When a Dentist Would Recommend Composite Fillings

Pediatric dentists often use tooth-colored composite fillings to repair cavities and damaged teeth. The combination of plastic resin and glass particles can last for years with proper care. They are a great option for those who want a natural-looking dental restoration for their children. This article will cover the process of recommending composite fillings for children as opposed to metal alternatives.

When composite fillings are recommended

A cavity occurs when bacteria on the teeth produce acid that breaks down the tooth’s outer layer, also known as the “tooth enamel.” The goal of any filling is to seal the resulting hole in the tooth. If left untreated, a cavity could lead to severe tooth damage or tooth loss.

Pediatric dentists may recommend composite fillings for a child patient, although the parent may also request them. Below are the five most common situations in which these tooth-colored fillings may be a better option than their silver, gold, or other metal counterparts.

1. Metal allergies

Traditional fillings contain a silver-colored amalgam of several different kinds of metals. Some children are sensitive to one or more of these metals and may have an allergic reaction to a traditional filling. However, composite fillings do not contain metal and are hypoallergenic.

2. Preference for non-metal fillings

Traditional fillings contain mercury. Though metal fillings are time-tested and known to be safe, parents are sometimes uncomfortable with having mercury in their children’s mouths. Pediatric dentists understand this concern and can recommend alternatives, such as composite fillings.

3. Worried about the appearance of the teeth

If the parent has cosmetic concerns about alternative fillings, composite fillings are the natural answer. Composite fillings consist of materials that can match the color of the patient’s teeth. This makes them less noticeable, as they blend in with the child’s natural teeth. They are also stain-resistant, thereby preventing discoloration. The child will be able to reap the benefits of uniform color fillings, such as having a picture-perfect smile and feeling more comfortable and confident when socializing.

4. Need additional support for the teeth

A composite filling will bond to the natural tooth's surface at a microscopic level to create a stronger bond, providing additional support for each tooth. These fillings are not only for the front teeth; pediatric dentists may repair the back teeth (molars) with composite fillings if the decay is not too severe.

5. Concerns about preserving tooth structure

A pediatric dentist may recommend a composite filling to save healthy tooth tissue. Its bonding process allows the dentist to preserve more of the tooth’s natural structure than would be possible with other methods. Whether this is an option depends on the extent of the decay.