Treatment of deciduous tooth decay: Why is it so important and how is it done at Dobrý Dent?

Temporary teeth play a key role in childhood. They are not only tools for biting and grinding food, but also have other essential functions:

• They maintain space for permanent teeth: Premature loss of a baby tooth due to decay or extraction can lead to displacement of the surrounding teeth and lack of space for the permanent successor to erupt properly. This may require complex and expensive orthodontic treatment in the future.
• They affect the development of the jaws and speech: The correct position of the temporary teeth is important for the harmonious growth of the jaws and also for the correct pronunciation of some sounds.
• They allow for proper chewing: Painful decay can prevent a child from chewing food thoroughly, which can have a negative impact on digestion and nutrient absorption.
• They are a source of infection: Untreated deep decay can lead to inflammation of the dental pulp (pulpitis) and subsequently to infection around the root of the tooth (periodontitis). This infection can spread to the surrounding tissues, cause painful swelling (abscess) and, in extreme cases, endanger the child’s overall health. Bacteria from untreated decay can also more easily attack neighboring, even permanent, teeth.
• They can damage the permanent tooth germ: Infection spreading from the root of a baby tooth can damage the developing permanent tooth germ underneath, which can manifest as enamel defects (white or brown spots) or anomalies in the shape of the permanent tooth.
• Psychological impact: Toothache, bad breath, or visible decay can negatively affect a child’s self-esteem and social interactions.

For these reasons, it is absolutely essential to treat decay in baby teeth with the same seriousness as it does in permanent teeth. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing complications and ensuring the healthy development of your child’s oral cavity.

At our clinic Dobrý Dent in Prague 5, we are fully aware of the specifics of treating pediatric patients. We know that a visit to the dentist can be stressful for a child, which is why we place maximum emphasis on a sensitive, patient, and playful approach. Our goal is not only to professionally treat the tooth, but also to build a positive relationship with dental care in the child and relieve him of any fear.

1. Diagnosis and planning

The first step is a thorough examination of the oral cavity. We use modern diagnostic methods that allow us to precisely localize the caries and assess its extent. In some cases, especially when interdental caries or complications are suspected, we can also use digital X-rays (including advanced 3D CBCT imaging, if indicated), which have significantly lower radiation exposure than classic X-rays. Based on the examination, we will then draw up an individual treatment plan, which we always discuss in detail with the parents.

2. Painless treatment thanks to modern technologies

We understand that the biggest concern of children and parents is pain. That is why at Dobrý Dent we invest in technologies that ensure maximum comfort during the procedure. For local anesthesia, we use the computer-controlled STA (Single Tooth Anesthesia) system. This device allows the anesthetic to be applied very slowly and specifically, often to only one tooth, which minimizes the unpleasant sensations associated with a traditional injection and limits the feeling of „numbness“ to the smallest possible area. Children often do not even notice that they have been given anesthesia.

We perform the removal of the caries itself with maximum precision. The use of an operating microscope allows us to magnify the working field many times. Thanks to this, we can see in detail the border between carious and healthy tissue and remove only the necessary part of the tooth, thus saving the maximum amount of healthy dental tissue. This approach is not only gentler, but also increases the quality and durability of the subsequent filling.

3. Removal of caries and application of the filling

After ensuring painlessness and under the control of a microscope, we gently remove all infected tooth tissue. The resulting cavity must then be carefully cleaned and prepared for the application of the filling.

We use modern, biocompatible and safe materials for filling temporary teeth. The most common are:

• Glass ionomer cements: These materials have the advantage of releasing fluoride ions, which help protect the tooth from further caries and strengthen the surrounding dental tissues. They are durable enough for temporary teeth.
• Composite resins (white fillings): In some cases, especially for front teeth or at the request of the parents for aesthetic reasons, white photocomposite fillings can also be used, similar to those used for permanent teeth. These fillings are highly aesthetic and bond firmly to the tooth.

The choice of a specific material depends on the extent of the decay, the location of the tooth and the individual needs of the child. We always choose the solution that is best in terms of function, durability and safety.

4. Final treatment and instructions

After the filling is made, we carefully shape and polish it so that it is smooth, does not interfere with the bite and does not allow plaque to stick to it. Finally, we provide parents and child with detailed instructions on the care of the treated tooth and overall oral hygiene. We will emphasize the importance of regular preventive checkups.

Although we at Dobrý Dent are equipped to provide top-notch treatment for existing cavities, our main goal is to prevent them. Prevention is always the best and least invasive solution. What can you do for your child’s healthy teeth?

• Consistent oral hygiene: Brush your children’s teeth twice a day from the moment their first tooth erupts. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of children’s toothpaste with an appropriate fluoride content (according to age). For older children, monitor the correct brushing technique and don’t forget about the interdental spaces.
• Limit sweets and sweetened drinks: Sugar is the main food for bacteria that cause tooth decay. Limit the frequency of consumption of sweet foods and drinks, especially between main meals. Watch out for hidden sugars in various snacks and juices.
• Regular preventive check-ups: Visit the dentist with your child regularly every six months, starting from the time the first teeth erupt (ideally by the age of one). Regular check-ups will allow you to detect any problems early and prevent them from developing. Professional dental hygiene should also be part of the check-ups.
• Fluoridation: Fluorides strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to acids produced by bacteria. Consult your dentist about suitable forms of fluoridation (paste, gels, varnishes).
• Fissure sealing: For permanent molars with deep grooves (fissures), it is possible to apply a sealant preventively, which will prevent plaque from adhering and the formation of caries in these hard-to-clean areas.

The Dobrý Dent Clinic in Prague 5 (Anděl, Jindřicha Plachty Street) is a place where many years of experience (we have been operating since 2010) are combined with the most modern technologies and an individual approach to each patient, including the smallest ones.

• Experienced and empathetic team: Our doctors and nurses have extensive experience in treating children and know how to communicate with them to make them feel safe and relaxed.
• Top-notch technologies for comfort and quality: We use an operating microscope for maximum accuracy, painless STA anesthesia, digital X-ray and 3D CBCT for precise diagnostics, as well as a 3D intraoral scanner for comfortable digital impressions without the need for classic impression materials.
• Pleasant and modern environment: Our clinic is designed to make our patients feel comfortable and calmly.
• Comprehensive care under one roof: We offer a wide range of dental services from dental hygiene and prevention, through conservative dentistry, endodontics (root canal treatment), prosthetics, to surgery and implantology.
• Emphasis on prevention: We believe that the best care is preventive, which is why we actively educate our patients about proper oral hygiene.

Don’t wait for your child to have a toothache. Early treatment of tooth decay in primary teeth is essential for their healthy development and future beautiful smile. If you suspect your child has tooth decay or just want a preventive check-up, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team at Dobrý Dent is ready to provide the best possible care in a friendly and modern environment.

We are here for you and your children. Trust experts with many years of experience and state-of-the-art equipment in the heart of Prague 5.