Is Your Child's Toothache Caused By A Damaged Filling?

Seeing your child in pain is every parent's worst nightmare. If your child is suffering from a toothache, the underlying cause should be treated as quickly as possible. 

If the toothache is occurring in a tooth that is fitted with a filling, damage to the filling may be the source of the problem. Children with loose or damaged fillings should be taken to a family dentist ASAP.

How Do Damaged Fillings Cause Toothache?

When fillings are installed in damaged teeth, the filling material may come into direct contact with the sensitive pulp and nerve endings inside the tooth. If the filling has been damaged or loosened, it can start to irritate these nerve endings. Damaged fillings can also expose the nerve endings inside a damaged tooth to cold air. Both of these problems can cause excruciating toothache.

What Should You Do If Your Child Has A Damaged Filling?

If your child is suffering from a toothache in a filled tooth, your first step should be to make an appointment with a family dentist to have the tooth inspected and treated.

If an immediate appointment is not possible or practical, you can take steps to lessen your child's pain until their toothache can be treated. Low-dose oral analgesics (such as baby aspirin) can help with the pain, as can topical analgesic gels. Avoid giving your child any hot or cold food or drinks. Soft foods that do not need to be chewed are generally best. 

If the filling has become completely dislodged, over-the-counter dental cement can be used to fashion a temporary replacement filling. When properly applied, dental cement can cover and protect the sensitive nerve endings, providing lasting relief from toothache. Bear in mind that dental cement is a stop-gap solution at best and should only be used until your child can see their dentist for permanent treatment.

If your child is in extreme pain that is affecting their ability to eat, drink or sleep, you should book an urgent appointment with an emergency dentist. You should also call an emergency dentist if there is any visible swelling around the filled tooth. Swelling can signify infection of the damaged tooth, which can become a serious systemic illness without prompt treatment.

How Can Family Dentists Treat Children With Damaged Fillings?

Once your child gets in the dentist's chair, your family dentist will inspect the filling in the painful tooth to check for signs of damage or loosening. Minor cracks and chips can be repaired quickly using additional dental composite material.

If the filling has been badly damaged or lost, but the previously filled tooth is still in good shape, the dentist can craft a new filling to be fitted immediately.

If the tooth pulp has become infected, more extensive treatment may be required. Your family dentist may recommend a pulpotomy to remove infected or damaged tooth pulp. This procedure is like a mini root canal and involves removing a portion of the pulp inside the tooth. 

Contact a family dentistry provider for more information.