10 Nov The Truth about Dental Fillings – Pediatric Dentist in Allen TX
According to the World Health Organization, between 60-90% of school-age children will need to get a cavity filled. With this in mind, do not let it stress you or your child out if a cavity occurs. Sure, you can strive for that perfect, cavity-free smile, but should a routine check-up reveal a cavity, don’t beat yourself up over it. Needing a dental filling is not the end of the world – nor is it something for your child or you to be afraid of!
What Is a Dental Filling?
Dental fillings are similar to sealants. They can be made from various materials that adhere to your child’s tooth (or teeth) and protect a damaged part of the tooth against further decay. The most common materials used for dental fillings are amalgam, composite resin, ceramic dental fillings, and glass ionomer fillings. Each type is effective, so it is important to talk to the Kids Pediatric Dentistry team before deciding.
- Amalgam Dental Fillings – Composed of tin, copper, silver, and zinc, this is perhaps the most common choice; an amalgam dental filling is the most traditional approach.
- Composite Resin – Considered one of the most durable, the composite filling can be matched to the color of our child’s teeth, making the dental filling nearly unnoticeable. Also, the composite filling requires less work to place.
- Ceramic Fillings – Made of ceramic or porcelain, these are aesthetically pleasing but not always the best choice for children as they may not last as long as amalgam or composites.
- Glass Ionomer Dental Fillings – These are a great option as they usually stay in place for five years—about the time it takes kids to transition into their adult teeth.
Debunking Dental Fillings Myths
- A filled tooth cannot get another cavity. Not true, not even a little bit! A filled tooth is still susceptible to cavities. Your child will still need to brush and floss.
- Baby teeth don’t need to be filled. Just because those teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced with one’s adult teeth, it doesn’t mean you can skip the filling. Ignoring tooth decay can lead to other health concerns.
- Dental fillings are forever. Yes, the materials used for fillings can last for many years, but no material has a lifetime guarantee. Perhaps the only dental fillings that can last for an extended period are those made of gold- of course, this is not a common approach for children – nor is it especially budget-friendly!
- It is painful to have a tooth filled. At Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we will take every pain-preventative step possible to make the dental filling procedure as pain-free as possible. We use local anesthesia and will clean the damaged area to remove the source of pain. In fact, your child will leave the office feeling better than when they arrived.
- Silver dental fillings are not a risk. While these are a traditional approach to dental fillings and may even be what you had as a child, this doesn’t mean they are without risks. Metal fillings have been linked to mercury poisoning and having ill effects on patients.
If you are concerned that your child may need a filling, or perhaps an x-ray has already confirmed one is needed, don’t panic. Talk to our team. We can answer your questions and will do our best to dispel any fears you or your child may have.
Additional Resources:
- Dental Fillings for Kids: Types, Process, and Preparation
- Preparing Your Child for A Cavity Filling: What to Expect With First Cavity
- What to Expect for a Child’s Tooth Filling