Dental Fillings

Maintaining the health of primary (baby) teeth is crucial for a child’s overall oral health and development. When decay or damage occurs, dental fillings and restorations play a vital role in preserving these important teeth. 

At Smiline, we offer a range of options to ensure your child’s primary teeth remain healthy and functional until they naturally fall out.

The Importance of Treating Primary Teeth

Many parents wonder if treating cavities in baby teeth is necessary since they will eventually fall out. However, there are several important reasons to address dental issues in primary teeth:

1. Preventing pain and infection
2. Maintaining proper nutrition and speech development
3. Guiding permanent teeth into correct positions
4. Avoiding premature loss that could lead to orthodontic issues

Common Types of Dental Fillings for Children

Common types of dental fillings for children include: 

Composite Resin Fillings

Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored and made from a mixture of plastic and glass materials. They offer several advantages for children:

• Natural appearance that blends with the tooth
• Bonds directly to the tooth structure
• Preserves more healthy tooth material
• Can be used for small to medium-sized cavities

At Smiline, we often recommend composite fillings for visible front teeth to maintain your child’s confident smile.

Amalgam Fillings

While less common than in the past, amalgam (silver) fillings are still used in some cases, particularly for back teeth. Benefits include:

• Durability and strength for chewing surfaces
• Quick and easy placement
• Lower cost compared to other options

The Dental Filling Process for Children

Getting a dental filling can be anxiety-inducing for children. At Smiline, we take extra care to ensure your child feels comfortable throughout the procedure:

1. Numbing the area with general anesthesia
2. Removing the decayed portion of the tooth
3. Cleaning and preparing the tooth
4. Placing the filling material
5. Shaping and polishing the filling

Our experienced pediatric dentists use gentle techniques and may offer safe  sedation options for anxious children.

Other Restorative Options for Primary Teeth

In some cases, a simple filling may not be sufficient to repair a damaged primary tooth. Other restorative options include:

Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless steel crowns are pre-formed caps that cover the entire tooth. They are often used when:

• Decay is extensive
• The tooth has undergone pulp therapy
• The child is at high risk for future decay

These crowns are durable and cost-effective for restoring badly damaged primary molars.

Pulp Therapy

When decay reaches the pulp (nerve) of a primary tooth, pulp therapy may be necessary to save the tooth. This involves:

1. Removing infected pulp tissue
2. Cleaning and disinfecting the pulp chamber
3. Filling the chamber with a special material
4. Placing a crown to protect the tooth

At Smiline, our skilled pediatric dentists are experienced in performing pulp therapy to preserve your child’s natural teeth whenever possible.

Preventing the Need for Dental Fillings

While we offer high-quality restorative care, prevention is always the best approach. To reduce your child’s risk of cavities:

• Encourage regular brushing and flossing
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks
• Schedule regular dental check-ups
• Consider dental sealants for cavity-prone molars

The Role of Diet in Dental Health

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy primary teeth. Encourage your child to:

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Choose water over sugary drinks
• Limit sticky or chewy candies
• Consume calcium-rich foods for strong teeth