The thought of your child needing dental fillings can be intimidating, but with the right information and preparation, it doesn’t have to be. Here we will discuss what you need to know about pediatric dental fillings and how they can help maintain your child’s dental health.
When Are Fillings Necessary?
Fillings are necessary when a cavity has formed in one or more of your child’s teeth. Cavities are caused by bacteria that feed on sugars and starches in the food we eat. This creates an acid that damages the enamel of teeth, resulting in cavities. If left untreated, cavities can get worse and cause pain, infection, and other dental issues. Fillings are used to restore the shape and strength of a tooth damaged by decay, as well as prevent further damage from occurring.
Types of Fillings Used for Kids
The type of filling used for your child will depend on several factors such as where the cavity is located and how deep it is. Common types of fillings used for kids include silver amalgam fillings (made up of tin, copper, silver and mercury), composite resin fillings (made up of composite plastic material), glass ionomer cement (used primarily for cavities near the gum line) and stainless steel crowns (used primarily on molars). Your dentist will decide which type is best suited for your child’s needs.
What to Expect During Filling Treatment
During filling treatment, your child’s dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth so that they do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Once the area is numb, your dentist will remove any decay from the tooth before placing the filling material into it. They may also use a laser to clean out any remaining decay before filling it with material. Afterward, they may polish or adjust the filling if needed before finishing off with a fluoride treatment or sealant to protect against further decay.
Pediatric dental fillings can help restore teeth damaged by decay and prevent further damage from occurring in young children’s mouths. It is important that you discuss all available options with your dentist so you can make an informed decision about what kind of filling would best suit your child’s needs. With proper care and maintenance after getting a filling placed, your child should have healthy teeth and gums for years to come!
Contact Smile Center for Kids (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1050 Sunland Park Drive, Ste B200
El Paso, TX 79922
915-213-120012801 B Edgemere Blvd, Ste 112,
El Paso TX 79938
915-493-6310
