Pediatric Dental Fillings
Finding out your child has a cavity can be unnerving, but finding the right solution doesn’t have to be. At Little Kids Dentistry, we specialize in pediatric dental fillings, transforming a moment of concern into a positive step toward lifelong oral health.
Our compassionate team uses the latest techniques and materials to ensure the entire process is gentle, comfortable, and effective.
We’re not just fixing a tooth; we’re protecting a smile and building a foundation of trust for all future dental visits.
Understanding Cavities in Children: More Than Just "Sugar Bugs"
A cavity is a small hole in a tooth caused by tooth decay. This decay happens when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars from foods and drinks, producing acids that erode the tooth’s hard outer layer (enamel).
Children are often more susceptible to cavities because:
- Enamel on baby teeth is thinner and softer than on adult teeth.
- Developing brushing and flossing habits can be inconsistent.
- Frequent snacking on sugary or starchy foods can create a constant acid attack on their teeth.
A dental filling is a restorative treatment where we gently remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill the space with a safe, durable dental material.
This stops the decay in its tracks and restores the tooth’s strength and function.
The Critical Role of Baby Teeth: Why Fillings Are Essential
It’s a common misconception that cavities in baby teeth can be ignored since the teeth will eventually fall out. In reality, untreated decay in primary teeth can lead to significant health issues.
Protecting these teeth with fillings is crucial for:
- Preventing Pain and Infection: Untreated cavities can grow deeper, reaching the nerve of the tooth and causing severe pain, abscesses (a serious infection), and swelling.
- Guiding Permanent Teeth: Baby teeth act as crucial placeholders, saving space for the permanent teeth to erupt correctly. Losing a baby tooth too early can cause crowding and alignment issues later on.
- Ensuring Proper Nutrition and Speech: Painful teeth can make it difficult for a child to chew properly, affecting their nutrition. Healthy teeth are also essential for clear speech development.
- Maintaining Overall Health: Oral infections can spread to other parts of the body. Maintaining a healthy mouth is vital for a child’s overall well-being.
Our clinic locations
Make An Appointment
Make an Appointment
Pick the office closest to you to request a visit online, or call us and we will find a time that works for your family. New patients are always welcome, and we accept all PPO insurance plans.
- (866) 553-3368
- Tue–Fri 10 AM–7 PM · Sat 9 AM–4 PM
Our Approach: The Pediatric Filling Procedure Step-by-Step
Welcome and Settle
We start by helping your child feel relaxed and confident. Using our “Tell-Show-Do” approach, we explain each step in kid-friendly terms, show the tools (like “Mr. Thirsty”), and gently begin once your child feels ready.
Gentle Numbing
To make sure the visit is completely painless, we apply a flavored numbing gel before carefully numbing the tooth. For children who need extra comfort, we offer safe sedation options to help them stay calm.
Cleaning the Tooth
Next, we remove the decay—what we call “washing away the sugar bugs.” This keeps the process light and easy for kids to understand while we clean and prepare the tooth.
Filling & Polishing
We place a tooth-colored filling, shape it to match your child’s tooth, and harden it with a special blue light. Finally, we polish it smooth so it looks and feels natural.
Amalgam Fillings
When a tooth is affected by dental decay, the removal of that decay followed by tooth restoration to its original form and function is very important and must be performed as soon as possible.
Amalgam (silver) filling is one form of restoration. The procedure includes the removal of decayed portion of the tooth and filling the empty space with an amalgam paste that is carved into the tooth structure replacing the original tooth surface(s).
Benefits
- Durable Material. Dental amalgams are made with robust components which makes these fillings very durable.
- Protects from future cavities. The edges of the tooth next to the filling become more resistant to future cavities.
- Chew as much as you want. Due to the durable nature of amalgam fillings, kids can easily chew on most foods without the worry of breaking the filling.
- Lasts long. A typical amalgam filling can last for ten or twelve years before it needs replacement.
Composite Fillings
When a tooth decay is not very extensive (usually limited to the chewing surface and is shallow), often times a composite filling might be placed to restore a tooth to its original form and function.
A composite fill is a resin restoration that comes in various shades of white to mimic the original tooth color. This type of restoration is very hygiene sensitive and if not cared for properly, might leak and stain overtime.
Benefits
- The ability to match the resin to the color of the tooth, making them less noticeable.
- Less drilling is required, which is great for kids who are fearful of the drilling noise.
- Direct bonding to your child’s tooth means increased strength.
Memberships
Reviews
6/19/2021
5/26/2021
A year ago
Insurance Companies We Work With
We accept all PPO insurance plans
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Cigna
- Delta dental
- MetLife
- United Concordia
- United Healthcare
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dental filling for kids?
A dental filling is a safe, simple procedure to repair a tooth that has a cavity or decay. At Little Kids Dentistry, we use tooth-colored materials that restore the tooth’s strength and natural appearance.
Will my child feel pain during the filling?
No! We use a flavored numbing gel and gentle anesthesia to make the procedure completely painless. For extra anxious children, safe sedation options are also available.
How long does a filling appointment take?
Most children are in and out in just one visit, usually under an hour, leaving with a healthy, happy smile.
How do you make the visit fun for kids?
We use the “Tell-Show-Do” technique to explain every step in kid-friendly terms, show them the tools, and proceed gently. We also use playful descriptions, like “washing away the sugar bugs,” to make the process enjoyable.
What kind of filling material do you use?
We use tooth-colored filling materials that match your child’s natural teeth. They’re strong, durable, and safe for children of all ages.
Is sedation safe for children?
Yes! We offer safe, effective sedation dentistry for children who need extra comfort. Our team monitors your child closely throughout the visit to ensure a calm, stress-free experience.
How do you make sure my child’s bite feels normal?
After placing the filling, we carefully polish and shape it so that it fits naturally with your child’s bite, ensuring comfort and proper function.
How can I help my child prepare for the filling?
Talk positively about the visit, explain that the dentist will help wash away the sugar bugs, and encourage your child to ask questions. We’ll also walk them through every step at the appointment.
Will my child need multiple visits for a filling?
Most fillings are completed in a single visit, so your child can return to normal activities right away with a healthier tooth.
How can I prevent future cavities?
Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups help prevent cavities. We also offer tips for healthy snacks and routines to keep your child’s teeth strong and cavity-free.