Just like in adults, when a child’s teeth are damaged by cavities, dental fillings can prevent teeth from further decay and possible loss by stopping the spreading of decay and disease. Dental fillings are recommended whenever there is a break in the dental enamel as seen when a child has cavities or if the tooth has been chipped or cracked by trauma.
How to Know if Your Child Needs a Dental Filling
All children are at risk for cavities, in fact it is still the most common chronic disease in children less than 11 years old. Cavities are typically caused by food that is left on the teeth. Bacteria then grow and feed off this food left in the mouth and they produce acids which over time eat away at the enamel (the protective covering) of our teeth resulting in a weak spot, a.k.a. cavity.
Regular visits to the dentist twice a year for an exam and cleaning can help our team identify any issues early on. Dental technology and digital X-rays help us detect cavities and allow our pediatric dentists to watch areas of concern, or recommend treatment and changes to dental care practices at home.
Symptoms of a Cavity:
- Persistent toothache
- Pain with hot or cold foods and drinks
- Pain with sugary and sweet foods and drinks
- A hole or divot in the tooth
- Discoloration of the tooth
Types of Dental Fillings
There are two common types of dental fillings: Composite and Amalgam fillings.
Composite fillings are popular because they are made to match the color of natural teeth. Amalgam fillings are less expensive and often used for large cavities but tend to be less popular because they are silver and stand out more than most like.
Facts about Tooth-Colored Fillings:
- Tooth-colored fillings are made of a blend, or “composite,” of plastic resins and silica fillers.
- Similar durability as natural teeth
- They strengthen teeth
- Natural appearance
- They are great for small to moderate-sized restorations, which are most fillings
- Strong, fracture resistant against cracks and general chewing pressure
- Usually completed in just one visit
Another benefit to tooth colored fillings is that the composite resin material doesn’t require undercutting like amalgam fillings do to make a strong union. Instead, the composite resin immediately forms a close physical and mechanical bond directly to the prepared tooth. This leads to a better and longer-lasting restoration compared to amalgam fillings.
Here at our Pediatric Dental Specialists of Western Colorado office in Grand Junction and Fruita, we treat our patients like family and do what we can to ensure the best oral health for our little patients. We know that if cavities are not treated promptly, they can lead to further complications and this can cause issues for your child’s oral health in the future.
What to expect if your child requires a Dental Filling
If your child requires a dental filling you can rest assured. Dr. Jeremy Cox D.M.D. and the caring team of professionals at Pediatric Dental Specialists of Western Colorado are dedicated to ensuring your child’s visit is as comfortable as possible. Each procedure will be thoroughly discussed with you and any questions you have resolved prior to the start of your care.
It is our mission to provide a calm and comfortable environment for our patients and always ensure they have a positive experience. During your child dental filling appointment, we will use a local anesthetic to help numb the area so they will not feel any pain. If further relaxation is necessary, we are happy to provide nitrous oxide or conscious sedation.
Once your child is comfortable, our experienced and well trained pediatric dentists will gently remove the infected area with a drill. The area is then cleaned out thoroughly, and sealed with filling material to prevent further decay. The type of filling recommended will often depend on the age of your child, whether it’s a baby or permanent tooth, the severity of the cavity, and its location in the mouth. Once placed, the filling material is set immediately, and your child can eat and drink soon after their appointment.
Is your child experiencing symptoms of a cavity, or if they are due for their regular dental exam and cleaning? We encourage you to contact our Grand Junction or Fruita office today!
Remember delaying treatment for a cavity will allow the issue to become worse, and this can lead to serious problems including infection, periodontal disease or even losing the tooth prematurely.
Call (970) 639-9551 and let our team at Pediatric Dental Specialists of Western Colorado keep your child’s teeth healthy, strong and free of decay. Our dentists and hygienists have years of experience in pediatric dentistry, and our staff is uniquely trained to work with kids. Our goal is to ensure your child has the very best experience when they visit us!
The caring team of professionals at Pediatric Dental Specialists of Western Colorado are dedicated to ensuring your child’s visit is as comfortable as possible.
Our Commitment to Excellence
We use the highest quality dental materials, the best dental supplies available, and superior laboratories. We have found that restorations, if done well, will stand the test of time. Our patients keep coming back because of the special care they receive while in our experienced hands.
Call (970) 639-9551 to schedule an appointment for your child or if you have any questions regarding a specific dental procedure or condition. We are happy to assist you in any way we can!