Dental Fillings for Kids

Understanding Cavities

Cavities, also known as dental caries, are holes in the teeth caused by bacteria and plaque buildup. These can occur at any age but are more common in children due to their developing oral hygiene habits and diet.

Tooth decay is caused when sugars from food and drinks interact with bacteria🦠 in the mouth, producing acids that eat away at the tooth’s enamel. If left untreated, it can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

Tooth decay on baby teeth is just as important to address as decay on permanent teeth. If left untreated, it can affect the development of adult teeth and lead to future dental problems.

Signs Your Child May Have a Cavity

It is important to bring your child for regular dental checkups so any cavities can be caught early. However, if your child experiences any of these symptoms, it may be an indication that they need a filling:

• Tooth sensitivity or pain while eating or drinking
• Visible holes or discoloration on their teeth
• A rough feeling when running their tongue over a tooth

If you notice any of these signs in your child, schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible. The longer a cavity goes untreated, the larger and more serious it can become.

Types of Fillings

If your child has a cavity, the dentist will recommend which type of filling is most suitable for their specific case. We offer composite resin and amalgam fillings here at Park Pediatric Dentistry.

• Composite resin (white) fillings are made of a mixture of plastic and glass, giving them a natural appearance that blends in with the teeth. These are a popular option because they are aesthetically pleasing and do not contain any metal.
• Amalgam (silver) fillings are made of a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, copper and zinc. These fillings are strong and durable, making them a good option for back teeth. They are less expensive than composite fillings but more noticeable due to their silver color.

The Filling Process

Our team is very experienced in performing dental procedures on young children and children with special needs. 

Our goal is to ensure your child has a positive experience at our office. We do that by clearly communicating with you and explaining the procedure to your child in kid-friendly terms. 

We want them to feel confident going into their appointment, so we do our best to prepare them for their procedure.

If your child needs a filling, here’s what you can expect during their appointment:

1. Numb the area: The dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth with local anesthetic. This is injected with a very small needle. If your child is nervous or anxious about the procedure, we offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation options. Sedation helps your child relax for the duration of the procedure.
2. Remove the decay: The dentist will use special tools to remove the decay from the affected tooth, leaving behind a clean cavity.
3. Fill the cavity: The filling material of choice will be placed in the cavity and shaped to match your child’s tooth structure.
4. Curing: For composite resin fillings, a special light is used to harden and bond the filling to the tooth.
5. Polishing: Once the filling has hardened, it will be smoothed and polished so that it blends in with your child’s natural teeth.

Dental Filling Aftercare

After getting a filling, your child’s mouth may feel numb for a few hours. We recommend that they do not eat until the numbing has worn off to avoid biting their cheek or tongue. Once the numbness wears off, they can resume normal eating habits.

Your child may experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks for a few days. This is normal and should subside over time. If your child experiences severe pain or discomfort, please contact our office.

Tips to Prevent Cavities

The best way to prevent cavities is to implement good oral hygiene habits early on.  Here are some tips to help your child maintain a healthy smile:

• Start brushing their teeth with a soft bristled child toothbrush as soon as their first tooth appears.
• Begin flossing their teeth when they have tooth teeth that touch.
• Bring them in for their first dental check up after their first birthday or when they have four or more teeth present.
• Supervise brushing and flossing until your child is around 8 years old.
• Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks in their diet, such as candy, soda, and juice. Encourage them to eat a balanced diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, meat, fish and eggs.
• Encourage them to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Schedule regular check-ups and cleanings with their pediatric dentist.

FAQs About Dental Fillings