Pediatric Dental Fillings

Worried About Your Child Getting Fillings at Grin Dentistry and Orthodontics?

It can be distressing to learn from your child’s dentist that your child has a cavity in one of their teeth. If cavities are left untreated, it leads to negative consequences for both the children and parents. Luckily, a pediatric dentist can keep your kid’s teeth healthy. At Grin Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we offer pediatric dental fillings and sealants to help prevent and stop the spread of cavities in kids.

What Is a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole in the tooth caused by bacteria that produce acids, which eat away at the enamel. Cavities form when sugars and starches from food mix with bacteria, creating acid that weakens the enamel. At first, a cavity may be small, but if left untreated, it can grow and cause more damage. Cavities commonly form on the chewing surfaces of molars or between teeth, where food often gets trapped.

What Causes Cavities in Kids? 

Understanding what causes cavities in kids can help you take steps to prevent them. Here are some of the most common reasons children get cavities:

1. Not Brushing and Flossing Enough: When kids don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque (a sticky layer of bacteria) forms on their teeth. This plaque produces acid that damages tooth enamel, causing cavities.
2. Eating Too Many Sugary Snacks and Drinks: Foods such as soda, milk, candy, cake, raisins, fruit juices, bread, and cereals can be the culprit for tooth decay. The bacteria that live in the mouth change these foods into acids. The combination of food, bacteria, saliva, and acid form plaque that sticks to the teeth. Over time, the acids made by the bacteria will eventually cause cavities..
3. Frequent Snacking: If your child is constantly snacking or drinking sugary beverages throughout the day, their teeth are under frequent acid attacks, increasing the chance of cavities.
4. Not Enough Fluoride: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Children who don’t use fluoride toothpaste or drink fluoridated water may be more likely to develop tooth decay.
5. Dry Mouth: Saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids in the mouth. If your child has dry mouth, it can increase the risk of cavities because there’s less saliva to protect their teeth.
6. Tooth Decay –The breakdown of tooth enamel is called tooth decay. Tooth decay can eventually lead to cavities (holes in the teeth). Tooth decay is caused by bacteria and occurs when foods that contain carbohydrates are left on the teeth.

Types of Dental Fillings for Kids

When your child has a cavity, a dental filling is used to repair the tooth. There are different types of dental fillings for children, and the right one for your child depends on factors like the size and location of the cavity.

1. Composite Fillings (Tooth-Colored Fillings): These fillings are made from plastic and glass and can be matched to your child’s tooth color, making them less noticeable. They’re a popular choice for front teeth where appearance matters.
2. Amalgam Fillings (Silver Fillings): Amalgam fillings are made from a blend of metals, including silver and mercury. They’re very durable and strong, which makes them a good choice for cavities in the back teeth where more chewing takes place. However, they’re more noticeable than composite fillings due to their silver color.
3. Glass Ionomer Fillings: These are made from a mix of glass and acrylic and are often used for small cavities in baby teeth. Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride over time, which can help protect the tooth from further decay. They’re not as strong as other types, so they’re usually used for smaller cavities.
4. Ceramic Fillings: Ceramic fillings are made from porcelain and are very durable. They’re also resistant to staining and can be matched to the tooth’s color. These fillings are often used for larger cavities or in teeth that need extra strength, like molars.

Your dentist will recommend the best type of filling for your child based on their needs and the location of the cavity.

How Do Dentists Fill Cavities in Toddlers and Children?

Getting a cavity filled may seem like a big deal to your child, but it’s a routine procedure that’s made as simple and comfortable as possible. Here’s how dentists fill cavities in toddlers and children:

1. Numbing the Tooth: The dentist will start by numbing the area around the cavity to ensure your child feels no pain during the procedure. They may use a topical anesthetic before the injection to make your child more comfortable.
2. Removing the Decay: Once the tooth is numb, the dentist will gently remove the decayed part of the tooth using special tools. This step is important to stop the cavity from getting worse and to make space for the filling.
3. Cleaning the Tooth: After the decay is removed, the dentist will clean the area to make sure no bacteria are left behind.
4. Placing the Filling: The filling material is then placed in the cavity to restore the tooth. For composite fillings, a special light may be used to harden the material quickly. Amalgam fillings don’t require light and are shaped to fit the tooth.
5. Final Adjustments: Once the filling is in place, the dentist will adjust it to ensure it fits comfortably in your child’s mouth and doesn’t interfere with their bite.

After the procedure, your child may feel some numbness or mild sensitivity, but this should go away within a few hours.

Tips for Preparing a Child for Cavity Filling

Dental visits can sometimes make kids nervous, especially if they’re getting a filling. Here are some tips for preparing your child for a cavity filling to help make the experience easier for them:

1. Explain the Procedure in Simple Terms: Use language your child will understand. You can tell them the dentist is going to “clean out the sugar bugs” and “give their tooth a special bandage” to make it feel better.
2. Stay Positive and Calm: Kids pick up on their parents’ emotions, so staying calm and positive about the dentist visit can help reassure them that everything will be fine.
3. Read Books or Watch Videos: Many children’s books and videos explain dental visits and fillings in a fun and friendly way. Watching these together can help your child feel more comfortable.
4. Practice Relaxation: If your child is feeling anxious, practicing deep breathing or visualizing a happy place can help them relax before the appointment.
5. Reward Them Afterward: Offer a small reward, like a sticker or a fun outing, for being brave at the dentist. Positive reinforcement can make the experience more enjoyable for them.

Choose the Right Dentist

Choosing the right dentist for your child is important when it comes to making dental visits a positive experience. A pediatric dentist specializes in caring for children’s teeth and knows how to create a welcoming, comfortable environment.

Here’s why it’s important to choose the right dentist for your child:

1. Experience with Kids: Pediatric dentists are specially trained to work with children and know how to make them feel comfortable during dental procedures. They use gentle techniques and fun, kid-friendly language to explain what’s happening.
2. Comprehensive Care: Look for a dentist who offers a wide range of services, from routine checkups to fillings and other treatments. This ensures your child will receive the care they need as they grow.
3. Kid-Friendly Environment: Many pediatric dental offices are designed with kids in mind, with bright, fun decor and toys to keep your child entertained and comfortable during their visit.
4. At Grin Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, We provide gentle, caring dental services for kids of all ages. Our goal is to make each visit fun and stress-free, helping your child feel comfortable while keeping their smile healthy. With five locations in Colorado—Denver, Centennial, Northglenn, Lakewood, and Aurora—our team is here to support your child’s dental health every step of the way.

Dental fillings are one of the simplest dental procedures. If your child properly cares for his or her dental fillings by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting their dentist every 6 months for a checkup, their fillings could last for years.

At Grin Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, We provide gentle, caring dental services for kids of all ages. Our goal is to make each visit fun and stress-free, helping your child feel comfortable while keeping their smile healthy. With five locations in Colorado—Denver, Centennial, Northglenn, Lakewood, and Aurora—our team is here to support your child’s dental health every step of the way.

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