Understanding Dental Fillings for Kids

Dental fillings for kids can be nerve-wracking for some kids, likely due to the necessary tools. While we aim to make this simple process as smooth and painless as possible, we need your help. Getting a firm grasp on what your kids can expect during this procedure and how to prevent a future need for them can help dissipate some of their anxiety.

What are dental fillings?

Dental fillings are materials used to fill the space left behind by a cavity. With their different forms, namely composite (tooth-colored), porcelain (white), and amalgam (silver), dentists can restore kids' teeth with one appointment. The process is simple enough, beginning with numbing the area surrounding the target tooth. Once numb, the dentist will begin removing all evidence of decay, careful not to break into the pulp chamber that houses the connective tissue and nerves. If the dental pulp faces exposure, it will require extensive treatment.

The dentist cleans the hole with an antibacterial solution before slowly filling it with the chosen filling material. Note that the parent chooses the material unless the practice only offers one type during the initial consultation. However, for aesthetic purposes, if desired, amalgam is more recommended for baby teeth than adult ones. After the material reaches its desired height and shape, the dentist will cure or harden it with a special light before polishing it so it is more smooth, like the rest of the tooth.

Why are dental fillings necessary for kids?

Many parents may wonder if dental fillings for kids are necessary if they have a cavity in their baby tooth. The answer is yes. Once a cavity takes hold, it can ravish each layer of the tooth, slowly working its way to completely destroying it. When baby teeth become significantly damaged to the point of needing premature extraction, it significantly inhibits the growth of adult teeth, as well as teeth that are present above the gum line. The erupting teeth, which may take years to erupt after the initial extraction, can become impacted due to not having a clear sense of direction. Meanwhile, the teeth already present can begin to shift, trying to fill the space left behind from the missing hole.

Furthermore, kids are learning the correct pronunciation of words, trying new foods, and developing their facial structure. Therefore, depending on the number of teeth compromised and their location, kids can develop difficulties with speech, breaking down food, and possible facial deformities. The latter results from the gum tissue jawbone deteriorating over time. However, all this is preventable by catching cavities early. Parents can take solace by viewing dental fillings for kids as a corrective and preventative measure.

Preventing future cavities

Dentists aim to preserve kids' natural teeth for as long as their bodies allow, but they must also do their part. In addition to explaining the simple procedure, parents should also help kids be proactive with their oral health. Encourage them to:

• Brush twice a day
• Floss once daily
• Limit or avoid sugar

Parents should also make time twice a year to bring their children to our office for checkups. The dentist will not only ensure the health of the surrounding teeth and gum tissue but also ensure the dental fillings last as long as possible, up to ten years.