Even with brushing your teeth twice a day, cavities can happen. Sometimes, even the most disciplined brushers need a filling to restore a tooth back to its optimal health.
When you come in for your visit, your child’s dentist will carefully consider a number of factors when deciding on whether or not your child needs a filling. The most important factor is whether or not the tooth is decaying. Our dentist will determine the level of decay, and then begin preparing your child’s tooth for the procedure. Your child’s health, safety and happiness are all a part of the process!
What is a Dental Filling Made of?
Dental fillings, or composite fillings, are a method of dental restoration that is primarily made of quartz, ceramic, or silica. These non-toxic substances used for fillings are often referred to as “tooth-colored fillings.” Composite fillings are durable and resistant to fractures in small to midsize fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from chewing. Composites can be used on either front or back teeth and are a good choice for patients who prefer natural-looking fillings.
Because of their natural look, tooth-colored fillings are now used more often than silver or gold fillings. In addition to being cosmetically pleasing, some tooth-colored fillings contain materials that release fluoride, protecting the filling from further decay. Patients love leaving the office with a bright, white smile that will keep their mouth healthy long term!
Ways to Prevent the Need for Dental Fillings
At Dentistry for Children, we teach prevention as the key to a lifetime of healthy smiles. Your child’s risk of cavities and other diseases can be decreased with a few simple steps:
- Brushing twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Eating a balanced diet and limit snacking
- Scheduling a dental visit every 6 months
Why Your Child May Need Dental Fillings
The main purpose of a dental filling is to restore your child’s tooth back to its optimal state and chewing function. Getting a dental filling is not preferred, but sometimes it is necessary to preserve the overall health and function of your child’s mouth. A filling allows your child’s dentist to clean out the decayed matter and fill it with a non-toxic composite resin, gold, silver, or porcelain to preserve the tooth and keep your kid smiling!
Benefits of Getting Cavities Filled
You may ask the question, “Why does my child need a filling on a baby tooth when it’s just going to fall out?” We understand your concerns, but baby teeth are just as important as adult teeth!
Call D4C to Schedule Your Child’s Dental Filling
If your child is in need of a dental filling, we have 22 convenient locations throughout Georgia, staffed with a compassionate dental team ready to help. Call today or schedule an appointment online!
Pediatric Dental Filling FAQs
Why Does My Child Need a filling?
Even though your child’s cavity is on a baby tooth, it is important to fill the cavity for long term oral health. Leaving a cavity can lead to infection, further decay in the tooth and cause the teeth surrounding the cavity to also decay. A dental filling restores the tooth back to a natural, healthy state to preserve the overall health of your child’s mouth.
Will the Filling Be Painful?
Your child’s dentist will do everything to make your child as comfortable as possible. The dentist will apply a topical numbing cream before proceeding with nitrous oxide or local anesthesia to complete the procedure. With these measures, a filling will be a virtually pain-free experience for your child.
What Types of Fillings Are There?
There are many different types of fillings available! Composite fillings are regularly used because of their natural tooth coloring. Composite fillings are regularly made of resin plastic or ceramic porcelain. Other options are gold or silver fillings. Your child’s dentist will choose which material is right for their filling.
How Does My Child’s Dentist Choose the Filling?
Your child’s dentist will take many factors into account when choosing the right filling for your child. The location of the cavity, size of the cavity, your child’s age, dental history, general durability of the filling and your child’s daily activities are all things your child’s dentist will consider before choosing the type of filling.
Find Us