavities.


Benefits of Fluoride Treatment for Children


1. There’s a difference between applying topical fluoride as it can prevent cavities and provides children with a protective layer over their teeth.


2. Are the results of topical fluoride treatment worth it? Firstly the topical fluoride treatment should be applied by a professional dentist and experienced dental clinic. Also parents must understand that after applying fluoride children must also continue to have good dental hygiene just because topical fluoride has been applied this is no excuse for not brushing.


3. Applying topical fluoride usually takes only a few minutes and can come in the form of gel, foam or varnish and it’s non-invasive.


4. Althought children loose their milk teeth around the age of 6, for all milk teeth to be completely lost will be when the child is about 12 years old so as a preventive measure until all the permanent teeth come in it is rather beneficial to have topical fluoride treatment.