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Composite fillings last for about 5 to 7 years.
Dr. Bhatt or Dr. Raj will examine the tooth and take x-rays to look at the size of the cavity and rule out the possibility of infection. This will also let us know what type and size filling will be required.
Before performing any drilling on the tooth, we will numb your child’s mouth so that they can’t feel any pain. If your child is anxious, we can also offer laughing gas sedation.
Once the mouth is fully numbed, a drill will be used to remove the portions of decay from the tooth. This will stop the progression of the cavity.
After removing the decay, the tooth will be etched by roughening it up and applying an acidic gel to encourage the bonding agent to stick.
The filling material will be applied and shaped to the tooth. Composite resin will be cured but amalgam will harden over time.
A composite filling is the bonding of tooth-colored composite resin to the enamel to repair the tooth and seamlessly blend it in with your natural teeth. These fillings are biocompatible and free from mercury and metal. This makes them suitable for young children and patients with metal allergies. An advantage of composite fillings besides their aesthetics is that they require minimal removal of the enamel so we can preserve more of the natural tooth structure. By applying a UV light to the resin, we also instantly harden the filling so you don’t need to wait 24 hours for it to harden.
A silver amalgam filling is a filling that contains a mixture of metals for superior durability and strength. These traditional fillings have been used for about 150 years in dentistry and are still the gold standard for large cavities and decay in the rear molars.
Because these fillings are much stronger and last longer, they are more suitable to fill teeth that undergo more chewing force. While these are becoming less popular because of the silver appearance they cause in the smile, they are only temporary in baby teeth and won’t be noticeable in the rear teeth. These fillings give your child the greatest protection from damage.
Fluoride treatments consist of a fluoride gel or paste that is “painted” onto your child’s teeth after a teeth cleaning. The fluoride helps remineralize and strengthen your child’s teeth, and can even reverse “soft spots” which are the first stage of tooth decay.
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is an alternative to fillings for cavities in baby teeth. It uses a blend of silver, ammonia, water, and fluoride that kills bacteria and seals your child’s tooth, preventing further decay and keeping the tooth healthy until it falls out naturally. It’s only used in baby teeth because it will permanently stain the treated area black.
Dental sealants use a transparent liquid resin, which is applied directly to the teeth and is hardened using a UV light. This creates an impenetrable seal on your child’s tooth, which stops bacteria, acid, and food particles from causing cavities. This treatment is usually recommended specifically for the cavity-prone rear teeth.
Oral cancer screenings are an essential part of preventive care, even for children. Screenings are a part of your child’s oral exams and can be performed quickly, safely, and usually without your child noticing.
The dentist will examine your child’s mouth, gums, and oral tissues, and look for discolored patches, lumps, growths, and other such abnormalities. In the rare case that an issue is found, a biopsy may be taken and sent to a specialist for further analysis, or the dentist will refer you to a specialist directly.
Dental visits every 6 months allow your child’s dentist to become familiar with their oral health, so they can address any issues before they become larger problems.
Amalgam fillings last on average for 10 to 15 years.
At My Kids Happy Teeth, we believe that children should receive dental fillings at any age as long as the treatment is necessary and the child can cooperate during the treatment. Generally, fillings for children can be performed on children about 4-5 years old and up, depending on how extensive the treated cavity is.
However, if you are looking for a pediatric filling, your best bet is to check with your dentist to confirm if your child is a good candidate for a dental filling. Our team is trained to provide exquisite care tailored to your child's needs. Dr. Engineer and Dr. Raj are dedicated to helping you get the most suitable solution for your child's dental health!
The longevity of a pediatric dental filling depends on the material used, the location of the filling, and how well it is maintained with proper oral hygiene. Generally, a dental filling can last for many years, provided it is cared for properly. Cavities are far less likely to return if fillings are placed in the early stages.
My Kids Happy Teeth provides quality care and offers composite resin fillings that often last for years. Our specialists also use protective sealing to prevent future decay and extend the life of your child's fillings. We follow strict safety protocols to ensure children get safe and long-lasting fillings.
The thought of visiting a dentist can be intimidating for your child. To reduce the nerves and make it as easy as possible, we suggest preparing your child beforehand by talking to them about what they can expect. Explain what will happen and why it needs to be done so they can stay relaxed during the procedure. Additionally, bring distractions such as a toy or tablet so that they can focus on something other than the treatment.
Pediatric dentists use various techniques to fill cavities, depending on the patient's size, location, and age. The most common procedure involves using composite resin or stainless steel crowns. For younger kids with baby teeth, the dentist may opt for silver amalgam or tooth-colored composite filling materials to make the process more comfortable. In all cases, a local anesthetic will numb the area before the dentist prepares and fills the cavity.
We understand the importance of a pain-free dental experience for your child. Our team uses advanced technologies and techniques to minimize discomfort and make the whole process as pleasant and relaxed as possible. Your child will only experience mild sensations during the filling procedure, which we can address with our sedation options. Furthermore, we do everything we can to help your child feel comfortable in our office by providing a relaxing atmosphere and answering questions they may have throughout the process.
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