Fillings are the most common way we fix cavities in children. At our office, we use white fillings that match your child’s natural tooth color. These fillings repair the damaged area and stop cavities from growing bigger. Our pediatric dental services keep your child’s smile healthy and pain-free. Dr. Moncy Mathew might suggest a filling if your child has tooth pain or we find decay during their checkup.
Cavities form when germs in the mouth create acid that damages teeth. Without treatment, they can cause bigger problems and hurt your child’s gums too. Our gentle filling process removes the decay, then fills and protects the tooth so it stays strong.
We use special white filling materials that look just like real teeth, especially for front teeth where smiles show. You’re always welcome to ask us about the materials we use or how fluoride helps protect your child’s teeth.
Getting a Tooth Filling at Our Lee’s Summit Pediatric Dentistry
We know getting a filling can make kids nervous, so we take special care to make the process comfortable. First, we gently numb the area around the tooth so your child won’t feel anything during the procedure. We use a special numbing gel before giving any medicine to make this part easier.
After the area is numb, Dr. Mathew carefully removes the decayed part of the tooth using small, precise tools. This stops the cavity from growing bigger. We clean out all the bacteria and damaged tooth material to create a healthy space for the filling.
Next comes the filling itself. We use tooth-colored material that blends right in with your child’s natural teeth. Dr. Mathew carefully shapes the filling to match your child’s bite perfectly. This helps the tooth work normally for chewing and keeps it strong.
Finally, we polish the filling until it’s completely smooth. We check your child’s bite to make sure it feels just right. The whole process usually takes about 30-45 minutes, and most kids are surprised by how quick and easy it is.
After the filling, your child’s tooth might feel a little funny at first, but this goes away quickly. They can eat normally once the numbness wears off. We’ll give you tips on how to care for the filling and prevent new cavities.
Does Your Child Need a Filling? Here’s How to Tell
Cavities happen when tooth decay creates small holes in teeth. If we find a cavity during your child’s checkup, Dr. Mathew will recommend a filling to fix it before it gets worse. You might notice your child needs a filling if they complain about tooth pain when eating hot, cold or sweet foods, or if you can actually see a dark spot or hole in their tooth.
Sometimes cavities hide where parents can’t see them, like between teeth or in tiny grooves. That’s why regular dental checkups and X-rays are so important. We often catch small cavities before they start hurting. Getting these filled early means simpler and quicker treatment for your child.
Fillings do two important jobs: they stop the cavity from growing bigger and they repair the tooth so it works normally again. After getting a filling, your child will be able to chew comfortably and the toothache will go away. The sooner we treat a cavity, the easier it is on your child. Small fillings are much simpler than waiting until the tooth really hurts.
If we find a cavity, don’t worry! Today’s fillings are quick, comfortable, and look natural. We use special techniques to keep kids relaxed during the process. Plus, we’ll show you how to help prevent new cavities from forming so future visits can just be for cleanings and checkups.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child has a cavity?
Look for signs like tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods, visible holes or dark spots on teeth, or complaints about tooth pain. Sometimes cavities don’t show obvious symptoms, which is why regular dental checkups every six months are so important. Our team can spot early cavities before they cause pain. Catching cavities early means smaller and easier fillings.
Are white fillings as strong as silver ones?
Yes! Today’s white composite fillings are just as strong as silver amalgam fillings for most cavities. They bond directly to the tooth for extra strength and don’t contain any metal. While silver fillings are still used sometimes, we prefer white ones because they look natural and don’t need as much preparation. They work great for both front and back teeth.
How long will my child’s filling last?
Most white fillings last 5-10 years with proper care. How long they last will depend on which tooth gets filled and your child’s brushing habits. Back teeth fillings may need replacement sooner since they handle more chewing force. We check fillings at every visit and let you know if one needs attention. Good oral hygiene helps fillings last longer.
What if my child is scared of getting a filling?
We specialize in helping nervous kids feel comfortable. We explain everything in kid-friendly terms and go at your child’s pace. For very anxious children, we can use special relaxation techniques or sedation options. Most kids are surprised how quick and painless fillings can be with our gentle approach. You’re welcome to stay with your child the whole time.
Can my child eat after getting a filling?
Yes, but wait until the numbness wears off (about 1-2 hours) to prevent accidentally biting their cheek. Start with soft foods at first if the tooth feels sensitive. The filling is fully set when they leave our office, so they can eat normally right away. Avoid very hard or sticky foods for 24 hours just to be safe.
Why not just pull a baby tooth with a cavity?
Baby teeth save space for adult teeth and help with proper chewing and speech development. Pulling them too early can cause crowding problems later. Fillings preserve baby teeth until they’re ready to fall out naturally. We only extract baby teeth when absolutely necessary and may suggest a space maintainer if we do.
Will the filling procedure hurt?
We take several steps to prevent pain. First we use numbing gel, then give local anesthesia very gently. Most kids say they only feel slight pressure during the procedure. If your child does feel anything, we’ll stop immediately and give more numbing medicine. Afterward, over-the-counter children’s pain relievers can help any mild sensitivity.
How can we prevent more cavities?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and limit sugary snacks and drinks. We may recommend special fluoride treatments or dental sealants for extra protection. Regular cleanings every 6 months help catch problems early. We can create a personalized prevention plan based on your child’s specific risk factors too.
What’s the white filling material made of?
Our tooth-colored fillings consist of composite resin. It’s a safe, BPA-free plastic mixed with glass particles. They’re completely non-toxic and approved for children. The material bonds securely to the tooth and can be color-matched perfectly. We’re happy to show you samples and explain more about the materials we use.
Can fillings fall out? What should we do if one does?
While rare, fillings can sometimes come loose, especially if a child chews very hard foods. If this happens, call us right away to schedule a repair. Try to keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side. Don’t try to glue it back yourself! We need to properly clean and re-cement the filling to prevent new decay underneath.
Schedule a Dental Visit Today
We make getting a dental filling easy and comfortable! If your child has tooth pain or you spot a dark spot on their teeth, give us a call at 816-375-4539 or request an appointment online. The sooner we fix a cavity, the quicker and simpler it is. Ready to keep their teeth healthy? Dr. Mathew and our team will take great care of them!