Dental fillings for kids can seem intimidating. Parents often fear that their child may have a bad and painful experience and then develop dental anxiety. Children (and parents) can alleviate many of these concerns by learning more about dental fillings and understanding what to expect. This review from a licensed dentist offers a general overview of the steps involved in the dental filling process for kids.
The dental fillings for kids process involves the dentist making a diagnosis through dental X-rays and an oral examination; preparing, numbing, and cleaning the tooth; and finally, filing the tooth with the chosen filling material. The material is then hardened with a special dental curing light. Let us take a closer look at each step in the dental filling process for kids.
Diagnosing the number and severity of cavities is the first step in the dental filling process. In doing so, the dentist or hygienist may take dental X-rays and perform a painless oral examination. These provide the staff with the information necessary to prepare for the filling procedure.
The dentist will then numb the tooth (or teeth) in preparation for the procedure. This helps ensure a painless experience for the patient. In most cases, the dentist uses a topical numbing gel. The child should feel little to nothing in the affected area after the gel is applied, and the effects should dissipate soon after the procedure. In some cases, a local anesthetic via an injection is used.
After the tooth is prepared and the affected area is numbed adequately, the dentist begins cleaning the decayed portion of the tooth (the cavity). This involves the use of dental instruments (e.g., dental scalpels and drills). The patient may hear noises from certain dental tools, but they should not feel much (if any) discomfort. The cavity is then thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Once the tooth decay is removed and the cavity is cleaned and disinfected, the dentist fills the tooth. The material depends upon the tooth's location and the patient’s preference. For instance, a molar requires a strong material, such as metal alloy, but a tooth-colored material, such as amalgam or ceramic, may be used for a more visible front tooth.
The dentist then hardens the filling material with a special dental light (curing light). The child may feel a warm sensation when the light is placed over the filling material, but it should not cause any discomfort. The light helps ensure that the filling material is properly bonded to the tooth so it will last until the tooth falls out naturally. If it is a permanent tooth, the filling material should last for at least five to 10 years in most cases.
The dentist then rinses the mouth to help the patient feel refreshed after the procedure. The mouth may remain numb for up to 12 hours after the dental filling procedure. Complications are rare, but the parent should contact the dentist if discomfort persists for more than 24 hours after the dental filling.
The dentist will provide aftercare instructions, which include ways to help the child maintain good oral hygiene until the next visit. Keep in mind that routine check-ups and cleaning visits are recommended every four to six months.
Specifically, the aftercare instructions may include brushing tips and techniques, dietary recommendations (e.g., limiting the consumption of sugar and other carbs), and tips on how to prevent dental trauma, which is especially important if the child plays sports or participates in other physical activities (e.g., plays on the trampoline often).
Are you searching for a kid-friendly dentist in your area? If so, visit us today. We pride ourselves in providing a kid-friendly environment and helping to ensure that kids are comfortable and confident every time that they come to see us. We also offer dental fillings for kids and work hard to ensure the most painless process possible. If you contact us, we would be happy to answer any of your questions and address any of your concerns.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Brushing and flossing are essential oral hygiene basics that help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. While many parents focus on teaching their children to pay careful attention to their teeth and gums, they often neglect the tongue. In reality, keeping the tongue clean is vital because it is an integral part of your child's…
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day — once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different? This article will explore why…
The oral hygiene basics kids need to practice to keep their teeth looking clean and breath fresh will also protect their teeth from cavities. Unfortunately, cavities are common in children. However, good cleaning habits and consistency in an oral care regimen can spare teeth from the damage and decay that causes cavities to form. Here…
An emergency pediatric dentist can resolve your child’s smile issues. Pain is the most significant sign your child needs emergency dental care. A quick response is important to give your child relief. Here are the quick treatments from your emergency pediatric dentist to restore your child’s smile.A chewing incident or a bad fall can cause…
Brushing and flossing are essential oral hygiene basics that help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. While many parents focus on teaching their children to pay careful attention to their teeth and gums, they often neglect the tongue. In reality, keeping the tongue clean is vital because it is an integral part of your child's…
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day — once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different? This article will explore why…