Fillings Services
What are Composite Fillings for Kids?
Absolutely nothing can replace the importance of routine brushing and flossing your children’s teeth. However, despite our best efforts, cavities sometimes still happen and may require a permanent tooth filling. When they do, we’re here for you.
What is a Composite Filling?
Composite fillings are typically a mix of glass, quartz, silica, or porcelain particles. Our composite filling resin is a mixture of plastics and silica. This mixture is soft enough to be packed into the small or medium sized area of the tooth where the cavity was and be shaped to your child’s bite pattern before hardening.
Why is a Composite Filling Preferred Over Amalgam Fillings?
One of the main benefits of composite fillings is that they blend in with the natural color of the tooth, so they’re discreet and won’t draw attention. Many people prefer this subtlety as the primary reason for choosing composite over other options. Additionally, composite fillings harden faster than amalgam fillings, which can help reduce the time spent in the dentist’s office for you and your child.
How Long Does a Composite Filling Last?
Once a composite filling is placed in your child’s tooth, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene. Regular brushing twice a day and flossing should remain a priority. With proper care, composite resin fillings on permanent teeth can last ten years or more.
Annual dental check-ups will also help ensure the longevity of your child’s fillings and overall dental health.
Why is a Composite Filling Necessary for a Baby Tooth?
Repairing your child’s primary teeth is just as crucial as caring for their permanent teeth. Primary teeth play a vital role in their ability to speak, chew, and smile properly.
Letting decay or damage go untreated can lead to immediate pain and may cause the decay to spread to the tooth’s root, potentially leading to infection or damage to neighboring teeth.
Prematurely extracting primary teeth can also interfere with the proper eruption of permanent teeth. It’s essential to care for and repair all teeth, including fillings in baby teeth, to support your child’s overall dental health and development.
When is a Composite Filling Appropriate for My Child’s Tooth?
We offer a variety of treatment options for tooth decay. For cracks or small to medium-sized cavities, a composite filling is often the best solution.
This filling effectively seals the cavity, preventing bacteria from entering and restoring the tooth’s function. If the decay in a baby tooth is more advanced, we will discuss alternative treatments based on the condition of the tooth. Before proceeding with a composite filling, we’ll ensure you’re informed of all available options.
What does a Composite Filling Look Like?
For our composite fillings, we use a resin mixture made of plastics and silica. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, which have a noticeable metal appearance, the composite resin is translucent and can be customized with a tint to closely match the natural color of your child’s tooth. This helps the filling blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth for a more natural look.
What is the Process of Applying a Composite Filling?
The process for filling a cavity in your child’s tooth is straightforward. First, we’ll perform a thorough examination of your child’s teeth. If a small or medium-sized cavity, chip, or crack is found, and a composite filling is suitable, we’ll discuss the procedure with you and your child.
To start, we’ll remove any decay or damaged portions of the tooth, ensuring it’s thoroughly cleaned to eliminate any harmful bacteria. Then, we apply the malleable composite filling to the affected area, carefully packing it in place. We’ll make sure the filling is shaped to match your child’s natural bite, so when they bite down, it should feel completely normal.
Once we’ve made the necessary adjustments, we’ll use a special light to harden and bond the filling to the tooth, ensuring it stays securely in place.
Will Getting a Filling Hurt?
We can apply local anesthesia to ensure the procedure is completely pain-free. If you’re wondering, “How do dentists fill cavities in toddlers?” we understand that some children may feel anxious or have difficulty sitting still during the procedure. Our goal is to create a calm and comfortable environment for your child. We’ll work with you to discuss your child’s needs and emotions. If local anesthesia isn’t sufficient, we offer alternative solutions. At Utah Pediatric Dental Group, we provide four sedation options and have performed over 25,000 sedations throughout our years of serving the Salt Lake City, North Davis and South Davis County communities. For more details on our sedation services, feel free to explore our dedicated page.
Is a Composite Filling Avoidable?
Composite fillings are used to repair damage or decay in a tooth, but the best way to avoid them is by preventing cavities in the first place! Making preventative dental care a part of your child’s daily routine is key. Be sure your child brushes their teeth with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes at least twice a day. It can also help if you step in for a quick second to ensure their brushing is thorough. Flossing once a day helps reach those hard-to-clean areas between the teeth. Encourage healthy snack choices and limit sugary drinks like juices and soda to protect their teeth. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also essential for keeping cavities at bay.
If you suspect your child may have a cavity, don’t hesitate to call us at (801) 928-6830! We’ll schedule an appointment and provide a calm, pleasant environment for a comfortable experience.
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