Understanding the Different Types of Pediatric Dental Fillings

When dentists detect cavities in children, their top priority is to protect the tooth and restore its health. They use restoration techniques that ensure safe and long-lasting results. Dental fillings are materials that help treat cavities and restore teeth. 

They are made from a single or a combination of plastics, metals, glass, and other materials. Dentists use the material to fill parts of the tooth that require restoration. 

Why a Child May Require Fillings

There are several reasons why your child may require dental fillings. 
 

• To treat tooth decay or dental caries

• To correct poor dental development

• To treat damage from trauma (cracked or broken teeth)

• During root canal treatment

• To treat significant tooth discoloration

Dental Filling Materials

There are several types of dental fillings available. They include porcelain, gold, silver amalgam, and tooth-colored composite resin. The size of the cavity or extent of decay and tooth location determine the material used. 

Other factors to consider are the durability, cost of the filling, and the patient's need. Dentists will discuss the pros and cons of each material. Safety is a vital factor when choosing dental fillings for children's teeth. 

Pediatric Dental Fillings 

Pediatric dentists usually use composite resin to restore children's teeth. The tooth-colored fillings are also common in adult dentistry. They can restore baby teeth and adult or permanent teeth. 

The material is strong, making it highly functional. It does not require as much tooth preparation as amalgam or metal fillings. The translucency and color make the filling identical to natural teeth. It makes the results aesthetically pleasing. Composite resin works best for small fillings in teeth located in low-stress areas.

Teeth Extractions Over Fillings

Protecting the tooth is the first option when dealing with dental issues such as cavities. But sometimes, pediatric dentists may recommend extractions instead of fillings. It is not a good idea to wait for a damaged tooth to fall out and give way to a permanent tooth. 

Leaving a baby tooth untreated can cause the decay to spread, causing severe pain. It can also cause damage to neighboring teeth. The dentist will assess how close the tooth is to falling to determine whether restoration is the best option.

Dental Filling Treatment
 

During dental treatment, the pediatric dentist will assess the child's condition and discuss treatment options. They assess each individual situation before making recommendations on the best fillings. 

They consider factors such as the child's age, the damage severity, and the tooth position. Pediatric dentists have experience and expertise in dealing with young children. They will discuss issues such as the use of sedation or general anesthesia.  

Dental filling involves clearing the damaged tooth material before applying the filling. Pediatric dentists use equipment to ensure the child's comfort. After removing the decay, the dentist will clear the space of debris and bacteria. 

Preparation involves cleaning the tooth. The dentist will shape and apply the filling as desired before trimming the excess material. The extent of the decay will determine how long the process takes. 

For more on understanding the different types of pediatric filings, visit Fort Worth Children's Dentistry at our Fort Worth, Texas, office. Call 817-646-2200 to schedule an appointment today.