Restoring Your Child's First Teeth

Tooth decay leads to the break down of the tooth tissue causing a hole (cavity). Once these holes have been cleaned they can be treated using different filling materials. For small cavities a white filling is usually used. Where there has been extensive decay, the nerve running through the tooth may become inflammed or die, requiring 'pulp' treatment.

Where treatment to the nerve has been carried out, or when there has been extensive loss of structure, a 'stainless steel' crown is sometimes placed. This allows the tooth to be retained for a few more years, making the tooth stronger and reducing the risk of decay from occurring on other surfaces.