Tooth-Colored Fillings for Kids – Chesterfield, MO
Seamless Cavity Treatment for Kids
More than half of kids develop at least one cavity in their primary (baby) teeth. Decay is also common among older kids and teens after they develop their permanent teeth. Here in our Chesterfield dental practice, we do all we can to help our patients prevent this issue. Sometimes, though, we have to treat decay after it has already occurred. In such cases, we often recommend tooth-colored fillings for kids. This seamless cavity treatment can prevent the problem from worsening and keep your young one’s smile looking its best.
Why Choose Home Sedighi Pediatric Dentistry for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- Gentle & Compassionate Treatment for Young Smiles
- Metal-Free, Biocompatible Materials
- Experienced & Highly Skilled Team
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
In the old days, dentists always used a material called silver amalgam to fill in cavities and prevent spots of decay from worsening. The amalgam had a dark color and some other disadvantages. Today, though, we can use tooth-colored fillings. As their name implies, they have a subtle white color that can be shade-matched to blend in with the surrounding enamel.
Tooth-colored fillings are also metal-free. They are composed of a composite resin that contains tiny glass and plastic particles. The resin is easy to insert into the teeth, can relieve dental sensitivity, and has the potential to prevent your child from having to undergo more extensive treatments in the future.
The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling
The tooth-colored filling process is pretty straightforward. Depending on the depth of the cavity, we may get started by applying local anesthesia to the tooth and surrounding tissues. Then, we prepare the tooth to receive the filling by using a drill to remove decayed tissue. Next, we insert the resin and use a curing light to harden it in a matter of seconds. We finish up by adjusting and polishing the filling so it will not interfere with your child’s bite.
The entire process is quite quick. In fact, filling in a single cavity usually takes less than one hour.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings offer a number of remarkable benefits:
- They are metal-free. Therefore, they are ideal for families who are concerned about the potential health risks of amalgam fillings.
- They look incredibly natural. Parents have told us that they cannot tell where we placed their child’s filling.
- They can last for years. With proper care, a tooth-colored filling may endure for 7 years or longer.
- Minimal tooth preparation is required. We only have to remove a small amount of tissue to prepare a tooth to receive a filling.
- They do not worsen sensitivity. Metal fillings may expand and contract, which can damage teeth. They also tend to conduct temperatures, leading to sensitivity. Tooth-colored fillings are free from such issues.
Tooth-Colored Fillings for Kids FAQs
Can Baby Teeth Need Fillings?
The baby teeth (also called primary teeth) usually begin to emerge when a child is about six months of age, and two more will probably emerge every six months or so until the kid has their full set. While it might seem tempting to assume that infected primary teeth are not that big an issue since they will eventually be replaced as the child ages, early loss of the baby teeth can make it more difficult for the adult set to emerge properly and increase risks of oral infections. To prevent this, it may be necessary to repair an infected baby tooth with a tooth-colored filling. This will remove the infected material to prevent the harmful bacteria from spreading and restore the lost dental structure so the tooth can stay beautiful and last until it falls out naturally.
Does Receiving a Tooth-Colored Filling Hurt?
The process of placing a child’s tooth-colored filling is rendered completely painless by the use of appropriate anesthetic treatments, and your little one may qualify for sedation if they need a little help remaining calm and still. When the procedure is over, your child may experience a little residual soreness, but this can be reduced with over-the-counter pain medication if necessary. Dr. Sedighi or Martin will be sure to provide you with detailed aftercare instructions so you know exactly how to keep your child comfortable and healthy while preventing reinfection.
Does My Child Need a Tooth-Colored Filling?
Dental fillings are used to remove diseased material from infected teeth and prevent further damage, and they can also be used to restore the structure of teeth that have been injured. Children are not known for being especially enthusiastic about practicing the oral hygiene habits necessary to save their teeth from cavities, and many kids love to play sports that can lead to oral injuries if they don’t wear an appropriate protective device. Your child may need a filling if:
- They experience persistent dental pain.
- There are visible holes, cracks, or dark spots in their teeth.
- Their teeth hurt when they chew.
- They are especially sensitive to hot or cold foods or beverages.
- They have swollen or bleeding gums.
- They have bad breath that can’t be resolved with a good brushing and flossing session.
- They can’t get a nasty, sour, or bitter taste out of their mouth.
How Can I Help My Child Prevent Cavities?
To minimize your child’s risk of oral infections and dental injuries, Drs. Sedighi and Martin recommend:
- Ensuring that they brush at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, preferably at least thirty minutes after eating or drinking anything but water.
- Reminding them to brush every day to remove food debris from between their teeth.
- Limiting their intake of foods that are high in sugars, starches, and acids.
- Having them visit our office in Chesterfield every six months for routine checkups.
- Having them fitted for a customized athletic mouthguard at our Chesterfield office if they are interested in sports.