Tooth Colored Fillings

Cavities are very common in children and according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood health problem. When our children develop cavities, they need to get those cavities treated right away even if they are the primary teeth.

Primary teeth are going to fall out, however, it’s important that they stay in place until the permanent tooth underneath are ready to erupt. They will help your child to chew food thoroughly and develop proper speech patterns, and they serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth. We don’t want to see a tooth come out prematurely because the permanent tooth may come in too soon, potentially causing a problem with the alignment of the permanent teeth.

An untreated cavity is also likely to progress, and it can reach the tooth’s inner core, exposing the nerve and causing pain for your child.  If this is not treated early, it can lead to them having to have a root canal.

We prefer to take every step possible to save a primary tooth that has experienced decay rather than removing it. Often, this requires the dentist to place a filling in the tooth.

The process of filling a cavity in a pediatric patient is similar to the same treatment in an adult. Our dentist may have to remove some surrounding tooth material to make room for the filling. Rest assured that our experienced and knowledgeable dentists use a gentle touch while completing this part of the procedure.

We recommend composite fillings for most children. Composite fillings are becoming increasingly popular, as they are tooth-colored and do not detract from the smile. Your child shouldn’t experience any discomfort when having a tooth filled.  If they do have any anxiety about having the tooth filled, we may recommend sedation to help them relax during the treatment.

If your child is diagnosed with a cavity, it also presents a good opportunity for you to discuss preventive care with the dentist so that you can continue to take steps to reduce your child’s risk of tooth decay.

Parents should take tooth decay in a child’s primary teeth quite seriously. Have your child examined every six months for signs of decay, and talk to your dentist about a filling if your child is diagnosed with a cavity.