Why should my child get a dental filling?
Filings are one of the fastest, simplest, and most affordable ways to treat cavities for kids. Cavities are a big deal, even if they're only present in the baby teeth. Cavities can cause pain and discomfort, and may lead to infected teeth or even tooth loss. The baby teeth are just as important as your child’s adult teeth, since they help form the paths that adult teeth follow when they emerge later in life. With a dental filling, your child’s tooth will stay healthy for years to come.
Did You Know?
A study from the NIH has shown that, on average, kids from the ages of 2-11 have 1.6 decayed baby teeth.
Tooth Colored Fillings
Our pediatric dental practice offers tooth-colored fillings that blend seamlessly with your child's natural teeth. This aesthetic option provides durable, long-lasting cavity protection while maintaining a beautiful smile.
The Benefits of Dental Fillings For Kids
Eliminate Pain & Discomfort
Small cavities can cause tooth sensitivity and tenderness to heat, cold, and the pressure of chewing. And bigger cavities could even cause a serious toothache. With a filling, you can eliminate your child’s pain and discomfort.
Prevent Tooth Loss
If it’s left untreated, a cavity will only get worse. Eventually, this may lead to a tooth infection. Without proper treatment, the infection may cause the tooth to fall out, or require extraction from a dentist. With a filling, your child won’t be at risk of losing a baby or adult tooth.
Affordable Treatment
Pediatric dental fillings are simple and affordable, and are covered by dental insurance. This makes them a budget-friendly option. This is especially true compared to more invasive treatments like root canals, which may be needed if your child doesn’t get a filling to treat their cavity.
The Dental Filling Treatment Process
Initial Consultation
First, your child’s pediatric dentist will examine their mouth for signs of cavities. This may take place at a routine six-month visit, or whenever you bring your child into our office and suspect they have a cavity. If your child is complaining of pain, discomfort, or tenderness in one of their teeth, consider bringing them in for a checkup.
Tooth Preparation
After your child’s pediatric dentist confirms their cavity, you’ll schedule a follow-up appointment. At this appointment, your child’s dentist will clean and numb their mouth. Then, they will use a dental drill to gently remove any damaged or decayed enamel from their tooth.
Filling Placement
Once your child's tooth has been prepared, Dr. Steph or Dr. Matt will fill their tooth using either a tooth-colored composite resin or a silver-colored amalgam restoration. If using the tooth-colored composite resin, it will be soft when applied to the tooth. As the final step, Dr. Steph or Dr. Matt will check the fit of the filling and make any necessary adjustments. Then, you and your little one will be sent home.
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Rest assured that your child is receiving top-notch, specialized care with our Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. To be recognized by The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, doctors must undergo extensive training in the pediatric field in addition to their standard dental degrees.
Tooth-Colored and Amalgam Fillings
We offer two types of dental fillings for your child:
- Composite fillings are matched to the color of your child's tooth, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with the rest of their smile. Very little enamel is removed when adding a composite filling, which helps your child's tooth stay healthy and strong.
- Amalgam fillings, while silver in color, are known for their durability and strength. They are particularly useful for back teeth where chewing forces are greatest. Like composite fillings, amalgam fillings also require minimal removal of tooth structure.
Both options effectively restore your child's tooth function and prevent further decay. Dr. Steph or Dr. Matt will recommend the best filling material based on your child's specific needs and the location of the cavity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
